Ford Explorer AWD: MPG and fuel economy by year
The EPA has rated the Ford Explorer AWD across 15 model years, from the 2012 Ford Explorer AWD through the 2026 Ford Explorer AWD. The most recent 2026 Ford Explorer AWD returns 23 combined MPG.
Pick a year below to open the full Ford Explorer AWD 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 AWD. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2026 Ford Explorer AWD | 23 MPG | 20 MPG | 27 MPG | $2,600 |
| 2025 | 2025 Ford Explorer AWD | 23 MPG | 20 MPG | 27 MPG | $2,600 |
| 2024 | 2024 Ford Explorer AWD | 23 MPG | 20 MPG | 27 MPG | $2,600 |
| 2023 | 2023 Ford Explorer AWD | 23 MPG | 20 MPG | 27 MPG | $2,600 |
| 2022 | 2022 Ford Explorer AWD | 23 MPG | 20 MPG | 27 MPG | $2,600 |
| 2021 | 2021 Ford Explorer AWD | 23 MPG | 20 MPG | 27 MPG | $2,600 |
| 2020 | 2020 Ford Explorer AWD | 23 MPG | 20 MPG | 27 MPG | $2,600 |
| 2019 | 2019 Ford Explorer AWD | 21 MPG | 18 MPG | 25 MPG | $2,850 |
| 2018 | 2018 Ford Explorer AWD | 21 MPG | 18 MPG | 25 MPG | $2,850 |
| 2017 | 2017 Ford Explorer AWD | 21 MPG | 18 MPG | 25 MPG | $2,850 |
| 2016 | 2016 Ford Explorer AWD | 21 MPG | 18 MPG | 26 MPG | $2,850 |
| 2015 | 2015 Ford Explorer AWD | 19 MPG | 17 MPG | 23 MPG | $3,150 |
| 2014 | 2014 Ford Explorer AWD | 19 MPG | 17 MPG | 23 MPG | $3,150 |
| 2013 | 2013 Ford Explorer AWD | 19 MPG | 17 MPG | 23 MPG | $3,150 |
| 2012 | 2012 Ford Explorer AWD | 19 MPG | 17 MPG | 23 MPG | $3,150 |
How the Ford Explorer AWD compares against the Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD class
Buyers usually compare the Ford Explorer AWD against other cars in the same EPA class. The list below shows the most efficient cars in the Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD class for the 2026 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.