The Ford Explorer continues to be one of the best-selling models for the company. In 2025, it received an exterior and interior update, and while the 2026 Explorer is mostly a carryover from last year, it continues to get new trims.
The midsize three-row SUV now gets the Tremor off-road trim and an entry-level Active 100A trim to lower the starting MSRP. With the addition of these trims, how does the Explorer fair in terms of fuel economy? We rank the 2026 Ford Explorer mpg from the lowest to the highest, according to the EPA.
All Ford Explorer mpg ratings are sourced directly from the EPA and the cars have been ranked in terms of their combined mpg, using city and highway mpg as a tiebreaker where necessary. All data is correct at the time of writing. We list these from least to most efficient.
6
The Rugged, AWD Explorer Is Least Efficient
19 MPG Combined
2026 Ford Explorer Tremor front 3/4 angle in gray while off-roadingFord
2026 Ford Explorer Tremor 3.0L AWD
Engine
3.0L Twin-turbo EcoBoost V6
Horsepower
400 hp
MPG (City/Highway/Combined)
17/22/19
Range
384 mi
Base MSRP
$61,310
Key features at a glance:
- 18-inch all-terrain tires
- Torsen limited-slip rear-axle
- Off-road tuned suspension with higher ground clearance
- Electric-spice colored accents on rims and interior
- Auxiliary off-road lights
Unsurprisingly, the newest, most off-road focused trim is the last on this list of efficiency. Only the Tremor (optional) and ST get the bigger 3.0L V6 engine this year. While it does provide more power, it is also less economical. The bigger engine is already less efficient, but combined with the 18-inch all-terrain tires increase roll resistance, it has to work harder and utilize more fuel. The Tremor also gets some off-road specific upgrades that serve a purpose off the beaten path, but also make the car heavier and less aerodynamic, hurting economy even more.
Nevertheless, if you want the most capable Explorer that literally lives up to its name while carrying your entire family in comfort, the Tremor trim is the one for you. If you want your Explorer to last as long as possible between every fuel stop, there are more efficient trims.
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The Explorer gets the Tremor badge for 2026. Here is what it actually adds, and if it is the right off-road SUV for you.
5
The Most Expensive Explorer With AWD
20 MPG Combined
2026 Ford Explorer Front Angle View in BlueFord
2026 Ford Explorer ST 3.0L AWD
Engine
3.0L Twin-turbo EcoBoost V6
Horsepower
400 hp
MPG (City/Highway/Combined)
18/25/20
Range
404 mi
Base MSRP
$56,905
Key features at a glance:
- 21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels as standard
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Larger upgraded brakes
- 3.58 Non-limited-slip rear axle
- Terrain Management system
From the most off-road focused trim, to the sportier and fastest, the ST trim combines the practicality of a three-row SUV with the performance you expect from something much smaller and lighter. While it may seem like a double-edged sword, it has created enough hype among customers that this trim equated to more than one in every five Explorers sold last year. The ST trim is also the only one to get the more powerful V6 engine as standard, with a tuned suspension setup and a lower ride height. It also gets bigger 21-inch rims that definitely add to the sporty appeal, but hurt fuel economy in the long run. The AWD system can intelligently distribute power between the front and rear axles depending on traction requirements, and is priced at a $2,000 premium over the RWD version.
Inside, you get the ST treatment as well with red stitching and badges all over. You get much of the kit as standard, with a 10-speaker B&O sound system with an option for a higher 14-speaker sound system, heated front and second-row seats and ventilated front seats. You get the updated 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and the 13.2-inch central touchscreen with Ford’s Digital Experience software. If you want the fastest Explorer on sale, to optimize those grocery run times, the Explorer ST is the one for you.
4
The RWD V6 Explorer Gets 21 MPG
21 MPG Combined
2026 Ford Explorer Front Angle ViewFord
2026 Ford Explorer ST 3.0L RWD
Engine
3.0L Twin-turbo EcoBoost V6
Horsepower
400 hp
MPG (City/Highway/Combined)
18/25/21
Range
424 mi
Base MSRP
$54,905
Key features at a glance:
- 21-inch Magnetite-Painted Aluminum Wheels as standard
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Larger upgraded brakes
- 3.58 Non-limited-slip rear axle
- Terrain Management system
The ST trim is available with either AWD or RWD powertrains, and the latter is more economical and ranks higher on this list. As only the rear axle is powered, the engine does not have to work as hard to send power to all four wheels. While the Explorer’s AWD system can alter the amount of power sent to both axles, it still cannot switch off sending power to the front axle, which negatively affects fuel efficiency. The RWD may even enhance the driving experience for the ST trim, as this version will feel lighter than the AWD variant. While the safety net of having traction on all four wheels is definitely a bonus and may even be a deal-breaker for some, the RWD version just slightly edges out the AWD version. The RWD also makes this trim the most economical in terms of Ford Explorer gas mileage with the 400 hp engine.
3
Off-Road Explorer Without A V6 Is More Efficient
21 MPG Combined
2026 Ford Explorer Tremor off-roading.Ford
2026 Ford Explorer Tremor 2.3L AWD
Engine
2.3L EcoBoost I4
Horsepower
300 hp
MPG (City/Highway/Combined)
19/23/21
Range
376 mi
Base MSRP
$48,965
Key features at a glance:
- 18-inch all-terrain tires
- Torsen limited-slip rear-axle
- Off-road tuned suspension with higher ground clearance
- Electric-spice colored accents on rims and interior
- Auxiliary off-road lights
Much like the trims with the larger engines, the off-road-biased trim is also the least efficient out of all the trims with the smaller engine. While AWD is standard on the Tremor, you get the option of the V6 or the I4, and the lower displacement helps this trim sneak onto the podium of the most efficient Explorer trims list. While you do get 100 fewer horsepower, you also save approximately $12,000. Paying for the V6 does add the Tremor Ultimate package, which brings features such as self-driving functionality, B&O sound system and a panoramic glass roof with shade. If you want features such as power-folding third row seats, you can pay $1,675 for a Tremor Convenience package that adds some other quality of life features.
While the 3.0L Tremor may be the most capable Explorer off-road, the 2.3L offers a balance between performance and value for money with the added bonus of better fuel economy. If you are an occasional off-road enthusiast, the 2.3L may make more sense for you. If you do not mind the hit on performance.
2
Base Model Explorers With AWD Are Nearly The Best
23 MPG Combined
2026 Ford Explorer Front Angle ViewFord
2026 Ford Explorer Active 100A/Active/ST-Line/Platinum 2.3L AWD
Engine
2.3L EcoBoost I4
Horsepower
300 hp
MPG (City/Highway/Combined)
20/27/23
Range
412 mi
Base MSRP
$40,465 (Active 100A)
Key features at a glance:
- 18-inch painted aluminum wheels (Active 100A trim)
- Optional remote start system (Active trim)
- Rear auxiliary climate control standard (ST-Line trim)
- 20-inch aluminum wheels with optional 21-inch rims (ST-Line and Platinum trim)
- 6 selectable drive modes with hill descent control (all trims)
The runner-up spot for the most efficient Explorer goes to all road-focused trims with the 2.3L engine. Several factors help these trims get the most out of a tank of gas. Firstly, the smaller engine is more frugal with its fuel usage. The entry level trims are also lighter when compared to the Tremor or ST trims due to the lack of specialized hardware. The only thing preventing these trims from being the most efficient is the AWD system, which adds weight and complexity, forcing the engine to work harder to send power to all wheels.
The base Active 100A trim is new for this year, helping the Explorer achieve that sub-$40k starting MSRP in the RWD version. If you are a budget-conscious buyer who just wants a basic three-row family SUV, the entry trim is aimed precisely at you. The Active trim adds comfort features such as heated front seats and steering wheel, powered tailgate, etc. The ST-Line retains the smaller engine and adds sporty styling such as a slacked-out grille and ST-Line badges.
The Platinum trim may seem like the odd one out here, as it is meant to be the ‘flagship’ trim. However, the primary focus of the platinum trim is luxury, with quilted leather upholstery and massaging seats. The Platinum offers the best that this SUV has to offer, with the benefit of respectable Ford Explorer mileage, considering the lack of any form of hybrid powertrains this year.
1
EcoBoost Explorers With RWD Are The Most Efficient
24 MPG Combined
2026 Ford Explorer Side ViewFord
2026 Ford Explorer Active 100A/Active/ST-Line/Platinum 2.3L RWD
Engine
2.3L EcoBoost I4
Horsepower
300 hp
MPG (City/Highway/Combined)
20/29/24
Range
430 mi
Base MSRP
$38,465 (Active 100A)
Key features at a glance:
- 18-inch painted aluminum wheels (Active 100A trim)
- Optional remote start system (Active trim)
- Rear auxiliary climate control standard (ST-Line trim)
- 20-inch aluminum wheels with optional 21-inch rims (ST-Line and Platinum trim)
- 6 selectable drive modes (all trims)
The best Ford Explorer mileage per gallon is achieved by the RWD version of the aforementioned trims. The lack of a powered front axle gets you more mpg on the highways, with the same city rating as the AWD trims. The Active 100A RWD is also the cheapest Explorer you can currently buy, making it great value for money with the best economy that this mid-size has to offer.
While the Explorer is not the most efficient SUV out there, especially due to the lack of any mild or strong hybrid powertrains, the mpg it does get is respectable. With a plethora of trims on offer, there is an Explorer for everyone – performance and off-road enthusiasts, budget-conscious buyers or even people looking for a premium family vehicle.
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The Ford Explorer is used by everybody from police departments to off-road enthusiasts, but which generation can keep up reliably?
Sources: Ford, EPA
