The 2024 Ford Explorer gets 20 to 24 miles per gallon combined, depending on the version. The best is the 2024 Explorer RWD (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd) at 24 mpg.
In the Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD class for 2024, the Explorer ranks 9th (tied with 2 others) of 58 for combined mileage (23 mpg), 4th of 56 for yearly fuel cost ($2,700 for its cheapest version, cheapest first) and 12th of 58 for tailpipe CO2 (387 grams per mile for its lowest version, lowest first). The middle model of the class gets 20.5 mpg, costs $3,650 a year and puts out 452 grams per mile.
Across all 262 2024 models in the file that burn fuel, the middle best-version figure is 25 mpg and the highest is 57 mpg (Toyota Prius). Of the 261 other models, 133 get more miles per gallon than the 2024 Explorer's best version, 16 other models get the same and 112 get less. The 2024 Explorer's cheapest version costs $2,600 a year to fuel by the agency's figure; of the 255 other models with a cost figure, 73 cost less, 10 the same and 172 more.
Open the best-mileage list of this class for 2024. Cost and CO2 in the table are each model's lowest figure over its versions; plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell versions have no fuel cost and are left out of the cost column.
| Place | Model | Best version | mpg | Fuel a year, cheapest version | CO2 g/mi, lowest version |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 2024 BMW X5 | 2024 X5 xDrive40i | 25 | $3,100 | 352 |
| 6 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 | 2024 CX-90 4WD (Hybrid, 6-cyl 3.3 L, Regular Gasoline) | 25 | $2,500 | 168 |
| 8 | 2024 BMW X6 | 2024 X6 xDrive40i | 24 | $3,200 | 359 |
| 9 | 2024 Ford ExplorerThis car | 2024 Explorer AWD (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd) | 23 | $2,700 | 387 |
| 9 | 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2024 Grand Cherokee 4xe | 23 | $2,850 | 177 |
| 9 | 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser | 2024 Land Cruiser | 23 | $3,350 | 380 |
| 12 | 2024 BMW X7 | 2024 X7 xDrive40i | 22 | $3,500 | 392 |
Pick a 2024 version, then set your miles and fuel price. Fuel price as of 2026-11-14, U.S. Department of Energy / EPA. The price box starts at the dated price of the fuel the picked version burns (regular, midgrade or premium gasoline, diesel, E85 or electricity) and sets the price of that fuel. Miles are limited to 1,000 to 60,000 a year and the price to $0.01 to $20.00; a value outside that is worked out at the nearest limit.
2024 Explorer RWD (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd), 4-cyl 2.3 L: 21 mpg city, 28 highway, 24 combined. The agency's own estimate for the 2024 Explorer version is $2,600 a year (15,000 miles, the agency's fuel prices).
The 3 nearest rivals in the Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD class for 2024, picked by closest combined mileage; only versions with a fuel-cost figure are listed. Same miles as on the left. The price box on the left is the price of the fuel of the version you picked: a rival that burns the same fuel uses that price, a rival that burns another fuel keeps the dated price of its own fuel. The 5-year line is 5 times the yearly gap.
The Explorer costs $227 less to fuel each year.
Over 5 years the Explorer costs $1,135 less to fuel than the Grand Cherokee (5 times the yearly difference, at these miles and these prices).
Dollar gaps use each car's best-mileage version.
| Rival in 2024 | Best version | Combined | Fuel a year, agency (15,000 miles) | Against the Explorer (mileage) | Agency yearly fuel cost against the Explorer | Side by side |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2024 Grand Cherokee 4xe | 23 mpg | - | 1 lower | - | Compare |
| 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser | 2024 Land Cruiser | 23 mpg | $3,350 | 1 lower | $750 more a year | Compare |
| 2024 BMW X6 | 2024 X6 xDrive40i | 24 mpg | $3,200 | same figure | $600 more a year | - |
EPA test figures for 2024; the last column is the yearly fuel cost against the cheapest version.
| Version | Engine | Gearbox | Drive | City | Highway | Combined | Fuel a year | CO2 g/mi | Fuel vs cheapest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Explorer RWD (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd) | 4-cyl 2.3 L | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-wheel | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 | cheapest |
| 2024 Explorer AWD (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd) | 4-cyl 2.3 L | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-wheel | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,700 | 387 | +$100 |
| 2024 Explorer RWD (6-cyl 3.0 L, Automatic 10-spd) | 6-cyl 3.0 L | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-wheel | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 426 | +$350 |
| 2024 Explorer Timberline AWD | 4-cyl 2.3 L | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-wheel | 19 | 22 | 21 | $2,950 | 433 | +$350 |
| 2024 Explorer AWD (6-cyl 3.0 L, Automatic (S10)) | 6-cyl 3.0 L | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-wheel | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,100 | 445 | +$500 |
| 2024 Explorer AWD (6-cyl 3.0 L, Automatic 10-spd) | 6-cyl 3.0 L | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-wheel | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 | +$500 |
| 2024 Explorer FFV AWD | 6-cyl 3.3 L | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-wheel | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 | +$500 |
| 2024 Explorer RWD (6-cyl 3.0 L, Automatic (S10)) | 6-cyl 3.0 L | Automatic (S10) | Rear-wheel | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 437 | +$500 |
Enter the price difference you were quoted for the 2024 Explorer; this page has no prices. Miles come from the calculator. The fuel price box there sets the price of the fuel of the version picked there; a version here that burns another fuel keeps the dated price of its own fuel. Versions with no fuel-cost figure are not listed.
Type the price difference you were quoted to see the payback.
Tailpipe CO2: the 2024 Explorer RWD (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd) puts out 370 grams per mile; across the 8 tested versions the figure runs from 370 to 445.
EPA scores (1 to 10, 10 best) for the 2024 Explorer RWD (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd): fuel economy score 5 (4 to 5 across versions), greenhouse gas score 5 (4 to 5 across versions).
Best combined figure of the Explorer gas version and hybrid each model year since 2016, set against the 2024 model.
| Model year | Best gas version | Best hybrid | Versions tested | Against 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 22 mpg | none | 7 | 2 mpg lower than 2024 | |
| 2017 | 22 mpg | none | 7 | 2 mpg lower than 2024 | |
| 2018 | 22 mpg | none | 7 | 2 mpg lower than 2024 | |
| 2019 | 22 mpg | none | 7 | 2 mpg lower than 2024 | |
| 2020 | 24 mpg | 28 mpg | 6 | 4 mpg higher than 2024 | |
| 2021 | 24 mpg | 27 mpg | 10 | 3 mpg higher than 2024 | |
| 2022 | 24 mpg | 27 mpg | 15 | 3 mpg higher than 2024 | |
| 2023 | 24 mpg | 27 mpg | 17 | 3 mpg higher than 2024 | |
| 2024This page | 24 mpg | none | 8 | this page | |
| 2025 | 24 mpg | none | 6 | same as 2024 | |
| 2026 | 24 mpg | none | 6 | same as 2024 |
Compared with the 2023 model: 17 versions were tested then and 8 now; the best figure went from 27 to 24 mpg (down 3).
The 2025 model has 6 tested versions.
| Version in 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Explorer RWD (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd), 4-cyl 2.3 L | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | no change |
| 2024 Explorer AWD (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd), 4-cyl 2.3 L | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | no change |
| 2024 Explorer RWD (6-cyl 3.0 L, Automatic 10-spd), 6-cyl 3.0 L | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | no change |
| 2024 Explorer Timberline AWD, 4-cyl 2.3 L | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | no change |
| 2024 Explorer AWD (6-cyl 3.0 L, Automatic (S10)), 6-cyl 3.0 L | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | no change |
| 2024 Explorer AWD (6-cyl 3.0 L, Automatic 10-spd), 6-cyl 3.0 L | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | no change |
| 2024 Explorer FFV AWD, 6-cyl 3.3 L | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | no change |
| 2024 Explorer RWD (6-cyl 3.0 L, Automatic (S10)), 6-cyl 3.0 L | 20 mpg | 21 mpg | -1 mpg |
11 2023 versions have no match in 2024.
Crash-test stars from the U.S. safety agency's 5-Star Safety Ratings, checked 2026-11-14. 5 is the best.
| Vehicle | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| 2024 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
The agency lists 4 variants; the first 2 are shown.
The agency's record for the first rated vehicle also lists 21 complaints, 10 recalls, 1 investigation.
Includes agency records filed under: EXPLORER, EXPLORER HEV. EXPLORER HEV is a different vehicle line than the EPA versions on this page cover, so the list can include those variants.
30 complaints for the 2024 Ford Explorer are on file (checked 2026-11-14). Complaints are reports that owners sent to the safety agency. They are not proven defects, and the counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
| Part named in the reports | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 9 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 4 | |
| Electrical System | 3 | |
| Steering | 3 | |
| Suspension | 3 |
3 of the 30 reports say the car was in a crash, 1 mentions a fire and 4 mention an injury. One report can name more than one part.
Includes agency records filed under: EXPLORER, EXPLORER HEV. EXPLORER HEV is a different vehicle line than the EPA versions on this page cover, so the list can include those variants.
10 recalls are on file for the 2024 Ford Explorer at the U.S. safety agency (checked 2026-11-14). A dealer does recall repairs free of charge.
Includes agency records filed under: EXPLORER, EXPLORER HEV. EXPLORER HEV is a different vehicle line than the EPA versions on this page cover, so the list can include those variants.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission.
Fix: Dealers will inspect for park system damage and replace the park system components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles.
Fix: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2025.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 ...
Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025.
2 more are listed at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Other 2024 models of the same agency class, each with its best combined figure. The Explorer itself is at 23 mpg.
More Ford models that have a 2024 page here, with the class of each and its best combined figure.
The 2024 Explorer RWD (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd) with 24 mpg combined (21 city, 28 highway).
The 2024 Ford Explorer costs between $2,600 and $3,100 to fuel by the agency's estimate, which assumes 15,000 miles a year. The cheapest is the 2024 Explorer RWD (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd) at $2,600; the dearest is the 2024 Explorer AWD (6-cyl 3.0 L, Automatic (S10)) at $3,100. Use the calculator above for your own miles and fuel price.
2024 Explorer AWD (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd): 23 mpg combined (20 city, 27 highway); 2024 Explorer Timberline AWD: 21 mpg combined (19 city, 22 highway); 2024 Explorer AWD (6-cyl 3.0 L, Automatic (S10)): 20 mpg combined (18 city, 24 highway); 2024 Explorer AWD (6-cyl 3.0 L, Automatic 10-spd): 20 mpg combined (18 city, 24 highway).
The 2024 Ford Explorer is 9th of 58 for combined mileage. The top of the class is the 2024 Toyota Highlander at 35 mpg, and the middle figure for the class is 20.5 mpg. In the list, the next one ahead is the 2024 BMW X6 at 24 mpg and the next one behind is the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee at 23 mpg.
The 2023 model had 17 tested versions and the 2024 model has 8. The best figure went from 27 to 24 mpg (down 3).
In the agency's 5-Star Safety Ratings (checked 2026-11-14; 5 is the best), the stars are 2024 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD: overall 5 of 5, front 5, side 5, rollover 4; 2024 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD: overall 5 of 5, front 5, side 5, rollover 4. The agency lists 4 variants; the first 2 are shown.
30 complaints for the 2024 Ford Explorer are on file at the safety agency (checked 2026-11-14); the part named most often is Unknown Or Other (9 reports). Complaints are reports owners sent in, not proven defects.
The agency's database lists 10 recalls for the 2024 Ford Explorer (checked 2026-11-14). They are listed above with the repair the maker offers.
For the 2024 Ford Explorer: EPA file 2026-11-04; fuel price 2026-11-14; crash tests 2026-11-14; complaints 2026-11-14; recalls 2026-11-14. Not covered: purchase price, towing, reliability, repair and insurance costs.
Mileage and fuel cost for the 2024 Ford Explorer: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, fueleconomy.gov vehicle file (file dated 2026-11-04). Recalls for the 2024 Ford Explorer: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (checked 2026-11-14). Crash-test ratings for the 2024 Ford Explorer: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (checked 2026-11-14). Complaints for the 2024 Ford Explorer: NHTSA (checked 2026-11-14). Fuel prices: U.S. Department of Energy / EPA (2026-11-14). Your own mileage depends on how and where you drive. Where our numbers come from.