The 2026 Ford Explorer gets 19 to 24 miles per gallon combined, depending on the version. The best is the 2026 Explorer RWD (4-cyl 2.3 L) at 24 mpg.
In the Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD class for 2026, the Explorer ranks 11th (tied with 6 others) of 58 for combined mileage (23 mpg), 6th (tied with 2 others) of 55 for yearly fuel cost ($2,700 for its cheapest version, cheapest first) and 20th of 58 for tailpipe CO2 (394 grams per mile for its lowest version, lowest first). The middle model of the class gets 21 mpg, costs $3,500 a year and puts out 426 grams per mile.
Across all 235 2026 models in the file that burn fuel, the middle best-version figure is 24 mpg and the highest is 57 mpg (Toyota Prius). Of the 234 other models, 114 get more miles per gallon than the 2026 Explorer's best version, 12 other models get the same and 108 get less. The 2026 Explorer's cheapest version costs $2,600 a year to fuel by the agency's figure; of the 225 other models with a cost figure, 79 cost less, 4 the same and 142 more.
Open the best-mileage list of this class for 2026. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 2026 Infiniti QX60 | 2026 QX60 AWD | 24 | $3,200 | 374 |
| 11 | 2026 BMW X6 | 2026 X6 xDrive40i | 23 | $3,350 | 372 |
| 11 | 2026 BMW X7 | 2026 X7 xDrive40i | 23 | $3,350 | 387 |
| 11 | 2026 Ford ExplorerThis car | 2026 Explorer AWD (4-cyl 2.3 L) | 23 | $2,700 | 394 |
| 11 | 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2026 Grand Cherokee 4xe | 23 | $2,850 | 177 |
| 11 | 2026 Nissan Pathfinder | 2026 Pathfinder 4WD | 23 | $2,700 | 390 |
| 11 | 2026 Toyota 4Runner | 2026 4Runner Hybrid 4WD (Part-time 4-wheel) | 23 | $2,700 | 380 |
Pick a 2026 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.
2026 Explorer RWD (4-cyl 2.3 L), 4-cyl 2.3 L: 20 mpg city, 29 highway, 24 combined. The agency's own estimate for the 2026 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 2026, 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 $767 less to fuel each year.
Over 5 years the Explorer costs $3,835 less to fuel than the X6 (5 times the yearly difference, at these miles and these prices).
Dollar gaps use each car's best-mileage version.
| Rival in 2026 | Best version | Combined | Fuel a year, agency (15,000 miles) | Against the Explorer (mileage) | Agency yearly fuel cost against the Explorer | Side by side |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 BMW X6 | 2026 X6 xDrive40i | 23 mpg | $3,350 | 1 lower | $750 more a year | - |
| 2026 BMW X7 | 2026 X7 xDrive40i | 23 mpg | $3,350 | 1 lower | $750 more a year | - |
| 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2026 Grand Cherokee 4xe | 23 mpg | - | 1 lower | - | Compare |
EPA test figures for 2026; 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer RWD (4-cyl 2.3 L) | 4-cyl 2.3 L | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-wheel | 20 | 29 | 24 | $2,600 | 377 | cheapest |
| 2026 Explorer AWD (4-cyl 2.3 L) | 4-cyl 2.3 L | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-wheel | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,700 | 394 | +$100 |
| 2026 Explorer RWD (6-cyl 3.0 L) | 6-cyl 3.0 L | Automatic (S10) | Rear-wheel | 18 | 25 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 | +$350 |
| 2026 Explorer Tremor AWD (4-cyl 2.3 L) | 4-cyl 2.3 L | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-wheel | 19 | 23 | 21 | $2,950 | 424 | +$350 |
| 2026 Explorer AWD (6-cyl 3.0 L) | 6-cyl 3.0 L | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-wheel | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 439 | +$500 |
| 2026 Explorer Tremor AWD (6-cyl 3.0 L) | 6-cyl 3.0 L | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-wheel | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,300 | 467 | +$700 |
Enter the price difference you were quoted for the 2026 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 2026 Explorer RWD (4-cyl 2.3 L) puts out 377 grams per mile; across the 6 tested versions the figure runs from 377 to 467.
EPA scores (1 to 10, 10 best) for the 2026 Explorer RWD (4-cyl 2.3 L): 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 2026 model.
| Model year | Best gas version | Best hybrid | Versions tested | Against 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 22 mpg | none | 7 | 2 mpg lower than 2026 | |
| 2017 | 22 mpg | none | 7 | 2 mpg lower than 2026 | |
| 2018 | 22 mpg | none | 7 | 2 mpg lower than 2026 | |
| 2019 | 22 mpg | none | 7 | 2 mpg lower than 2026 | |
| 2020 | 24 mpg | 28 mpg | 6 | 4 mpg higher than 2026 | |
| 2021 | 24 mpg | 27 mpg | 10 | 3 mpg higher than 2026 | |
| 2022 | 24 mpg | 27 mpg | 15 | 3 mpg higher than 2026 | |
| 2023 | 24 mpg | 27 mpg | 17 | 3 mpg higher than 2026 | |
| 2024 | 24 mpg | none | 8 | same as 2026 | |
| 2025 | 24 mpg | none | 6 | same as 2026 | |
| 2026This page | 24 mpg | none | 6 | this page |
Compared with the 2025 model: 6 versions were tested then and 6 now; the best figure went from 24 to 24 mpg (no change).
| Version in 2026 | 2026 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer RWD (4-cyl 2.3 L), 4-cyl 2.3 L | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | no change |
| 2026 Explorer AWD (4-cyl 2.3 L), 4-cyl 2.3 L | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | no change |
| 2026 Explorer RWD (6-cyl 3.0 L), 6-cyl 3.0 L | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | no change |
| 2026 Explorer Tremor AWD (4-cyl 2.3 L), 4-cyl 2.3 L | 21 mpg | 23 mpg (listed in 2025 as Explorer AWD (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd)) | -2 mpg |
| 2026 Explorer AWD (6-cyl 3.0 L), 6-cyl 3.0 L | 20 mpg | 21 mpg | -1 mpg |
| 2026 Explorer Tremor AWD (6-cyl 3.0 L), 6-cyl 3.0 L | 19 mpg | 21 mpg (listed in 2025 as Explorer AWD (6-cyl 3.0 L, Automatic 10-spd)) | -2 mpg |
2 2025 versions have no match in 2026.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 FORD EXPLORER GAS SUV N/A 4WD | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| 2026 FORD EXPLORER HEV SUV HEV 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 45 complaints, 15 recalls, 1 investigation.
Includes agency records filed under: EXPLORER GAS, EXPLORER HEV. EXPLORER HEV is a different vehicle line than the EPA versions on this page cover, so the list can include those variants.
45 complaints for the 2026 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 | 12 | |
| Electrical System | 11 | |
| Seats | 7 | |
| Engine | 6 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 |
3 of the 45 reports say the car was in a crash, 0 mention a fire and 3 mention an injury. One report can name more than one part.
Includes agency records filed under: EXPLORER GAS, EXPLORER HEV. EXPLORER HEV is a different vehicle line than the EPA versions on this page cover, so the list can include those variants.
15 recalls are on file for the 2026 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 GAS, 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 2026-2027 Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles. A phantom "Global On" command in the overhead console may illuminate the map lights and prevent them from being turned off.
Fix: Dealers will replace the overhead consoles on vehicles built prior to July 9, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. The active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying properly.
Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine. The engine connecting rod bearings may seize, which can result in engine failure.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine long blocks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
Fix: Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge.
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 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and secure the instrument panel joints as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026.
7 more are listed at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Other 2026 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 2026 page here, with the class of each and its best combined figure.
The 2026 Explorer RWD (4-cyl 2.3 L) with 24 mpg combined (20 city, 29 highway).
The 2026 Ford Explorer costs between $2,600 and $3,300 to fuel by the agency's estimate, which assumes 15,000 miles a year. The cheapest is the 2026 Explorer RWD (4-cyl 2.3 L) at $2,600; the dearest is the 2026 Explorer Tremor AWD (6-cyl 3.0 L) at $3,300. Use the calculator above for your own miles and fuel price.
2026 Explorer AWD (4-cyl 2.3 L): 23 mpg combined (20 city, 27 highway); 2026 Explorer Tremor AWD (4-cyl 2.3 L): 21 mpg combined (19 city, 23 highway); 2026 Explorer AWD (6-cyl 3.0 L): 20 mpg combined (18 city, 25 highway); 2026 Explorer Tremor AWD (6-cyl 3.0 L): 19 mpg combined (17 city, 22 highway).
The 2026 Ford Explorer is 11th of 58 for combined mileage. The top of the class is the 2026 Toyota Highlander at 35 mpg, and the middle figure for the class is 21 mpg. In the list, the next one ahead is the 2026 BMW X7 at 23 mpg and the next one behind is the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee at 23 mpg.
The 2025 model had 6 tested versions and the 2026 model has 6. The best figure went from 24 to 24 mpg (no change).
In the agency's 5-Star Safety Ratings (checked 2026-11-14; 5 is the best), the stars are 2026 FORD EXPLORER GAS SUV N/A 4WD: overall 5 of 5, front 5, side 5, rollover 4; 2026 FORD EXPLORER HEV SUV HEV 4WD: overall 5 of 5, front 5, side 5, rollover 4. The agency lists 4 variants; the first 2 are shown.
45 complaints for the 2026 Ford Explorer are on file at the safety agency (checked 2026-11-14); the part named most often is Unknown Or Other (12 reports). Complaints are reports owners sent in, not proven defects.
The agency's database lists 15 recalls for the 2026 Ford Explorer (checked 2026-11-14). They are listed above with the repair the maker offers.
For the 2026 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 2026 Ford Explorer: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, fueleconomy.gov vehicle file (file dated 2026-11-04). Recalls for the 2026 Ford Explorer: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (checked 2026-11-14). Crash-test ratings for the 2026 Ford Explorer: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (checked 2026-11-14). Complaints for the 2026 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.