How big is a 2017 Ford Explorer gas tank?

A 2017 Ford Explorer typically has a 23-gallon gas tank (about 87 liters).

This article explains the official capacity, how it translates to driving range, and what variations you might encounter across different trims and engines.

Official capacity for the 2017 Explorer

Ford’s specification for the 2017 Explorer lists a fuel-tank capacity of 23 gallons (87 liters). This figure applies across the main engine options for that model year, including the 3.5-liter V6 and the 2.3-liter EcoBoost, and it covers both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Engine and drivetrain considerations

In practice, the 23-gallon capacity is used across the lineup. There isn’t a separate tank size for AWD versus FWD that would materially change the capacity; the official spec remains 23 gallons for typical trims. Some minor variances in measurements or rounding may appear in various listings, but Ford’s published figure for 2017 remains 23 gallons.

Range implications

Range per fill depends on how efficiently the SUV runs, which varies by engine and driving conditions. With a 23-gallon tank, the Explorer can cover several hundred miles per tank. In real-world driving, owners typically see roughly 400–520 miles per tank on mixed driving, with highway conditions yielding better figures than city driving.

Practical notes for owners

When planning trips, expect fuel range to swing with engine choice and driving behavior. If you’re doing long highway legs, refueling roughly every 400–500 miles is a common planning interval for most 2017 Explorers, given typical highway fuel economy for the year.

Summary

The 2017 Ford Explorer’s gas tank capacity is 23 gallons (87 liters), a figure that generally holds across the model’s common trims and engine options. This translates to a practical range of several hundred miles per tank, influenced by engine choice and driving conditions. In short, you’re looking at a 23-gallon tank designed to balance range with everyday usability.

How far can a Ford Explorer go on a full tank of gas?

A Ford Explorer can go between approximately 350 and 525 miles on a full tank, depending on the model year, engine, and driving conditions. For example, a 2025 model with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine can get up to 501 highway miles on a full tank, while an ST model with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine can get up to 525 highway miles.
 

• 2025 Ford Explorer (2.3L EcoBoost): Up to 501 miles on the highway and 375.9 miles in the city with rear-wheel drive. 
• 2025 Ford Explorer ST (3.0L EcoBoost): Up to 525 miles on the highway and 363.6 miles in the city with rear-wheel drive. 
• 2024 Ford Explorer: Some users report a range of up to 525 miles under ideal highway conditions. 
• 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid: Up to 500 miles on the highway with front-wheel drive. 

Factors that influence range:

• Driving conditions: Highway driving generally results in a longer range than city driving. 
• Engine and drivetrain: Different engines and whether the vehicle has rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive will affect fuel economy and range. 
• Driving habits: Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration or high speeds, can decrease the range. 

What year Explorer to stay away from?

You should stay away from the 2002–2006 Ford Explorer models due to frequent and expensive transmission problems, engine issues, and suspension wear. Other years to avoid include the 2016 and 2020 models, which have reported issues with electrical systems, faulty parts, and transmission problems. 
Model years to avoid

• 2002–2006: The third generation is widely considered the least reliable due to significant transmission failures, engine problems (like timing chain issues), and premature suspension wear. The 2002 model year has the highest number of overall complaints, primarily for its transmission. 
• 2016: This model year has been criticized for issues like faulty fuel tanks and suspension components, as well as poor rearward visibility and lack of interior storage. 
• 2020: As the first year of the current design, the 2020 model is noted for a high number of recalls, particularly involving transmission problems that can cause stalling and power loss. 

Other years with potential issues

• 2011–2019: This generation has drawn complaints about electrical system problems. 
• Early 2021 models: Some 2021 models built in late 2020 and early 2021 had issues, though later models made in late 2021 are generally considered more reliable. 

How many gallons does a 2017 Ford Explorer hold?

The 2017 Ford Explorer has a fuel capacity of 18.6 gallons, with some sources also mentioning a 19-gallon capacity. This capacity is consistent across various trim levels and engine options, such as the XLT, Limited, and Base models, notes Kayser Ford Madison, Edmunds, and Edmunds. 

• 18.6 gallons: This is the most frequently cited fuel capacity for the 2017 Ford Explorer across various sources. 
• 19 gallons: Some sources approximate the capacity at around 19 gallons. 

What is the most common problem with the 2017 Ford Explorer?

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

• In-car Electronics.
• Engine Electrical.
• Climate System.
• Engine Cooling.
• Noises/Leaks.
• Suspension/Steering.
• Exhaust.
• Brakes. Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.