Understanding the fuel capacity of your Ford Explorer is essential for planning road trips, calculating operating costs, and ensuring you never run out of gas in an inconvenient location. The specific volume, measured in gallons, varies by model year and trim level, but the vast majority of current generation vehicles fall within a predictable range. This guide breaks down the complexities of fuel tanks across different years to provide a clear answer for drivers.
Fuel Tank Specifications by Model Year
For many years, Ford equipped the Explorer with a standard 17.6-gallon fuel tank, providing a solid balance between range and vehicle weight. However, recent updates to the lineup have introduced variations to cater to different customer needs and regulatory requirements. It is crucial to identify the specific year of your vehicle to determine the exact capacity, as assuming a standard size can lead to miscalculations of your vehicle's range.
Current Generation Range
In the current generation of Ford Explorers, the fuel tank capacity is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. While the standard models continue to utilize a 17.6-gallon tank, the high-performance variants offer an upgrade. The Ford Explorer ST and the plug-in hybrid Explorer PHEM come equipped with an enlarged 21.0-gallon fuel tank, significantly extending their driving range between fill-ups and appealing to long-distance travelers.
2011 to 2019 Models
Owners of older models from the 2011 to 2019 model years will find that their vehicles generally adhere to the older standard. These Explorers were typically equipped with a 17.6-gallon fuel tank, a size that was considered industry-standard for mid-size SUVs during that period. Knowing this helps owners of these specific years accurately calculate their vehicle's fuel efficiency and plan trips accordingly.
Calculating Your Range
Once you know the capacity of your tank, you can determine your vehicle's approximate range by multiplying the total gallons by your Explorer's average miles per gallon (MPG). For example, a standard 17.6-gallon tank combined with a 25 MPG highway rating yields a range of 440 miles. Drivers with the 21-gallon tank can expect to travel approximately 525 miles on a single fill-up under similar conditions, offering a substantial advantage for cross-country drives.
Factors Impacting Actual Capacity
It is important to note that the listed capacities represent the total physical volume of the tank. The actual usable fuel may be slightly less than the total tank capacity, as manufacturers typically reserve a small portion of the volume to prevent fuel pump damage and to accommodate fuel expansion. Furthermore, the presence of all-wheel drive systems and additional equipment can slightly reduce the effective capacity compared to two-wheel-drive models.
Checking Your Specific Vehicle
The most accurate method to determine your Ford Explorer's fuel capacity is to consult the vehicle's documentation or the fuel door jamb. The sticker located on the inside of the driver’s door frame often lists the tank capacity alongside other vital vehicle information. Alternatively, referring to the original window sticker or owner’s manual provides definitive specifications for your exact trim level and manufacturing year, eliminating any guesswork.
