Ford Explorer 4WD: MPG and fuel economy by year
The EPA has rated the Ford Explorer 4WD across 21 model years, from the 1991 Ford Explorer 4WD through the 2011 Ford Explorer 4WD. The most recent 2011 Ford Explorer 4WD returns 19 combined MPG. The nameplate has been in continuous production long enough to span multiple generations of EPA testing methodology.
Pick a year below to open the full Ford Explorer 4WD page for that model year. Each year page covers combined, city, and highway MPG, the trim variants the EPA rates separately, the annual fuel cost across three driving patterns, and a year-over-year comparison so you can see whether the car has improved.
Fuel economy by model year
Combined MPG, city MPG, highway MPG, and the EPA's estimated annual fuel cost for every model year of the Ford Explorer 4WD. Click any year to see the full breakdown for that model year, including trim variants, the drivetrain, and a comparison against other vehicles in its segment.
| Year | Model | Combined MPG | City | Highway | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 2011 Ford Explorer 4WD | 19 MPG | 17 MPG | 23 MPG | $3,150 |
| 2010 | 2010 Ford Explorer 4WD | 16 MPG | 14 MPG | 19 MPG | $3,750 |
| 2009 | 2009 Ford Explorer 4WD | 16 MPG | 14 MPG | 19 MPG | $3,750 |
| 2008 | 2008 Ford Explorer 4WD | 15 MPG | 13 MPG | 19 MPG | $4,000 |
| 2007 | 2007 Ford Explorer 4WD | 15 MPG | 13 MPG | 18 MPG | $4,000 |
| 2006 | 2006 Ford Explorer 4WD | 15 MPG | 13 MPG | 19 MPG | $4,000 |
| 2005 | 2005 Ford Explorer 4WD | 15 MPG | 13 MPG | 18 MPG | $4,000 |
| 2004 | 2004 Ford Explorer 4WD | 16 MPG | 14 MPG | 19 MPG | $3,750 |
| 2003 | 2003 Ford Explorer 4WD | 15 MPG | 13 MPG | 18 MPG | $4,000 |
| 2002 | 2002 Ford Explorer 4WD | 16 MPG | 14 MPG | 18 MPG | $3,750 |
| 2001 | 2001 Ford Explorer 4WD | 15 MPG | 13 MPG | 18 MPG | $4,000 |
| 2000 | 2000 Ford Explorer 4WD | 16 MPG | 14 MPG | 19 MPG | $3,750 |
| 1999 | 1999 Ford Explorer 4WD | 16 MPG | 14 MPG | 19 MPG | $3,750 |
| 1998 | 1998 Ford Explorer 4WD | 16 MPG | 14 MPG | 18 MPG | $3,750 |
| 1997 | 1997 Ford Explorer 4WD | 16 MPG | 15 MPG | 19 MPG | $3,750 |
| 1996 | 1996 Ford Explorer 4WD | 16 MPG | 15 MPG | 19 MPG | $3,750 |
| 1995 | 1995 Ford Explorer 4WD | 17 MPG | 15 MPG | 20 MPG | $3,500 |
| 1994 | 1994 Ford Explorer 4WD | 17 MPG | 15 MPG | 20 MPG | $3,500 |
| 1993 | 1993 Ford Explorer 4WD | 17 MPG | 15 MPG | 20 MPG | $3,500 |
| 1992 | 1992 Ford Explorer 4WD | 17 MPG | 15 MPG | 20 MPG | $3,500 |
| 1991 | 1991 Ford Explorer 4WD | 16 MPG | 14 MPG | 19 MPG | $3,750 |
How the Ford Explorer 4WD compares against the Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD class
Buyers usually compare the Ford Explorer 4WD against other cars in the same EPA class. The list below shows the most efficient cars in the Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD class for the 2011 model year, the latest year on this page. Each link opens the full page for that car.
Source: U.S. EPA fuel economy dataset. Annual fuel cost assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year and a 55% city, 45% highway split.