2016 Ford Explorer Miles Per Gallon – Maximize Your Fuel Economy

Understanding your 2016 Ford Explorer’s fuel efficiency is key to managing running costs and environmental impact. This guide dives into the official EPA ratings, real-world performance, and practical strategies to significantly improve your 2016 Ford Explorer miles per gallon, ensuring you get the most out of every tank.

Ever feel like you’re spending too much at the gas pump, especially with a capable SUV like the Ford Explorer? You’re not alone. Many owners of the 2016 Ford Explorer wonder how to squeeze more miles out of each gallon, especially as fuel prices fluctuate and daily commutes stretch longer. This article is your comprehensive guide to understanding, improving, and maintaining your Explorer’s fuel efficiency.

We’ll cut through the noise and provide practical, actionable advice, whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend warrior, or an avid off-roader. From simple maintenance checks to smarter driving habits and even specific upgrades, we’ll help you unlock your vehicle’s true potential for better fuel economy. Get ready to transform your driving experience and keep more cash in your wallet.

Table of Contents

Understanding Your 2016 Ford Explorer Miles Per Gallon: The Official & Real-World View

The 2016 Ford Explorer was offered with several engine options, each impacting its fuel economy. Knowing the official EPA ratings is a great starting point, but real-world performance can vary significantly based on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Official EPA Fuel Economy Ratings

Ford offered the 2016 Explorer with three distinct engine choices:

3.5L V6 (Standard): This engine came standard on most trims and offered a balance of power and capability.
2.3L EcoBoost I-4: Available on XLT and Limited trims, this turbocharged four-cylinder was designed to offer better fuel economy without sacrificing too much power.
3.5L EcoBoost V6: Exclusive to the Sport and Platinum trims, this twin-turbo V6 focused more on performance, making it the most powerful and, consequently, the least fuel-efficient option.

Here’s a breakdown of the EPA estimated 2016 Ford Explorer miles per gallon figures:

3.5L V6 FWD: 17 MPG city / 24 MPG highway / 20 MPG combined
3.5L V6 AWD: 16 MPG city / 23 MPG highway / 19 MPG combined
2.3L EcoBoost I-4 FWD: 19 MPG city / 28 MPG highway / 22 MPG combined
2.3L EcoBoost I-4 AWD: 18 MPG city / 26 MPG highway / 21 MPG combined
3.5L EcoBoost V6 AWD: 16 MPG city / 22 MPG highway / 18 MPG combined

Real-World Fuel Consumption

While EPA ratings provide a benchmark, your actual fuel consumption will likely differ. Factors like your driving style, terrain, cargo load, and maintenance schedule all play a significant role. Many owners report slightly lower figures than the EPA estimates, especially if they primarily drive in congested city traffic or have a heavy foot. For instance, a 2.3L EcoBoost owner might typically see 19-20 MPG combined, rather than the advertised 22 MPG, if they’re frequently accelerating hard.

Key Factors Affecting Your Explorer’s Fuel Economy

Several variables can either boost or hurt your Ford Explorer’s fuel efficiency. Understanding these can help you identify areas for improvement.

Engine Health and Maintenance

A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Clogged air filters, old spark plugs, or dirty fuel injectors can all lead to your engine working harder and consuming more fuel. Regular oil changes with the correct viscosity oil are also crucial for reducing engine friction.

Tire Condition and Pressure

Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing your engine to use more power to move the vehicle. Misaligned wheels also cause drag. Always check your tire pressure regularly and ensure your tires are in good condition and properly aligned.

Driving Habits

Aggressive driving – rapid acceleration, hard braking, and excessive speeding – is perhaps the biggest culprit for poor fuel economy. Smooth, consistent driving habits can dramatically improve your miles per gallon.

Aerodynamics and Weight

Extra weight in your vehicle means the engine needs to work harder. Similarly, external accessories like roof racks, cargo carriers, or even open windows at highway speeds increase aerodynamic drag, pushing down your fuel efficiency.

Terrain and Weather Conditions

Driving uphill, through snow, or against strong headwinds all demand more power from your engine, leading to higher fuel consumption. Extreme temperatures can also affect engine performance and tire pressure.

Essential Maintenance for Optimal 2016 Ford Explorer Miles Per Gallon

Regular, proactive maintenance is the single most effective way to ensure your 2016 Ford Explorer miles per gallon stays as high as possible. Don’t wait for a problem; follow your owner’s manual for service intervals.

Regular Oil Changes

What to do: Change your engine oil and oil filter according to Ford’s recommended schedule, typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, or annually, whichever comes first. Use the specified synthetic blend or full synthetic oil (e.g., 5W-20 or 5W-30, depending on your engine) for optimal lubrication and reduced friction. Why it helps: Fresh, clean oil reduces friction within the engine, allowing components to move more freely and efficiently. Dirty or degraded oil forces the engine to work harder, consuming more fuel.

Air Filter Replacement

What to do: Inspect and replace your engine air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, or more frequently if you drive in dusty conditions or off-road. It’s a simple DIY task; just unclip the airbox, pull out the old filter, and drop in a new one.

Why it helps: A clean air filter ensures your engine gets a sufficient supply of clean air for combustion. A clogged filter restricts airflow, leading to a “rich” fuel mixture (too much fuel, not enough air), which wastes fuel and reduces power.

Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement

What to do: Ford recommends inspecting spark plugs at around 60,000 miles and replacing them around 100,000 miles for most engines. Use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or equivalent platinum/iridium plugs for best performance. This can be a more involved DIY, requiring a spark plug socket and torque wrench.

Why it helps: Worn or fouled spark plugs lead to misfires and incomplete combustion. This means fuel is burned inefficiently, directly hurting your fuel economy and potentially causing engine damage over time.

Tire Pressure and Rotation

What to do: Check your tire pressure weekly using a reliable tire gauge. Inflate to the PSI recommended on the sticker inside your driver’s side door jamb, not the maximum pressure on the tire sidewall. Rotate your tires every 5,000-7,500 miles to ensure even wear. Why it helps: Properly inflated tires minimize rolling resistance, requiring less effort from the engine to move the vehicle. Unevenly worn tires or improper pressure can also lead to premature tire failure and dangerous handling.

Wheel Alignment

What to do: Have your wheel alignment checked annually or whenever you notice uneven tire wear or the vehicle pulling to one side. A professional alignment shop uses specialized equipment to adjust your suspension angles.

Why it helps: Misaligned wheels create drag, forcing the engine to work harder. Correct alignment ensures your tires roll freely and straight, reducing wear and improving fuel efficiency.

Fuel System Cleaner

What to do: Every 10,000 to 15,000 miles, add a high-quality fuel system cleaner (e.g., Techron, Seafoam) to a full tank of gas. Follow the product’s instructions carefully. Why it helps: These cleaners help remove carbon deposits from fuel injectors, valves, and combustion chambers. Clean components ensure proper fuel atomization and efficient combustion, restoring lost power and improving fuel economy.

Oxygen Sensor Check

What to do: If your “Check Engine” light illuminates, especially with codes related to O2 sensors, have them diagnosed. While not a routine maintenance item, faulty O2 sensors can severely impact fuel economy. Replacement often requires a specialized O2 sensor socket. Why it helps: Oxygen sensors monitor the exhaust gas composition and send data to the engine’s computer, which then adjusts the fuel-air mixture. A bad sensor can cause the engine to run too rich or too lean, wasting fuel.

Driving Habits That Boost Fuel Efficiency

Your driving style has a profound impact on your fuel consumption. Adopting a few simple habits can significantly improve your 2016 Ford Explorer miles per gallon.

Smooth Acceleration and Braking

Action: Accelerate gradually and anticipate stops to allow for smooth, controlled braking. Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and sudden, hard braking. Benefit: Rapid acceleration uses a lot of fuel quickly, and hard braking wastes the energy you just used to accelerate. Smooth transitions maintain momentum, requiring less energy input.

Maintain a Consistent Speed

Action: On highways, use cruise control to maintain a steady speed. Avoid unnecessary speeding; fuel economy typically drops significantly above 60-65 mph.

Benefit: Constant speed is more efficient than frequent acceleration and deceleration. Air resistance increases exponentially with speed, meaning going just a little faster can burn a lot more fuel.

Minimize Idling

Action: If you’re going to be stopped for more than 30 seconds (e.g., waiting for someone, at a long train crossing), it’s generally more fuel-efficient to turn off your engine and restart it when ready to go. Benefit: An idling engine gets 0 MPG. It burns fuel without moving the vehicle, costing you money and contributing to emissions.

Plan Your Routes

Action: Use navigation apps to find the most efficient route, avoiding heavy traffic, construction, and unnecessary detours. Combine errands into a single trip. Benefit: Shorter routes mean less driving time and less fuel consumed. Avoiding stop-and-go traffic also reduces fuel waste from constant acceleration.

Reduce Excess Weight

Action: Remove unnecessary items from your Explorer, especially heavy tools, luggage, or anything stored in the cargo area that isn’t needed for your current trip. Take off roof racks or cargo boxes when not in use.

Benefit: Every extra pound requires more energy to move. Removing 100 pounds can improve fuel economy by about 1-2%. Roof-mounted accessories also significantly increase aerodynamic drag.

Off-Roading and Towing: Managing Fuel Consumption

The Ford Explorer is a capable SUV, but its capabilities in towing and off-roading come with increased fuel demands. Knowing how to manage these activities can help mitigate the impact on your fuel economy.

Towing Best Practices

Prepare Your Trailer: Ensure your trailer tires are properly inflated to their maximum recommended PSI. Distribute the load evenly to reduce sway and stress on your vehicle. Secure all cargo to prevent shifting.

Drive Conservatively: When towing, accelerate and brake even more gently than usual. Maintain a slower, consistent speed, typically staying below 60-65 mph. The added weight and wind resistance dramatically increase fuel consumption. Monitor Your Transmission: Avoid constantly shifting gears. If your Explorer has a “Tow/Haul” mode, engage it. This adjusts transmission shift points to prevent excessive hunting for gears and can help preserve your transmission’s life while towing. Check Your Brakes: Ensure your Explorer’s brakes and the trailer’s brakes (if equipped) are in excellent condition. Heavier loads put more strain on the braking system, and efficient braking contributes to overall fuel management.

Off-Roading Fuel Management

Select the Right Terrain Management Mode: Your Explorer’s Terrain Management System (if equipped) has modes like “Mud/Ruts,” “Sand,” and “Snow.” Using the appropriate mode optimizes throttle response, transmission shifts, and AWD engagement for the conditions, preventing unnecessary wheelspin and wasted fuel. Gentle Throttle Input: Off-roading often involves challenging obstacles. Use light, consistent throttle inputs to maintain momentum without spinning tires. Aggressive throttle leads to wheelspin, which wastes fuel and can damage the terrain. Proper Tire Pressure for Terrain: While lower tire pressure (aired down) improves traction and ride comfort on soft terrain like sand, remember to reinflate to highway pressures immediately after returning to paved roads. Driving with underinflated tires on pavement significantly reduces fuel economy and can cause tire damage.

Plan Your Route: Scout your off-road trail beforehand if possible. Avoiding unnecessary obstacles or dead ends saves fuel and reduces wear and tear on your vehicle. Bring extra fuel in approved containers for extended trips, especially in remote areas. Always inform someone of your route and expected return time when venturing into the wilderness, and carry a satellite messenger or two-way radio for emergencies.

When encountering difficult obstacles or unfamiliar terrain off-road, always proceed with caution. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to walk the path first or seek guidance from an experienced off-roader or park ranger. Never push your vehicle beyond its limits or your skill level. Safety first, always.

Advanced Diagnostics and Upgrades for Better MPG

Beyond basic maintenance and driving habits, there are advanced diagnostic tools and potential upgrades that can further optimize your 2016 Ford Explorer miles per gallon.

OBD-II Scanner and Live Data

Tool: An OBD-II scanner (On-Board Diagnostics, second generation) connects to your vehicle’s diagnostic port (usually under the dash). Many affordable options are available, from basic code readers to advanced Bluetooth scanners that pair with smartphone apps. Application: Use the scanner to check for “pending” or active trouble codes that might not yet illuminate the “Check Engine” light. More advanced scanners can display live data, such as oxygen sensor readings, fuel trim, engine temperature, and mass airflow (MAF) sensor data. Inconsistent readings here can indicate a problem affecting fuel economy. Pro Insight: Look for fuel trim values. Long-term fuel trim (LTFT) and short-term fuel trim (STFT) should ideally be close to 0% (within +/- 5%). High positive values (+10% or more) suggest the engine is running lean and adding fuel, often due to a vacuum leak or faulty MAF sensor. High negative values (-10% or more) indicate a rich condition, possibly from a leaking injector or clogged air filter. Both conditions waste fuel.

Performance Tuning (for EcoBoost Engines)

Consideration: For 2.3L and 3.5L EcoBoost engines, aftermarket performance tunes can adjust engine parameters like fuel delivery, ignition timing, and boost pressure. Some tunes specifically aim for improved fuel economy rather than just raw power. Caution: While tuning can yield benefits, it can also void your powertrain warranty if not done by an authorized dealer or with Ford-approved parts. Always research reputable tuners and understand the risks. Improper tuning can lead to engine damage. This is generally for experienced DIYers or those willing to consult a specialist.

Weight Reduction and Aerodynamic Mods

Weight: If your Explorer is used primarily for daily commuting and not heavy hauling, consider lighter aftermarket wheels or removing heavy, unnecessary accessories (e.g., bull bars, heavy spare tire carriers if you don’t off-road). Every pound makes a difference.

Aerodynamics: For those really focused on efficiency, ensuring all body panels are flush, replacing worn weather stripping, and even adding subtle aerodynamic elements (like a rear spoiler if not already present) can marginally reduce drag. However, for an SUV like the Explorer, these gains are typically small compared to driving habits and maintenance.

Fuel Injector Cleaning and Inspection

When to Consider: If you suspect poor fuel atomization (rough idle, misfires, poor acceleration, combined with bad fuel economy), professional fuel injector cleaning might be necessary. This is more intensive than adding a bottle of cleaner to your tank. Process: A mechanic can remove the injectors and test them off-vehicle, cleaning them with specialized equipment to ensure they spray fuel in the correct pattern and volume. This ensures optimal combustion.

For any complex diagnostic or repair work, especially involving engine internals or specialized tuning, it’s always best to consult with a certified automotive professional. They have the expertise and tools to correctly diagnose and address issues, ensuring your Explorer runs safely and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2016 Ford Explorer Miles Per Gallon

How much does the 2.3L EcoBoost engine actually improve fuel economy?

The 2.3L EcoBoost engine typically offers a noticeable improvement, especially on the highway. EPA estimates show it can provide 2-4 MPG better combined fuel economy than the standard 3.5L V6. In real-world driving, many owners report seeing 1-3 MPG better, depending on their driving style.

Does using premium fuel improve my Explorer’s MPG?

For the 2016 Ford Explorer, only the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine (found in Sport and Platinum trims) is recommended to use premium 91+ octane fuel for optimal performance, though it can run on regular. For the 3.5L V6 and 2.3L EcoBoost, regular 87 octane fuel is perfectly adequate. Using premium fuel in an engine not designed for it will not improve your 2016 Ford Explorer miles per gallon and is a waste of money.

Can a dirty mass airflow (MAF) sensor affect fuel economy?

Yes, absolutely. A dirty or faulty MAF sensor can send incorrect air intake readings to the engine’s computer. This can lead to the engine injecting too much or too little fuel, resulting in poor combustion, reduced power, and significantly lower fuel economy. Cleaning the MAF sensor with a specialized MAF cleaner spray is a relatively easy DIY task that can often resolve this issue.

Is it worth replacing older tires to improve fuel economy?

If your tires are old, worn, or not designed for low rolling resistance, replacing them can offer a modest improvement in fuel economy. Newer tires, especially those with “low rolling resistance” ratings, are engineered to minimize friction with the road. However, ensure they are still appropriate for your driving needs (e.g., all-terrain if you off-road).

What’s the best way to track my real-world MPG?

The most accurate way is to manually calculate it: fill your tank, reset your trip odometer, drive normally, and then at your next fill-up, divide the miles driven by the gallons added. Many modern Explorers also have an in-dash fuel economy display, but manual calculation is often more precise.

Conclusion: Drive Smarter, Save More

Maximizing your 2016 Ford Explorer miles per gallon isn’t about magic; it’s about a combination of diligent maintenance, smart driving habits, and understanding your vehicle’s mechanics. By consistently performing routine checks like tire pressure and oil changes, adopting a smoother driving style, and being mindful of extra weight, you can significantly improve your Explorer’s fuel efficiency.

Remember, every little bit helps. Even a modest 1-2 MPG improvement can translate into substantial savings over a year. Whether you’re commuting to work, embarking on a family road trip, or tackling a rugged trail, these tips will help you get the most out of your 2016 Ford Explorer. Stay safe on the road, enjoy your adventures, and keep those fuel costs in check!

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Robert Lozano

Robert Lozano is the founder of Engine Needs. With a passion for engines and automotive technology, he provides expert reviews, guides, and advice to help drivers make smarter vehicle decisions.