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How many miles can a Ford Explorer go on a full tank?

On a full tank, most gasoline Ford Explorers can travel roughly 410–450 miles, depending on engine and drivetrain. Hybrid versions may approach similar or higher ranges under certain conditions. For the exact figure for your specific year and trim, check the EPA ratings and your vehicle’s fuel-tank specification.


Understanding the range calculation


Range is a function of both how much fuel your tank can hold and how efficiently your engine uses it. The Explorer’s typical fuel-tank size is around 18.6 gallons, though a few years or trims may vary slightly. To estimate range, multiply the tank capacity by the vehicle’s miles-per-gallon (mpg) rating for your configuration.


What affects your actual range?


Actual range can fluctuate with city versus highway driving, loads, roof racks, towing, climate control usage, and driving style. The EPA provides baseline mpg figures for each trim/year, which serve as a starting point for calculating range.


Estimated ranges by configuration


Below is a snapshot of typical ranges based on common configurations. The ranges assume a full tank and EPA-style combined mpg figures; real-world mileage can be higher or lower.



  • Gasoline, 2.3L EcoBoost (most trims): Tank about 18.6 gallons; EPA combined mpg typically in the mid-20s; estimated range roughly 410–450 miles per tank.

  • Gasoline, 3.0L EcoBoost (higher trims): Tank around 19–20 gallons; EPA combined mpg typically in the low 20s or high teens; estimated range roughly 350–420 miles per tank.

  • Hybrid option: Hybrid version offers higher mpg (upper 20s to near 30 mpg combined) with a smaller or similar tank; estimated range roughly 420–500 miles per tank, depending on model year and tank size.


In short, your actual range hinges on the exact engine and drivetrain configuration, as well as how you drive. For precise numbers, consult the EPA ratings for your model year and trim and verify your vehicle’s specific fuel-tank capacity.


Summary


The Ford Explorer’s range per full tank varies by configuration. Gasoline models with the 2.3L EcoBoost typically deliver around 410–450 miles per 18.6-gallon tank, while higher-end 3.0L EcoBoost trims may yield roughly 350–420 miles. Hybrid variants tend to be in the 420–500 mile range depending on tank size and driving conditions. Always refer to the EPA fuel economy data and your window sticker for the most accurate figure for your exact vehicle.

What car can go 1000 miles on one tank?


Today instead the car is equipped with a hydrogen tank. And super capacitors which unlike batteries have a small weight. And work efficiently in extreme temperatures. The Hyperion has a power output



How many miles should a full tank last?


A full tank can last anywhere from 200 to over 600 miles, but there is no single average because it depends on the vehicle's fuel tank size and its miles per gallon (MPG). To find your specific range, multiply your tank's capacity (in gallons) by your car's average MPG. Factors like driving style, speed, weather, and maintenance also significantly impact your actual mileage. 
Calculating your specific range

  • Formula: Tank Capacity (gallons) x MPG = Miles per tank 
  • Example: A car with a 15-gallon tank that gets 30 MPG can go approximately 450 miles on a full tank (15×30=45015 cross 30 equals 45015×30=450). 

Key factors that affect mileage
  • Fuel Tank Size: A larger tank means a longer theoretical range. 
  • Miles Per Gallon (MPG): This is the most crucial factor; the higher the MPG, the farther you can drive. 
  • Driving Habits: Aggressive driving (hard acceleration and braking) uses more fuel than gentle driving. 
  • Driving Conditions: City driving with stop-and-go traffic results in lower MPG than steady highway driving. 
  • Vehicle Maintenance: Properly inflated tires, clean air filters, and regular oil changes can improve your car's efficiency. 
  • Other factors: Weight of the vehicle and its load, use of air conditioning, and outside temperature can also impact fuel economy. 



Do Ford Explorers use a lot of gas?


Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
The 2022 Ford Explorer standardly provides up to an EPA-estimated 21 city and 28 highway MPG. That kind of fuel economy comes from its 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine.



How many miles does a Ford Explorer get on a full tank?


A Ford Explorer's range on a full tank is typically between 360 and 525 miles, but this varies significantly based on the model year, engine, drivetrain, and driving conditions. For example, a 2025 Explorer with a 17.9-gallon tank could get around 501 highway miles, while the 2025 ST model with a larger 20.2-gallon tank could achieve up to 525 highway miles. Real-world mileage can differ due to factors like city vs. highway driving, driving style, and using different fuel grades. 
Factors that influence range

  • Engine and drivetrain: Different engines and the choice between rear-wheel drive (RWD) or intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) have different MPG ratings. 
  • Driving conditions: City driving typically results in lower MPG and thus a shorter range compared to highway driving, which is more fuel-efficient. 
  • Driving habits: Aggressive acceleration, high speeds, and frequent stops will decrease the miles per gallon. 
  • Fuel type: Using a higher octane fuel can sometimes improve performance and efficiency. 
  • Towing: Towing a trailer will significantly reduce fuel economy. 

Estimated range by model and conditions
  • 2025 Explorer (Active, ST-Line, Platinum) with RWD: Approximately 501 miles on the highway with a 17.9-gallon tank.
  • 2025 Explorer ST with RWD: Up to 525 miles on the highway with a 20.2-gallon tank.
  • 2021 Explorer Base with RWD: Around 519 miles on the highway with a 17.9-gallon tank.
  • 2021 Explorer ST and Platinum: Approximately 485 highway miles with a 20.2-gallon tank. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.