2013 Ford Explorer Miles Per Gallon – Maximize Your Suv’s Fuel

The 2013 Ford Explorer offers a range of fuel economy figures depending on whether you have the 2.0L EcoBoost, the standard 3.5L V6, or the powerful Sport trim. While the EPA ratings provide a baseline, real-world variables like maintenance habits and driving conditions significantly influence your actual fuel costs. Understanding these nuances allows you to optimize your vehicle for better range and long-term reliability.

Owning a mid-size SUV often feels like a constant compromise between utility and the cost at the pump. You love the three-row seating and the 5,000-pound towing capacity, but watching the fuel gauge drop during your commute is never fun. If you are looking to get more out of every tank, you are in the right place.

We promise to break down the technical factors that influence your 2013 ford explorer miles per gallon and provide actionable DIY steps to improve it. This guide previews everything from engine-specific stats to the specific sensors that might be stealthily robbing you of efficiency. Let’s dive into how you can make your Explorer run leaner and meaner.

Understanding the 2013 ford explorer miles per gallon by Engine Type

Ford offered three distinct engine choices for the 2013 model year, each catering to different needs. The 2013 ford explorer miles per gallon you experience will depend heavily on which powerplant is under your hood. Each engine interacts differently with the 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission and the available Intelligent 4WD system.

The 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 was the most common choice for many owners. This naturally aspirated engine was designed for a balance of power and durability. In a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration, it typically sees 17 city and 24 highway MPG. Adding All-Wheel Drive (AWD) drops those numbers slightly to 17 city and 23 highway.

For those prioritizing efficiency, the 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder was the “green” choice. It utilized turbocharging and direct injection to deliver 20 city and 28 highway MPG. However, this engine was only available in FWD, which is a crucial consideration for those living in snow belts or off-road enthusiasts.

Finally, the Explorer Sport featured the 3.5L EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6. This engine turned the Explorer into a performance machine but at a cost. You can expect around 16 city and 22 highway MPG. If you have a heavy foot, these numbers can dip even lower as the turbos demand more fuel under boost.

The Impact of Drivetrain and Weight

The weight of the Explorer plays a massive role in its efficiency. A fully loaded Limited trim with 4WD weighs significantly more than a base FWD model. This extra mass requires more energy to move from a dead stop, which is why city mileage often suffers more than highway figures.

The Intelligent 4WD system is proactive, meaning it shifts power between the front and rear wheels based on terrain. While excellent for safety, the mechanical drag of the transfer case and rear differential naturally consumes more energy. If you don’t need 4WD, the FWD models are consistently the winners for fuel savings.

Mechanical Factors That Influence Your Fuel Economy

When your 2013 ford explorer miles per gallon starts to drop unexpectedly, it is usually a sign of a mechanical “bottleneck.” Your engine is essentially a giant air pump. If anything restricts the flow of air in or exhaust out, efficiency plummets immediately.

The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor is a frequent culprit. This sensor tells the Engine Control Module (ECM) exactly how much air is entering the intake. If it gets dirty, the computer may over-compensate with extra fuel, leading to a “rich” condition that wastes gas and can eventually clog your catalytic converter.

Another critical component is the Oxygen (O2) sensor. These sensors monitor the exhaust gases to ensure the fuel-to-air ratio is perfect. Over time, they can become sluggish. A lazy O2 sensor won’t always trigger a Check Engine Light (CEL) immediately, but it can cause a 10-15% drop in fuel economy.

Spark Plugs and Ignition Health

For the 3.5L V6 engines, spark plug health is paramount. Ford typically recommends a 100,000-mile interval, but many mechanics suggest checking them at 60,000 miles. Worn electrodes create a weak spark, leading to incomplete combustion and wasted fuel.

If you notice a slight stumble at idle or a hesitation during acceleration, your ignition coils might be struggling. Efficient combustion is the foundation of good mileage. Using high-quality iridium spark plugs can help maintain a consistent flame front in the combustion chamber.

Essential Maintenance for Peak Efficiency

Maintaining your 2013 ford explorer miles per gallon requires a proactive approach to routine service. Many owners overlook the simplest fixes that have the largest impact. Start with your tires, as they are your only contact point with the road.

Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance. This means the engine has to work harder just to keep the vehicle moving at a constant speed. Check your door placard for the recommended PSI—usually around 35 PSI for the Explorer—and check it monthly, especially when temperatures drop.

Your choice of engine oil also matters. Ford specifies 5W-20 synthetic blend oil for the 2013 Explorer. Using a heavier weight oil can increase internal friction. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations and ensure you use a high-quality filter to keep the oil passages clear and the Variable Cam Timing (VCT) solenoids functioning correctly.

Air Filter and Intake Cleaning

A clogged air filter is like trying to run a marathon while breathing through a straw. Inspect your air filter every 15,000 miles. If you drive on dusty trails or in urban areas with high pollution, you may need to replace it more frequently. A clean filter ensures the engine doesn’t have to “fight” for air.

For EcoBoost owners, carbon buildup on the intake valves is a known issue. Since these are direct-injection engines, fuel doesn’t wash over the intake valves to keep them clean. Periodically using a specialized intake valve cleaner can help maintain the airflow required for optimal fuel mixing.

DIY Repairs to Restore Your Gas Mileage

You don’t need to be a master technician to perform some basic “mileage-restoring” tasks. If you are a weekend DIYer, cleaning the throttle body is a great place to start. Over time, oil vapors can create a black “gunk” around the butterfly valve, disrupting the idle air control.

To clean it, you’ll need a can of dedicated throttle body cleaner and a lint-free rag. Remove the intake bellows, spray the cleaner onto the rag, and gently wipe away the deposits. Do not spray the cleaner directly into the intake if the engine is running, and avoid forcing the valve open manually on electronic throttle bodies.

Replacing the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve is another cheap and easy fix. A stuck PCV valve can cause oil consumption and vacuum leaks. On the 3.5L V6, it is easily accessible on the passenger side valve cover. It’s a “twist and pull” part that costs less than twenty dollars but keeps the engine breathing properly.

Checking for Dragging Brakes

Sometimes the problem isn’t the engine at all. A sticking brake caliper can act like a boat anchor. After a long drive, safely walk around your vehicle and (without touching the rim) feel for excessive heat radiating from one specific wheel. If one wheel feels significantly hotter than the others, your caliper may not be retracting fully.

Greasing the caliper slide pins during your next brake job is a vital step. If these pins seize, the brake pads will stay in contact with the rotor, creating constant friction. This not only destroys your pads and rotors but also significantly hurts your 2013 ford explorer miles per gallon.

The Role of Aerodynamics and Weight Management

The 2013 Explorer is a large vehicle with a significant frontal area. At highway speeds, aerodynamic drag is the primary force the engine must overcome. If you have a roof rack with crossbars that you never use, consider removing them. Those bars create wind turbulence that can cost you 1-2 MPG at 70 mph.

External accessories like bug deflectors, window visors, and oversized off-road tires also take a toll. If you’ve upgraded to aggressive all-terrain tires, the increased tread blocks and heavier carcass weight will naturally reduce your efficiency. It is the price we pay for off-road capability, but it’s worth noting.

Check your cargo area for unnecessary weight. Carrying around an extra 100 pounds of “just in case” gear, like heavy tools or old camping equipment, adds up. Every extra pound requires more torque to move, especially in stop-and-go traffic where the engine has to overcome inertia repeatedly.

Driving Habits: The “Invisible” Factor

No amount of maintenance can overcome a “lead foot.” Rapid acceleration and hard braking are the enemies of efficiency. The 2013 Explorer features a fuel economy display in the instrument cluster. Use the “Instant MPG” screen to monitor how your throttle inputs affect consumption in real-time.

Try to use cruise control on flat highways. It is much more precise at maintaining a steady speed than a human foot. Also, anticipate traffic lights. If you see a red light ahead, take your foot off the gas and coast. This allows the fuel injectors to enter “deceleration fuel cut-off” mode, where they use almost zero fuel.

Off-Roading and Towing: Efficiency in Extreme Conditions

If you use your Explorer for camping or light off-roading, your 2013 ford explorer miles per gallon will vary wildly. When driving on soft sand or mud, the tires spin more and the engine stays in lower gears. This is normal, but you can minimize the impact by choosing the correct “Terrain Management” setting.

Using the “Sand” or “Mud/Ruts” mode changes the shift points and throttle sensitivity. While these modes prioritize traction over gas mileage, using the wrong mode (like using Sand mode on a paved road) will keep the engine at high RPMs unnecessarily. Always switch back to “Normal” mode as soon as you hit the pavement.

When towing a trailer, the aerodynamic profile of the trailer is often more important than its weight. A tall, boxy camper will catch more wind than a flatbed trailer. Ensure your trailer tires are properly inflated and your weight distribution hitch is set up correctly. A level trailer tows more efficiently than one that is “nose-up” or “nose-down.”

Frequently Asked Questions About 2013 ford explorer miles per gallon

What is the most common reason for a sudden drop in MPG?

A sudden drop is usually caused by a failing sensor, such as the O2 sensor or ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature) sensor. If the computer thinks the engine is cold, it will stay in “open loop” mode, dumping extra fuel into the cylinders. Also, check for a dragging brake caliper or a significant drop in tire pressure.

Does using Premium fuel improve gas mileage in a 2013 Explorer?

For the 3.5L V6, premium fuel offers little to no benefit in mileage. However, for the 2.0L and 3.5L EcoBoost engines, the owner’s manual notes that premium fuel can provide better performance, especially when towing or in hot weather. While it might slightly improve efficiency under load, the extra cost of the fuel often outweighs the savings at the pump.

Can a bad thermostat affect my fuel economy?

Yes, absolutely. If your thermostat is stuck open, the engine will never reach its optimal operating temperature. Engines are designed to be most efficient when they are hot. A cold engine runs a “richer” fuel mixture, which will noticeably degrade your 2013 ford explorer miles per gallon over time.

How much does the 4WD system impact gas mileage?

Generally, the 4WD system in the 2013 Explorer results in a 1 MPG loss on the highway compared to the FWD version. This is due to the added weight of the drivetrain components and the internal friction of the rotating shafts and gears, even when the system isn’t actively sending power to the rear wheels.

Final Thoughts on Explorer Efficiency

Maximizing your 2013 ford explorer miles per gallon is a combination of smart maintenance, informed DIY repairs, and mindful driving. While it will never compete with a hybrid sedan, the Explorer is a remarkably efficient machine for its size when properly cared for.

Start with the basics: check your tire pressure, replace that old air filter, and clean your MAF sensor. If you are feeling adventurous, dive into the spark plugs or the PCV valve. Not only will you save money at the gas station, but you will also extend the life of your vehicle and ensure it’s ready for the next family road trip or off-road excursion.

Remember, a well-maintained vehicle is a safe vehicle. By keeping your engine running at peak efficiency, you are also ensuring that it has the power you need when merging onto the highway or climbing a steep grade. Stay safe, keep those tires aired up, and enjoy the ride!