20 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but for the 2019 Ford Explorer FWD 3.5L V6, it’s a figure most owners accept. This isn’t a vehicle bought for hypermiling; it’s bought for hauling kids, cargo, and sometimes, a small trailer. The target customer values space and capability over efficiency, and the Explorer delivers both, though it has a thirsty V6. It’s a trade-off many families are willing to make.

City and Highway Performance

The EPA estimates 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. In urban environments, stop-and-go traffic will lower fuel economy, which is typical for a larger engine paired with a traditional automatic transmission. The Explorer’s weight also plays a role. On the highway, 24 MPG is attainable, assuming you maintain reasonable speeds and avoid aggressive acceleration. The six-speed automatic transmission, while not the most modern, does a decent job of keeping the engine in its optimal power band, contributing to relatively stable highway fuel consumption. Factors such as roof racks or towing will significantly impact highway mileage.

Annual Fuel Cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,200 for the 2019 Ford Explorer FWD 3.5L V6. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. This number is an estimate; your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of gasoline you use, and current fuel prices. Someone who drives predominantly in the city is likely to exceed this estimate, while those who do mostly highway driving might come in under this figure. It serves as a useful benchmark for comparing against other vehicles in its class.

Real-World Expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized test cycle, real-world fuel economy often differs. Some 2019 Ford Explorer owners report figures that hover around the EPA estimates, but driving style and conditions play a role. Expect significantly lower MPG with a heavy foot, especially in the city. Conversely, drivers who employ fuel-efficient driving techniques and stick to highway cruising may see slightly better results. Factors like tire pressure, regular maintenance, and the use of accessories (such as roof racks) all impact fuel consumption.

How it Compares

Compared to some of its competitors, the 2019 Ford Explorer’s 3.5L V6 FWD fuel economy is in the middle of the pack. The Toyota Highlander LE V6 FWD, for example, achieves a slightly better 21 MPG combined. A similarly equipped Honda Pilot manages around 22 MPG combined. The previous generation Dodge Durango with the V6 engine posts similar numbers to the Explorer. These MPG differences often aren’t deal-breakers for Explorer buyers. The Explorer’s strong reputation, spacious interior, and available features often outweigh the marginal fuel economy penalty. Reviewing EXPLORER MPG across all years can also provide useful perspective.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

The 3.5L V6 is responsive, but it gets thirsty with hard acceleration. Gentle starts and maintaining a steady speed will drastically improve your fuel economy, especially in urban driving. Anticipate traffic flow, avoid unnecessary acceleration, and let momentum work in your favor.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consumes more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended PSI, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo in your Explorer increases the amount of energy required to move the vehicle. Remove any items you don’t need to lower the overall weight and improve MPG. Even small items can add up and have a noticeable impact over time.

Optimize your driving on the highway. Using cruise control on longer trips allows the vehicle to maintain a constant speed, reducing fluctuations in fuel consumption. Also, be mindful of aerodynamic drag; removing roof racks or cargo carriers when not in use can help minimize wind resistance.

Consider keeping tabs on all Ford fuel economy data to compare your driving habits. Aggressive driving has a pronounced impact on fuel consumption. Monitoring your mileage can help you adjust your driving behavior to save fuel.