19 MPG combined won’t win any awards for lower fuel costs, but it’s the reality for a 2015 Ford Explorer AWD with the 3.5L V6. This SUV prioritized space, capability, and comfort over outright fuel efficiency, and that’s precisely why its owners accepted this number. These are often families who need three rows of seating, those who live in climates that demand all-wheel drive, or people who simply prefer the commanding view and solid feel of a larger vehicle. They trade some fuel cost for practicality, and the Explorer delivers on that promise.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2015 Ford Explorer AWD 3.5L break down to 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects the Explorer’s weight and the energy required to repeatedly accelerate from stops. The highway MPG shows that once up to speed, the Explorer can achieve reasonable efficiency. However, its aerodynamics aren’t optimized for fuel sipping, so maintaining higher speeds will impact economy. Expect the highway number to dip if you’re consistently going over 70 MPH or fighting strong headwinds.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for this specific 2015 Ford Explorer configuration is $2,300. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving, and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Of course, the actual fuel cost for any individual driver can and will vary based on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the actual miles driven.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary considerably. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, carrying heavy loads, and even tire pressure can all affect your MPG. Some owners report achieving slightly better numbers on long highway trips with a light load, sometimes exceeding 24 or even 25 MPG. Others, particularly those who do a lot of stop-and-go city driving or use the Explorer for towing, find that their average MPG is closer to 16 or even 15. Regular maintenance, including air filter changes and spark plug replacements, can help maintain optimal fuel efficiency over the long term. Remember to check EXPLORER MPG across all years to understand trends within the model line.

How it compares

When considering the 2015 Ford Explorer AWD 3.5L, it’s useful to compare its fuel economy to other vehicles in its class. The 2015 Toyota Highlander AWD with its 3.5L V6 engine, for example, achieves around 20 MPG combined. A 2015 Honda Pilot AWD manages about 21 MPG combined. The Chevrolet Traverse, another popular three-row SUV, delivers roughly 18 MPG combined with its AWD 3.6L V6. While the Explorer isn’t the most fuel-efficient option in its segment, its MPG is fairly representative of other V6-powered AWD SUVs of that era. Those prioritizing fuel economy might consider a smaller SUV or a hybrid option, but they’ll likely sacrifice some of the Explorer’s interior space and towing capacity. You can find all Ford fuel economy data on our site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to maximizing fuel economy with this engine. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and try to anticipate traffic flow to minimize braking. The Explorer’s six-speed automatic transmission is programmed to upshift quickly for efficiency; let it do its job by maintaining a steady throttle. This is especially important in city driving, where frequent acceleration and deceleration can significantly impact fuel consumption.

Proper tire inflation is critical. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder, hurting MPG. Consider using a digital tire pressure gauge for accurate readings.

Minimize your use of accessories like air conditioning, especially during short trips. The air conditioner puts a significant load on the engine. On cooler days, opt for rolling down the windows instead to reduce drag. If you must use the AC, recirculate the air inside the cabin to lessen the load on the compressor.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Hauling around extra cargo reduces fuel economy. Remove items from the trunk and rear seats that you don’t need. Every extra 100 pounds decreases fuel economy by about one percent.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, which can improve fuel efficiency on long trips. However, avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, where the transmission may frequently downshift, negating any potential fuel savings.