23 MPG combined for the 2020 Ford Explorer AWD 2.3L 4-cylinder is a reasonable tradeoff. It’s not amazing, and it certainly won’t win any hypermiling competitions, but for families needing three rows, available all-wheel drive, and the strong image Ford has cultivated for the Explorer, it’s a figure most buyers find acceptable.

City and highway performance

Looking at the individual numbers, the 2020 Ford Explorer AWD 2.3L 4-cylinder gets 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects typical stop-and-go traffic, the vehicle’s weight (over 4,500 lbs), and the inherent inefficiencies of an internal combustion engine constantly accelerating and decelerating.

The 27 MPG on the highway is a more optimistic number, achievable during steady cruising, and it appeals to those living outside of urban areas. The 10-speed automatic transmission helps optimize fuel economy at highway speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $1,900 for the 2020 Ford Explorer AWD 2.3L 4-cylinder. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Understand that your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and local fuel prices. A lead-footed driver in a city with high gas prices could easily exceed that $1,900 figure. Conversely, a driver who primarily undertakes long highway trips and uses fuel rewards programs could end up paying less.

This $1,900 figure is a useful benchmark for comparing the Explorer’s running costs to those of other vehicles in its class, but it should be considered an estimate, not a guarantee.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a standardized baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs. Expect to see variations depending on your driving style, load (passengers and cargo), and environmental conditions. Aggressive acceleration and hard braking will significantly reduce fuel economy. Carrying heavy loads, towing, and driving in hilly terrain will also negatively impact MPG.

Cold weather can decrease fuel economy as engines take longer to reach optimal operating temperature, and winter tires often increase rolling resistance. Keep these factors in mind and consult owner forums for more realistic expectations based on similar use cases.

How it compares

Fuel economy is always a consideration for three-row SUV buyers, so how does the 2020 Ford Explorer AWD 2.3L compare? The Toyota Highlander, a primary competitor, achieves around 23 MPG combined in its AWD V6 configuration. The Honda Pilot offers a similar 22 MPG combined with its AWD V6. A similarly equipped Chevrolet Traverse yields essentially the same 20 MPG city / 27 MPG highway as the Explorer. A Subaru Ascent achieves about 22 MPG combined.

It’s important to highlight what these alternative manufacturers and alternative SUVs offer in return for their slightly better MPG figures. For instance, some buyers may want the sportier character of the Explorer despite similar gas mileage. You can find all Ford fuel economy data on this site. It’s also important to consider the EXPLORER MPG across all years when shopping for this vehicle.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Explorer’s 2.3L EcoBoost engine responds well to a light foot. Gradual acceleration and smooth braking will significantly improve your fuel economy. Use the available Eco driving mode, which optimizes engine and transmission settings for maximum efficiency, sacrificing some performance in the process. However, this can boost fuel savings without requiring massive effort.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, typically found on a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Consider the terrain you’re driving on. If you’re primarily driving around in a city environment, consider switching to a FWD setting. Doing so can save on fuel due to the reduced amount of drivetrain effort necessary to operate the vehicle.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Remove any unnecessary items from your vehicle to reduce the load on the engine. The less weight your Explorer carries, the less gas it will consume.

Consider upgrading to lower rolling resistance tires for the highway. These tires can improve fuel economy by reducing the energy required to roll the vehicle.

Plan your trips and combine errands. Combining multiple short trips when one longer trip would suffice increases fuel consumption. Plan your routes to minimize stop-and-go traffic and combine errands to reduce the number of cold starts, which are particularly inefficient.