How Can I Improve Gas Mileage In My Ford Explorer?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: September 12, 2023

Wondering about the mpg of your Ford Explorer? In an era filled with electric and hybrid options, a lot of folks are still cruising around in their Ford Explorers powered by good ol' gasoline or diesel. Their choice often boils down to the ease and familiarity of traditional engines over their electric or hybrid counterparts.

However, who among us hasn't wanted to squeeze out a few extra miles per gallon from our Ford Explorer at some point? Your fuel consumption can vary due to a myriad of reasons, from the climate to the general health of your vehicle.

Drivers aim to optimize the fuel consumption of their Ford Explorer for various reasons: getting more distance out of a single tank, cost savings, or just covering more ground between pit stops.

In the article below, we're diving into why you might be burning more gas than you'd like, and how you can tune things up a notch.

Key Takeaways:

• Diesel engines generally consume 20-30% less fuel than their gasoline counterparts, thanks to the denser and more efficient nature of diesel.
• For the best fuel efficiency in your Ford Explorer, try to stick to recommended cruising speeds, make good use of that cruise control, and engage the ECO-Mode when possible.
• Keeping your Ford Explorer in tip-top shape, especially regarding spark plugs, filters, oil, and key engine components, can drastically cut down on fuel wastage.
• Modern Ford Explorers are decked out with a range of sensors. These can give you insights into any system hitches that might be causing you to burn extra fuel.

Which Ford Explorer engines boast the best mileage?

Several factors dictate the fuel efficiency of the Explorer. The design of the engine, the number of cylinders, and valves all play a part. You might think a bigger engine guzzles more fuel, but it's a bit more nuanced than that.

Engines on the smaller side (around 1 to 1.2 liters) have the advantage of lower volume — fewer cylinders, less fuel per stroke. This results in a commendable fuel economy.

In contrast, beefier engines can also deliver on fuel efficiency. A powerful engine can get the car moving with ease, demanding less energy and, consequently, less fuel.

Ironically, by giving a vehicle like the Ford Explorer a brawny engine, you might find yourself saving on gas. If the engine can easily kick the vehicle into motion, it's going to use less juice in the process.

Gasoline or diesel: Which is the champion of fuel efficiency?

When you put diesel up against gasoline in the fuel consumption battle, diesel usually takes the win by consuming 20-30% less.

Moreover, diesel engines have a knack for handling the heavy stuff. Think towing and transporting hefty loads. They also shine with higher torque at lower revs. But, there's always a flip side. Ford's gasoline engines pack a punch with speed and acceleration.

The ace up diesel's sleeve is the fuel itself. It has a standout combustion efficiency. Diesel is denser than gasoline and releases about 15% more energy when lit up.

Diesel's adaptability is another bonus. Unlike gasoline, which demands a specific ratio to air, diesel is flexible. It'll burn in almost any air-fuel ratio. This adaptability can reduce fuel consumption at idle by 2-3 times compared to gasoline. The compressed air combustion process also results in diesel engines staying cooler, meaning they have a longer life span and can produce more torque.

So, when deciding on the best fit for your needs:

• If zooming around with agility is your thing, and you're not hauling heavy loads, a gasoline Ford Explorer is your go-to.
• For those eyeing lower fuel consumption paired with impressive pulling power, the diesel version of the Explorer is a solid bet.

Boosting Your Ford Explorer's Fuel Mileage

You got that Ford Explorer for a reason, right? Rugged, stylish, and powerful. But every rig has its kinks, and fuel efficiency can always use a bit of fine-tuning. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive in.

We’re gonna chat general tips here. Stick to ‘em, and watch your Explorer sip that fuel instead of guzzling it.

Ride Smooth, Drive Smart

Punching the pedal or riding like a bat outta hell? Don’t wonder why your Explorer’s thirsty. High revs = more fuel. But going grandpa-style at 20mph ain’t the answer either.

Every Ford Explorer’s got its sweet spot – the cruising speed. Nail that, and you’re gold. You'll often find this gem right there on your dash.

Cruise Control: Your Road Trip Buddy

Got cruise control on your Explorer? Use it, especially on those long hauls. It’ll balance out that fuel intake. Steady throttle = steady fuel burn. Simple math.

Hit That ECO-Mode

If your Explorer’s sportin’ an ECO-Mode, flip it on. It’ll tweak settings and shut down those extras. Result? Less fuel, more green vibes.

Ramp Up Easy

Mashing that gas pedal? Your Explorer’s chugging fuel. Ease into it, smooth and steady. Think about that morning joe on the dash. Don’t spill it.

Idle Mind, Wasted Gas

Your Explorer, even purring quietly, is burning fuel on idle. A 3-liter engine sips about a cup every 10 minutes. So, don't just sit; if it’s gonna be a while, shut it off.

Switch Off in Traffic? Myth Busted

Some folks say turning off the engine at every red light saves fuel. Nonsense! Frequent stops and starts, especially short ones, can be counterproductive and wear out the starter faster.

So, here’s the deal: If you’re in a massive jam and ain't moving anytime soon, then yeah, kill the engine. But if you’re just stop-and-go? Let it run.

Lighten Your Ford Explorer's Load

Look, sometimes we're all guilty of packing our ride like we're going cross-country. But day-to-day? Trim that fat. Your Explorer isn’t a storage shed. Extra tools, old bags, that gym gear from last month? Extra weight = more gas burn.

Lighten up and watch that needle on your fuel gauge move slower.

Tires: Keep 'Em Pumped

You'd be surprised how many folks overlook this. Low tire pressure? That's just burning rubber and gas. A tire 10 psi under can hike up your fuel consumption. Pump those babies up and keep ‘em steady.

AC: Your Cool Friend, But...

No one's telling you to sweat it out. But if your Explorer’s chill enough, give the AC a break. Less power drain, more miles per gallon. When the heat's back on, so is your AC. Balance, folks!

Power Down When Necessary

Running on fumes and need every drop? Kill the unnecessary: lights, heaters, AC. But let’s be clear, this ain’t a daily driving tip – just when you’re in a pinch. And for Pete’s sake, don’t kill your headlights at night.

Your Explorer's Health Check

Wanna roll efficient? Keep your Explorer in prime shape. A few things to peek under the hood for:

Spark Plugs

Old or gunky spark plugs? That’s gas down the drain. A clean, strong spark means a happy, efficient engine. Keep 'em fresh.

Filters

Filters clogged up? That’s choking your engine. Clean air and fuel filters mean a smooth runnin’ Explorer. Change ‘em out when needed.

Oil: Your Engine's Lifeblood

Changing that oil is like giving your Explorer a refreshing drink. Everything runs smoother, and you’ll see it at the pump.

Engine Component Condition & Your Ford Explorer

Engines ain’t invincible. Wear and tear is the name of the game. Over time, things break down, power drops, and parts just ain’t what they used to be.

And guess what? When the engine's struggling, your Ford Explorer's gonna slurp up more gas. If you've been on top of maintenance and you're still seeing that fuel gauge drop faster than usual, it could be some serious wear and tear messing things up. Here's what to look for:

• Cylinder-Piston Group: Scuffed cylinders, burned-out pistons, and too much gunk in the combustion chamber can make your engine work harder, causing it to gulp down more fuel.
• Valve Wear: Those valves gotta be tight. If they start losing their snug fit, it’s bad news. You're gonna get more fuel pouring into those chambers and not getting the power you should be. Plus, leaks, cracks, and that horrendous grinding noise? Not cool.
• Crankshaft Issues: The heart of the engine, the crankshaft, needs to be rock solid. If it's wobbling or moving side to side, you're bleeding power and guzzling gas.

Watch that Fuel Mix

Fuel and air gotta dance together just right for your engine to purr. Mess up the mix, and you're looking at problems. Too much fuel? That's a rich mix. Not enough? That's lean.

And a rich mix ain’t great. If your Explorer sounds like it's choking when you give it some gas, and you're seeing more smoke than a BBQ cookout, you've probably got too much fuel going on. Could be a lot of things causing it, from a bad pump to wonky injectors.

Your Explorer Talking to You?

These modern Ford Explorers? They're smart. Sensors all over the place telling you what's up. Got any warning lights on that dash? Maybe a check engine light?

Get hands-on with an OBD-2 scanner. If you've got any sensor issues, they can throw off the whole show, and your Explorer might be burning extra fuel because it's getting bad data.

Level Up with a Performance Programmer

Modern rigs like the Explorer got brains. But sometimes, you gotta show 'em who's boss. That's where a performance programmer steps in. Plug this bad boy into your OBD-2, and you're in the driver's seat – literally and figuratively.

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Hook it up to your phone and dial in those settings. Want to drop that fuel consumption? You can dial back the power a bit and save on gas.

Wrap Up

So, there you have it. From the nitty-gritty of engine wear to electronic wizardry, there's a bunch you can do to keep your Explorer running lean and mean. Keep it tuned, treat it right, and that beast will roar for miles and miles.