20 MPG combined from the 2019 Ford Explorer 2WD FFV 3.5L V6 isn’t going to win any eco-awards, but it’s acceptable for what this SUV is: a spacious, comfortable, and capable family hauler designed for everyday practicality, not hypermiling. The Explorer has long been a go-to choice for those who prioritize passenger and cargo volume over outright fuel efficiency, and this version is no different. For families needing three rows of seating and the ability to easily swallow luggage, sports equipment, or even the occasional home improvement haul, the Explorer delivers. The fuel economy is simply what it costs to own it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2019 Ford Explorer 2WD FFV reveal a split personality, as expected. City driving nets a rating of 17 MPG. Stop-and-go traffic, idling at school drop-offs, and numerous short trips drag down the average. However, on the open road, the Explorer fares better, achieving 24 MPG on the highway. This makes it a reasonable choice for longer road trips, where consistent speeds minimize fuel consumption. These figures come from a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most technologically advanced powertrain, it’s proven and reliable, offering adequate power for merging and passing, even when fully laden.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Ford Explorer 2WD FFV at $2,200. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s a benchmark that allows consumers to compare the running costs of different vehicles. Your actual fuel expenditure may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. Aggressive acceleration, excessive idling, and neglecting routine maintenance can all negatively impact your real-world fuel costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers provide a standardized comparison, your personal experience may differ. Drivers who primarily operate in urban environments with heavy congestion are likely to see figures closer to, or even slightly below, the 17 MPG city rating. Those who frequently embark on highway journeys might approach or even exceed the 24 MPG highway figure. The key is to adopt fuel-efficient driving habits and maintain your Explorer according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Owners often report that careful driving can yield marginally better fuel economy than the EPA estimates, while neglecting maintenance and driving aggressively can lead to significantly worse results.

How it compares

In the competitive midsize SUV segment, the 2019 Ford Explorer’s fuel economy is in the middle. The Honda Pilot, particularly in its 2WD trims, often achieves slightly better fuel economy, around 22 MPG combined. The Toyota Highlander, another favorite, also tends to offer comparable or slightly better MPG, depending on the specific engine and drivetrain configuration, often hovering around 21 MPG combined. Other SUVs in the class, such as the Nissan Pathfinder, offer similar fuel economy ratings. This makes the Explorer’s fuel consumption a reasonable trade-off for its ample cargo space, comfortable seating, and available features. For those prioritizing lower fuel costs above all else, a hybrid SUV such as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (35 MPG combined) makes more sense. For the shopper needing to occasionally haul 7 passengers, however, the Ford Explorer is always on the consideration list.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and smooth braking are crucial with the 3.5L V6. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and plan your stops in advance to minimize hard braking. The Explorer’s weight rewards a smooth driving style.

Regular maintenance is essential for optimal fuel economy. Ensure your tires are properly inflated; underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel efficiency. Keep your engine tuned and change the air filter regularly.

Minimize idling whenever possible, particularly in cold weather. Modern engines warm up quickly while driving, so prolonged idling wastes fuel without significant benefit. If you are in an area where it is safe, you can turn off the car and restart it.

Reduce excess weight in your Explorer. Hauling unnecessary cargo adds extra strain on the engine and decreases fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need from the trunk and cargo area.

Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed and avoid unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. This simple technique can significantly improve your highway MPG. The posted speed limit may not always be optimal for the best MPG on the highway. You may see improvements by driving slightly below the speed limit on long drives.

Buyers can research all Ford fuel economy data as well as EXPLORER MPG across all years here at FuelEconomyHub.