2016 Ford Explorer Fuel Mileage – Pro Tips To Boost Your Suv’S
The 2016 Ford Explorer offers a range of fuel economy figures depending on its three distinct engine options, typically averaging between 16 and 22 combined MPG. By optimizing your maintenance routine and adjusting your driving habits, you can maximize your range and keep more money in your pocket.
Do you feel like your SUV is spending more time at the gas station than on the open road? You are not alone, as many owners find that real-world driving conditions often differ from laboratory estimates. Understanding your 2016 ford explorer fuel mileage is the first step toward saving money at the pump and extending the life of your vehicle.
In this guide, I will walk you through the technical specs of each powertrain and identify the common “mileage killers” that plague this specific model year. We will also dive into DIY maintenance tasks that can restore lost efficiency and help you get the most out of every gallon.
Whether you are a daily commuter or a weekend off-roader, these practical insights will help you master your vehicle’s performance. Let’s get under the hood and see what makes your Explorer tick.
Breaking Down the 2016 Ford Explorer Fuel Mileage by Engine
The 2016 model year was a significant one for the Explorer, featuring three very different engine choices. Each one has its own unique fuel consumption profile based on how it generates power and handles the vehicle’s weight.
The 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 is the standard workhorse found in many Base and XLT trims. It is a naturally aspirated engine, meaning it breathes air at atmospheric pressure. While reliable, it often struggles with fuel economy in heavy stop-and-go traffic due to the vehicle’s nearly 4,500-pound curb weight.
Next is the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, which replaced the older 2.0L version. This engine uses a turbocharger to provide the power of a V6 with the theoretical efficiency of a smaller motor. It is often the “sweet spot” for those prioritizing highway cruising range.
Finally, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 powers the Sport and Platinum trims. This twin-turbocharged beast is designed for performance and towing. When you look at the 2016 ford explorer fuel mileage for the 3.5L EcoBoost, you’ll see it prioritizes power over economy, especially if you have a heavy lead foot.
EPA Estimates vs. Real-World Expectations
- 2.3L EcoBoost (FWD): 19 City / 28 Highway / 22 Combined MPG.
- 3.5L V6 (FWD): 17 City / 24 Highway / 20 Combined MPG.
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (AWD): 16 City / 22 Highway / 18 Combined MPG.
Keep in mind that these numbers are generated in controlled environments. Real-world factors like ambient temperature, terrain, and cargo load will cause these figures to fluctuate.
Maintenance Secrets to Improve 2016 ford explorer fuel mileage
If your fuel economy has taken a sudden dip, it is usually a sign that a component is struggling. Proper maintenance is the most effective way to keep your 2016 ford explorer fuel mileage within the healthy range. Many of these checks are simple enough for a weekend DIYer.
Start with your engine air filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel to maintain speed. Check the filter every 15,000 miles, especially if you frequently drive on dusty trails or in urban environments.
Spark plugs are another critical factor, particularly for the EcoBoost engines. Turbocharged engines are harder on spark plugs due to higher cylinder pressures. Worn plugs can cause incomplete combustion, leading to wasted fuel and potential engine misfires.
The Role of the Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
The MAF sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine so the computer can inject the perfect amount of fuel. Over time, oil vapor and dust can coat the sensor’s delicate wires. This leads to “lazy” readings and poor fuel trim adjustments.
You can clean this yourself using a specialized MAF sensor cleaner spray. Never use brake cleaner or carb cleaner, as these can destroy the sensitive electronics. A clean sensor ensures your engine isn’t “guessing” how much fuel it needs.
Tire Pressure and Rolling Resistance
Under-inflated tires are one of the biggest silent thieves of fuel economy. When tires are low, their “footprint” on the road increases, creating more friction and rolling resistance. Your engine has to burn extra gas just to overcome this drag.
Check your tire pressure at least once a month using a reliable digital gauge. Refer to the sticker inside your driver’s side door jamb for the correct PSI. Do not rely on the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall itself.
How Driving Habits Impact Your SUV’s Efficiency
Even a perfectly maintained vehicle will get poor mileage if driven aggressively. The Explorer is a large vehicle with significant aerodynamic drag. Every time you accelerate hard, you are fighting physics and burning excess fuel.
Try to practice “linear acceleration” by imagining there is an egg under your gas pedal. Gradually building speed allows the transmission to shift at optimal points. This keeps the engine in its most efficient RPM range for longer periods.
Use cruise control on flat highways to maintain a steady speed. The vehicle’s computer is much better at making tiny throttle adjustments than a human foot. However, avoid cruise control in very hilly terrain, as it may cause the transmission to downshift abruptly to maintain speed.
Managing the Idle Time
Many owners find that their real-world 2016 ford explorer fuel mileage drops significantly during the winter months. This is often due to extended idling to warm up the cabin. An idling engine gets exactly zero miles per gallon.
Modern engines do not need long warm-up periods. Usually, 30 seconds to a minute is enough for oil to circulate. Driving gently is actually a faster and more efficient way to bring the engine up to operating temperature.
The Impact of External Accessories
Do you leave a roof rack or a cargo box on your Explorer year-round? These accessories disrupt the airflow over the vehicle. At highway speeds, a roof-mounted cargo box can reduce your fuel economy by as much as 10% to 20%.
If you aren’t using your bike racks or storage bins, take them off. Similarly, carrying extra weight in the trunk—like heavy tools or recovery gear you don’t currently need—adds up. Every 100 pounds of extra weight can reduce your MPG by about 1%.
Advanced Troubleshooting for Low Fuel Economy
If you have handled the basics and your mileage is still poor, it may be time to dig deeper. Use an OBD-II scanner to check for “pending” codes. Sometimes a sensor is failing but hasn’t yet triggered a Check Engine Light.
Oxygen sensors (O2 sensors) are a common culprit. These sensors monitor the exhaust gases to tell the computer if the engine is running “lean” or “rich.” An old O2 sensor can become sluggish, causing the engine to run rich and waste fuel unnecessarily.
Checking for Brake Drag
Occasionally, a brake caliper can become partially seized. This causes the brake pad to stay in contact with the rotor even when you aren’t touching the pedal. It’s like driving with your parking brake slightly engaged.
After a drive, safely walk around the vehicle and check if one wheel feels significantly hotter than the others. Use an infrared thermometer if you have one. If one wheel is much hotter, you likely have a sticking caliper that is killing your efficiency.
Fuel System Cleaning
Direct injection engines, like the EcoBoost variants, are prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves. Because fuel is sprayed directly into the cylinder, it doesn’t “wash” the valves like in older port-injection engines. This buildup can disrupt airflow and hurt economy.
Using a high-quality fuel system cleaner in your gas tank can help keep injectors clean. For heavy carbon buildup on valves, however, a professional “intake cleaning” service might be required. This is a common maintenance item for high-mileage EcoBoost owners.
Off-Roading and Fuel Economy: A Balancing Act
For the off-road enthusiasts at EngineNeeds, fuel mileage is often a secondary concern. However, when you are deep in the backcountry, fuel range becomes a safety issue. You need to know exactly how far that tank will take you.
Large, knobby All-Terrain (AT) or Mud-Terrain (MT) tires look great and provide excellent grip. Unfortunately, they are also heavy and have high rolling resistance. Switching from a standard highway tire to a heavy AT tire can drop your mileage by 2-3 MPG instantly.
When heading off-road, try to balance your gear. Only pack what you need for that specific trip. If you are airing down your tires for traction on sand or rocks, remember to air them back up as soon as you hit the pavement to protect your tires and restore your fuel economy.
Using 4WD Wisely
The 2016 Explorer uses an Intelligent 4WD system with a Terrain Management dial. Leaving the vehicle in “Sand” or “Mud/Ruts” mode while on dry pavement forces the system to engage the rear driveline more aggressively. This creates extra mechanical drag.
Always return the dial to “Normal” mode when driving on cleared roads. This allows the system to disconnect the rear wheels when they aren’t needed, saving fuel and reducing wear on the power transfer unit (PTU).
Frequently Asked Questions About 2016 Ford Explorer Fuel Mileage
What is the average 2016 ford explorer fuel mileage for the 2.3L EcoBoost?
The 2.3L EcoBoost engine typically averages around 22 MPG combined. On long highway stretches at moderate speeds, some drivers report seeing up to 26-27 MPG, while heavy city driving can pull that number down into the high teens.
Does using premium gas improve mileage in a 2016 Explorer?
For the EcoBoost engines, Ford recommends premium fuel for “best overall performance.” While the engine can run on 87 octane, the computer may pull back timing to prevent knocking, which can slightly reduce efficiency and power. Many owners find a small 1-2 MPG increase when using 91 or 93 octane.
Why is my Explorer’s gas mileage so much worse in the winter?
Winter fuel blends have less energy content than summer blends. Additionally, cold air is denser, increasing aerodynamic drag. Combined with longer engine warm-up times and increased use of electrical accessories like heated seats, a 10-15% drop in winter mileage is quite normal.
Can a bad gas cap affect my fuel economy?
The 2016 Explorer uses a “Capless” fuel filler system. While there isn’t a traditional cap to lose, the internal seal can sometimes fail or get dirty. If the system cannot maintain proper pressure, it may trigger an EVAP system error, which can indirectly lead to slightly lower efficiency.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Fuel Costs
Maximizing your 2016 ford explorer fuel mileage doesn’t require a degree in engineering. It mostly comes down to consistent maintenance and mindful driving. By keeping your tires inflated, your sensors clean, and your acceleration smooth, you can enjoy the versatility of your SUV without breaking the bank.
Remember that your vehicle is a complex system. A small issue in one area, like a dirty air filter or an old spark plug, can have a ripple effect on your total efficiency. Take the time to perform these simple checks once a season to ensure your Explorer stays in peak condition.
If you ever notice a sudden, drastic drop in mileage accompanied by a rough idle or strange noises, do not ignore it. Consult a professional technician to scan for deep-seated engine codes. Staying proactive is the best way to keep your rides long and your fuel stops short. Stay safe, keep your tires aired up, and enjoy the road ahead!
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