How many miles can you get out of a 2011 Ford Explorer?
On a full tank, a 2011 Ford Explorer typically covers roughly 430 to 550 miles, with the exact range depending on drivetrain, engine, and driving conditions. This article explains how to estimate that distance and what factors influence it.
What determines the range
The driving range on a single tank is mainly a function of fuel economy (miles per gallon), tank size, and how you drive. In 2011, Explorers with a 3.5L V6 and either two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) had different EPA estimates, which translate into different per-tank ranges. Real-world results also vary with maintenance, tire pressure, cargo load, and terrain.
- Drivetrain: 2WD versus 4WD affects fuel economy, especially in city driving.
- Engine/efficiency: The 3.5L V6 powerplant delivers different mpg depending on configuration and conditions.
- Fuel-tank capacity: The 2011 Explorer generally uses about a 23-gallon tank, give or take a small amount for model year variations.
- Driving conditions: Highway driving yields higher mpg and longer range than city driving or stop-and-go situations.
- Vehicle condition: Proper tire pressure, regular maintenance, and absence of extra weight improve expected range.
These factors together determine the practical distance you can travel on a full tank. The values below are approximate ranges based on typical EPA estimates for the 2011 Explorer and a roughly 23-gallon tank.
Fuel economy context for the 2011 Explorer
The 2011 Explorer offered a single main V6 powertrain without EcoBoost, with 2WD and 4WD configurations. EPA fuel-economy estimates were roughly in the following ranges, which inform per-tank range calculations:
- 2WD: about 17–18 mpg city, 23–24 mpg highway, around 19–20 mpg combined.
- 4WD: about 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, around 19 mpg combined.
Using these estimates and a 23-gallon tank yields approximate per-tank ranges in typical conditions.
Estimated range by configuration
The figures below are rough estimates for a full tank and reflect common driving patterns. They assume a tank size of about 23 gallons and typical EPA-style mileage.
- 2WD, highway driving: roughly 520–550 miles per tank.
- 2WD, mixed driving (typical use): about 440–480 miles per tank.
- 4WD, highway driving: roughly 520–540 miles per tank.
- 4WD, city driving: about 360–400 miles per tank.
In practice, actual range will vary. Highway conditions and efficient driving can push the range toward the upper end of these estimates, while heavy loads, cold starts, or urban stop-and-go can push numbers lower.
Tips to maximize range
To get the most miles out of a tank in a 2011 Explorer, consider these practical steps:
- Maintain proper tire inflation and regular maintenance to keep the engine running efficiently.
- Avoid excessive idling and aggressive acceleration, especially in city driving.
- Plan trips to run at steady speeds on highways when possible.
- Lighten the load and remove unused roof racks or cargo when not needed.
These practices can help improve real-world range versus nominal estimates.
Summary
A full tank in a 2011 Ford Explorer typically yields about 430–550 miles of range, depending on drivetrain and driving conditions. Highway driving offers the best range, while city driving reduces it. With a typical 23-gallon tank and EPA-style figures, you can expect around 520–550 miles on good highway fuel economy from a 2WD or 4WD model, and roughly 360–400 miles in dense city use. Real-world results vary based on maintenance, load, and driving habits.
