23 MPG combined is an acceptable fuel economy figure for the 2015 Ford Explorer, assuming you understand it’s not a Prius. The four-cylinder Explorer is for buyers who need the space and practicality of a mid-size SUV but aren’t planning on heavy towing or regularly hauling seven passengers. They prioritize up-front cost savings and some fuel efficiency over outright performance. These buyers are making a rational trade-off, and understanding the fuel economy is an important part of that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2015 Ford Explorer FWD with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and six-speed automatic transmission are 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. That spread is important. The highway number is respectable, suggesting that this Explorer is a decent choice for longer trips where the engine can cruise efficiently. The city number, however, reveals that stop-and-go driving will take a noticeable toll. If your commute involves mostly idling and low-speed driving, expect to be closer to the 20 MPG mark, or even slightly below it. The EcoBoost engine relies on turbocharging to deliver its power, and that turbo works best when you’re already moving. Frequent acceleration from a standstill works the engine harder and dips the MPG considerably.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates that the annual fuel cost for this specific 2015 Ford Explorer configuration is $1,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the EPA’s combined fuel economy rating (23 MPG) combined with the average national fuel price. Your actual fuel costs will vary, based on how much you drive, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and local gasoline prices. If you drive significantly more than 15,000 miles annually, or if gas prices in your area are higher than the national average, expect to exceed that $1,900 figure. Conversely, if you work from home, drive mostly on the highway, and live in a state with lower gas prices, you could potentially spend less. $1,900 is a good benchmark when considering the overall cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a good starting point, real-world fuel economy often differs. Owners often achieve numbers close to the EPA estimates under normal driving conditions. However, aggressive driving habits, carrying heavy loads, or driving in hilly terrain can all negatively impact fuel economy, sometimes significantly. Regular maintenance, such as ensuring proper tire inflation and performing timely oil changes, can help to maintain optimal fuel efficiency. Keep in mind that the 2.0L EcoBoost is working hard to move a fairly heavy vehicle. It won’t reward lead-footed drivers.

How it compares

The 2015 Explorer’s fuel economy is competitive within its segment, but it’s not a class leader. For example, the Toyota Highlander, also available with a four-cylinder engine (though less common), achieves roughly similar MPG figures. The all-wheel-drive V6 models of both the Explorer and Highlander offer more power and towing capacity, but experience a drop in fuel economy, typically falling into the 17-24 MPG range combined. The Honda Pilot, another popular mid-size SUV, typically has V6 power only and exhibits fuel economy similar to the V6 Explorer. Opting for a smaller SUV, such as a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, will yield significantly better fuel economy, often exceeding 30 MPG on the highway, but sacrifices space and cargo capacity. For those interested exploring all Ford fuel economy data, you can find a wealth of information online. Buyers choose the 2.0L Explorer understanding that they’re prioritizing space over maximum efficiency, however, they still want to avoid the worst fuel economy in the class.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2.0L EcoBoost engine benefits significantly from a light foot. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking, especially in city driving. The turbocharger kicks in quickly, but each burst of speed consumes extra fuel. Gentle acceleration allows the engine to operate more efficiently, minimizing reliance on the turbo.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, which are typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door. This is especially important if you frequently carry passengers or cargo.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s overall weight, which decreases fuel efficiency. Remove any items from the vehicle that are not essential, such as sporting equipment or tools, to lighten the load and improve MPG. This helps noticeably.

Plan your trips efficiently. Combine errands into a single trip to minimize cold starts. A cold engine consumes more fuel than a warm engine. Route planning helps. Mapping out the best and easiest way to get through the city can help reduce the stress you put on your engine.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed can improve fuel economy, especially on long trips. Cruise control helps to minimize fluctuations in speed, allowing the engine to operate more efficiently. Remember that even on long trips, you need to keep your car well maintained, so be sure to check on it often. If you are interested in EXPLORER MPG across all years, resources are available.