The2021 Ford Explorerhas a gas mileage of up to an EPA-estimated 21 city/28 highway MPG on gas-powered models. With the available hybrid trim level, the Explorer can reach an EPA-estimated 27 city/28 highway MPG.
Do you want to learn more about the Ford Explorer gas mileage? Then check out this in-depth look from the team at Andy Mohr Ford. When you’re ready to try it out for yourself in the Plainfield, Indianapolis, and Brownsburg, IN, area, give us a call and schedule a test drive!
Ford Explorer Gas Mileage by Engine
Your engine is the most important thing to consider when you’re looking at the gas mileage ofthe 2021 Ford Explorer. This large SUV gives you three gas-powered configurations to pick from, all of which deliver a different fuel economy, according to EPA estimates.
There’s an available hybrid powertrain, too, but we’ll look at that one in depth later. In the table below, we’re going to compare the MPG of the gas-powered engines:
Engine Option | Powertrain Specs | EPA-estimated 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) Gas Mileage | EPA-estimated Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Gas Mileage |
2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 | 300 horsepower 310 lb-ft of torque | 20 city/27 highway MPG | 21 city/28 highway MPG |
3.0L EcoBoost® V6 | 365 horsepower 380 lb-ft of torque | 18 city/24 highway MPG | N/A |
Enhanced 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 | 400 horsepower 415 lb-ft of torque | 18 city/24 highway MPG | N/A |
As you can see, the standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine gets you the highest EPA-estimated fuel economy, all while delivering on that turbocharged EcoBoost® engine power.
If you want an even more energetic drive, you can also upgrade to either of the available V6 engines. These engines produce either 365 or 400 horsepower and each can get an EPA-estimated gas mileage of 18 city/24 highway MPG.
All three engines are paired with the efficient 10-speed automatic transmission.
2021 Explorer Limited Hybrid Trim Gas Mileage
Now that you know what the fully gas-powered powertrains of the Ford Explorer can offer in terms of fuel economy, let’s look at the available Limited Hybrid trim level of the 2021 Explorer. You can learn more about this powertrain below:
- 3.3L V6 Hybrid engine
- 318 net system horsepower
- 322 lb-ft of net system torque
- EPA-estimated 27 city/28 highway MPG with RWD
- EPA-estimated 23 city/26 highway MPG with 4WD
To give you an idea of how far these EPA-estimated MPG specs can take you, the hybrid Ford Explorer has a driving range of 500 miles on a single tank of gas.
This powertrain is also complemented by the smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission that does all the heavy shifting for you.
The hybrid powertrain does such a good job of this, in fact, that this trim cantow up to 5,000 poundswhen properly equipped.
Explore Ford Gas Mileage by Drivetrain
You may have noticed that there’s another factor at play here when it comes to the Ford Explorer gas mileage, and that’s drivetrain. The standard I-4 engine comes with RWD, which boosts your fuel economy to an EPA-estimated 21 city/28 highway MPG. That’s the maximum gas-powered MPG for the 2021 Explorer.
However, many Indy drivers like you prefer to equip their SUV with the available Intelligent 4WD system. This smart system actively monitors your roadway conditions and automatically adjusts torque distribution as necessary to improve traction control.
This 4WD system also includes Selectable Drive Modes, which can further optimize your traction control system. Choose among up to seven different modes, like:
- Slippery
- Trail
- Eco
- Deep Snow/Sand
- Tow/Haul
If we’re having one of those Midwest snow storms, switch into Deep Snow/Sand mode, and your Explorer will adjust the transmission shift schedule, pedal response, and driveline configuration for better handling. If it’s a dry, sunny day, move into Eco mode to maximize efficiency and increase driving range.
Ford Explorer MPG by Trim Level
Finally, let’s talk abouttrim levels, because certain powertrain elements are only available on certain trims. You’ll get six different trim levels with the 2021 Explorer. Here’s how they line up with the four available powertrains.
Engine Option | Trim Levels |
2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 | Explorer, XLT, Limited |
3.0L EcoBoost® V6 | Platinum |
Enhanced 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 | ST |
3.3L V6 Hybrid | Limited Hybrid |
It’s clear that if you’re really looking to maximize on gas mileage with a fully gas-powered engine, then you’ll want to be sure to stick to the base-level Explorer trim or upgrade to the XLT or Limited trim levels. For maximum fuel efficiency, you can choose the available Limited Hybrid trim level.
Now, if pure off-road might or on-road excitement is your main goal, you can pump up the horsepower with either the Platinum or sporty ST trims.
Ford Explorer Gas Tank
Of course, at this point, you may be wondering just how much gas you can fill up with when you stop at the pump. This, again, is going to vary based on your trim level:
- XLT/Limited: 17.9-gallon tank
- St/Platinum: 20.2-gallon tank
While the 2.3L I-4 engine may have a higher overall fuel economy than the V6 engines, you may find that their different fuel tank capacities evens things out enough to have you going equally as far between fill-ups with either gas-powered powertrain.
Test Out the 2021 Ford Explorer Gas Mileage
Are you getting excited to test out the 2021 Ford Explorer gas mileage and see how far this SUV can take you around Brownsburg, Plainfield, and Indianapolis, Indiana? Then reach out to the team at Andy Mohr Ford!
We’ll talk with you about your fuel economy needs and pair you with the Explorer in the right trim level and with the right powertrain specs for your unique lifestyle. Contact usto schedule your test drive today!
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