SUV · Regular gas
Ford Explorer Fuel Cost
Three-row midsize SUV with rear- or all-wheel drive and turbocharged engines. Below are estimated fuel costs based on 24 combined MPG and average US gas prices.
Best for towing or carrying gear; fuel costs will be higher than a sedan.
- Updated for 2026
- EPA-style MPG
- US avg fuel prices
- US units
- Transparent assumptions
21 MPG
28 MPG
24 MPG
17.9 gal
~430 mi
MPG breakdown
Estimated fuel cost at 12,000 miles/year
Based on 24 MPG and $3.45/gal.
Annual cost
$1725
Monthly cost
$144
Cost per mile
$0.144
Gallons / year
500
Estimate your own cost
Pre-filled with the Ford Explorer's combined MPG.
Pre-filled with estimated combined MPG for the Ford Explorer. Adjust for your real-world driving.
Estimated Annual Cost
$0.00
Per Month
$0.00
Per Mile
$0.000
~500 gallons per year
Cost by annual mileage
How much you'll spend per year at common US mileage levels (estimates).
| Miles per year | Gallons / year | Annual cost | Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 | 333 | $1150 | $96 |
| 12,000 | 500 | $1725 | $144 |
| 15,000 | 625 | $2156 | $180 |
Estimates only. Actual costs depend on driving style, terrain, weather, and local fuel or electricity prices.
How we estimate Ford Explorer costs
- MPG / MPGe
- EPA-style combined city + highway figures for the base trim and recent model year.
- Fuel price
- Average US retail regular gas, premium where required, or per-kWh electricity.
- Annual mileage
- Default scenarios at 8,000 / 12,000 / 15,000 miles per year.
- Trim & year variance
- AWD, larger wheels, towing packages and older years can lower efficiency 5–15%.
Sources & assumptions
- EPA fuel economy data — City / highway / combined MPG and MPGe baselines.
- U.S. Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov) — Vehicle efficiency and EV range references.
- AAA gas price trends — Recent national and regional retail fuel averages.
- EIA electricity rates — Average residential per-kWh prices used for EV charging.
We summarize publicly available data — no scraping, no external API calls. Figures are calibrated periodically; use the calculators above for your exact inputs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the estimated annual fuel cost for the Ford Explorer?
Driving 12,000 miles per year at 24 MPG and $3.45/gal, expect about $1725 per year. Heavier city driving or longer commutes will increase that.
What MPG does the Ford Explorer get?
Estimated EPA-style ratings are roughly 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG. Real-world numbers depend on terrain, climate and driving style.
What is the tank size of the Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer typically has a 17.9-gallon tank. At 24 combined MPG, that's roughly 430 miles of driving range per fill-up.
How does Ford Explorer fuel cost compare to other vehicles?
At 12,000 miles per year, this vehicle costs about $1725. Compare it to other suvs on our index page or use the cost-per-mile calculator to compare two specific vehicles side-by-side.
Cheaper-to-drive alternatives
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Compare the Ford Explorer head-to-head
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Best road trips for the Ford Explorer
Long-haul drives where the Ford Explorer's comfort and cargo space pay off.