2017 Ford Explorer Miles Per Gallon – Real-World Efficiency And Pro
The 2017 Ford Explorer offers a fuel economy range between 16 and 27 miles per gallon depending on the specific engine and drivetrain configuration. Factors such as towing, off-road modifications, and maintenance habits significantly influence how often you will visit the pump. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of these ratings and professional tips to help you maximize every drop of fuel.
You bought a Ford Explorer because you need versatility, power, and space for the whole crew. However, watching the fuel needle drop faster than expected can take the joy out of a weekend road trip. Whether you are commuting to work or heading off the beaten path, understanding your vehicle’s efficiency is the first step to saving money.
I have spent years under the hoods of Ford SUVs, and I know that the factory window sticker is only half the story. Real-world conditions, driving habits, and mechanical health play massive roles in your actual fuel consumption. In this guide, I will share expert insights into the 2017 ford explorer miles per gallon performance and how you can optimize it.
We will explore the differences between the three available engines, identify common maintenance pitfalls that kill efficiency, and look at how off-road gear impacts your range. By the end of this article, you will have a clear plan to keep your Explorer running lean and mean. Let’s dive into the technical details and practical solutions for your SUV.
Understanding the 2017 Ford Explorer Miles Per Gallon Ratings
The 2017 Ford Explorer came with three distinct engine options, each designed for a different type of driver. Choosing the right one depends on whether you prioritize highway cruising, heavy towing, or spirited performance. The 2017 ford explorer miles per gallon figures vary significantly across these powerplants.
The 2.3L EcoBoost Inline-4 Engine
This turbocharged four-cylinder is the efficiency champion of the lineup. It was designed to provide the power of a V6 with the fuel consumption of a smaller engine. When paired with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), it achieves an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. If you have the Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) version, expect those numbers to dip slightly to 18 city and 25 highway.
The 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 (Base Engine)
The naturally aspirated 3.5L Cyclone V6 is the workhorse of the 2017 model year. It offers a balance of reliability and steady power delivery. For FWD models, the EPA estimates 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The 4WD versions usually see 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. This engine is less complex than the EcoBoost options, making it a favorite for long-term DIY maintenance.
The 3.5L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6
Found in the Sport and Platinum trims, this engine is all about performance. It provides massive torque and horsepower, but it comes at a cost at the pump. This configuration is only available with 4WD and delivers an EPA-estimated 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. If you have a heavy foot, you might find your real-world numbers falling even lower than these estimates.
Factors That Impact Your Real-World Fuel Economy
While EPA ratings provide a baseline, your actual 2017 ford explorer miles per gallon will likely differ. Laboratory tests cannot perfectly replicate the variables of daily driving. Understanding these factors helps you adjust your expectations and your driving style.
One major factor is payload and towing. The Explorer is a heavy vehicle to begin with, and adding seven passengers plus gear adds significant strain to the engine. If you are towing a boat or a camper, your fuel economy can drop by 30% to 50% depending on the weight and wind resistance of the trailer.
Aerodynamics also play a huge role, especially at highway speeds. The Explorer has a large frontal area, and anything that disrupts airflow will hurt efficiency. Roof racks, cargo boxes, or even driving with the windows down at high speeds increases drag. This forces the engine to burn more fuel just to maintain a constant speed.
Environmental conditions like cold weather and high altitudes also matter. In winter, engines take longer to reach operating temperature, and “winter blend” gasoline contains less energy per gallon. If you live in a mountainous area, your engine has to work harder to climb grades, further reducing your overall range.
Maintenance Steps to Optimize Your 2017 Ford Explorer Fuel Efficiency
As an experienced technician, I can tell you that a neglected vehicle is an inefficient one. Small mechanical issues often go unnoticed but slowly drain your wallet at the gas station. Regular maintenance is the most effective way to protect your 2017 ford explorer miles per gallon investment.
Check and Replace Spark Plugs
The EcoBoost engines, in particular, are very sensitive to spark plug condition. Worn plugs can cause incomplete combustion, leading to wasted fuel and reduced power. For the 2.3L and 3.5L EcoBoost engines, I recommend checking the gap every 30,000 miles, even if the manual suggests a longer interval.
To do this yourself, you will need a 5/8″ spark plug socket, a torque wrench, and a gap gauge. Ensure the gap is set exactly to factory specifications (usually around 0.030 to 0.033 inches for EcoBoost models). Fresh plugs ensure a clean, strong spark that burns fuel efficiently.
Clean the Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
The MAF sensor tells the engine computer exactly how much air is entering the intake. If this sensor gets dusty or oily, it sends incorrect data, causing the engine to run “rich” (using too much fuel). Use a dedicated MAF sensor cleaner spray; never use carb cleaner or brake cleaner, as these can damage the delicate wires.
Monitor Tire Pressure and Alignment
Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, making the engine work harder to move the car. Check your tire pressure at least once a month using a reliable digital gauge. Refer to the sticker inside the driver’s door jamb for the correct PSI. Additionally, if your Explorer pulls to one side, your alignment is likely off, which creates “scrub” and kills fuel economy.
Off-Road Modifications and Their Impact on MPG
Many “EngineNeeds” readers love to take their Explorer off the pavement. While modifications make your SUV more capable, they almost always have a negative impact on the 2017 ford explorer miles per gallon. It is important to weigh the benefits of these mods against the increased fuel costs.
Installing a leveling kit or a lift kit changes the vehicle’s rake. This allows more air to flow under the chassis, creating turbulence and drag. Even a modest 2-inch lift can result in a loss of 1-2 mpg on the highway. If you add a heavy steel brush guard or skid plates, the added weight further compounds the issue.
Tire choice is perhaps the biggest factor for off-roaders. Moving from an All-Season tire to a heavy All-Terrain or Mud-Terrain tire significantly increases unsprung weight. These tires also have a higher rolling resistance due to their aggressive tread blocks. If you go up in tire size, your odometer will also be slightly off, making your calculated fuel economy look worse than it actually is.
To mitigate these losses, choose lightweight aluminum wheels instead of steel. If you use a roof rack for recovery gear, consider a low-profile design. Only keep heavy gear like jacks or extra fuel cans in the vehicle when you are actually heading to the trail. Keeping the vehicle as light and aerodynamic as possible is key.
Troubleshooting Common MPG Drops in the Ford Explorer
If you notice a sudden, sharp decrease in your 2017 ford explorer miles per gallon, it is time to stop guessing and start diagnosing. A drop of more than 3-4 mpg usually indicates a specific mechanical failure rather than just “bad gas” or cold weather.
The first culprit to investigate is the Oxygen (O2) sensor. These sensors monitor the exhaust gases to fine-tune the fuel mixture. Over time, they can become “lazy” before they actually trigger a Check Engine Light. A lazy sensor reacts slowly, often causing the engine to stay in a rich fuel state longer than necessary.
Another common issue in high-mileage 2017 Explorers is carbon buildup on the intake valves. Because the EcoBoost engines use Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), fuel does not wash over the intake valves to keep them clean. Carbon can restrict airflow and cause turbulence. Using a high-quality intake valve cleaner spray through the vacuum system every 20,000 miles can help maintain peak efficiency.
Finally, check for a sticking brake caliper. This is a “silent” fuel killer. A caliper that doesn’t fully retract will keep the brake pads in contact with the rotor, creating constant drag. After a drive, carefully feel near each wheel (don’t touch the rotor!). If one wheel feels significantly hotter than the others, you likely have a sticking caliper that needs immediate attention.
Practical Driving Habits for Maximum Range
You don’t always need new parts to improve your 2017 ford explorer miles per gallon. Sometimes, the best tool for the job is your right foot. Adopting a few “hypermiling” techniques can significantly extend the distance between fill-ups without making your commute miserable.
- Smooth Acceleration: Imagine there is an egg between your foot and the gas pedal. Avoid “jackrabbit” starts from stoplights. The goal is to get into the highest gear possible as quickly and smoothly as possible.
- Use Cruise Control: On flat highways, cruise control is much better at maintaining a steady speed than a human foot. It prevents the constant micro-accelerations that waste fuel.
- Limit Idling: If you are waiting for more than 60 seconds, turn the engine off. Modern fuel-injected engines use very little fuel to restart, whereas idling can burn half a gallon to a full gallon of gas per hour.
- Manage Your Speed: Most SUVs see a sharp decline in efficiency once they pass 65 mph. Aerodynamic drag increases exponentially with speed. Dropping from 75 mph to 65 mph can often save you 2-3 mpg.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2017 Ford Explorer Miles Per Gallon
Does premium gas improve the 2017 Ford Explorer miles per gallon?
For the 3.5L non-turbo V6, premium gas provides little to no benefit in fuel economy. However, for the 2.3L and 3.5L EcoBoost engines, Ford notes that they achieve their peak horsepower and torque ratings using 93-octane fuel. While it may not significantly boost mpg in city driving, using premium can improve efficiency during high-load situations like towing or mountain climbing.
Why is my 2017 Ford Explorer getting worse gas mileage than the EPA estimate?
The EPA estimates are conducted under ideal conditions. Real-world factors like aggressive driving, excessive idling, low tire pressure, or carrying heavy loads will reduce your numbers. Additionally, as the vehicle ages, components like O2 sensors and spark plugs wear down, leading to a natural decline in efficiency if not maintained.
Will a cold air intake help my Explorer’s fuel economy?
Generally, no. Most modern vehicles, including the 2017 Explorer, already have very efficient factory air boxes. While a cold air intake might change the engine sound or provide a tiny boost in top-end power, it rarely results in a measurable increase in miles per gallon. In some cases, if it isn’t shielded properly, it can suck in hot engine air and actually decrease efficiency.
How much does the 4WD system affect the fuel economy?
The Intelligent 4WD system in the Explorer adds weight and mechanical drag. Even when the rear wheels aren’t actively being powered, the extra components like the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and rear driveshaft must rotate. This typically results in a 1-2 mpg penalty compared to the FWD versions of the same engine.
Final Thoughts on Maximizing Your Explorer’s Efficiency
Managing your 2017 ford explorer miles per gallon doesn’t have to be a source of frustration. By understanding the capabilities of your specific engine and staying on top of essential maintenance, you can keep your fuel costs under control. Whether you are navigating city traffic or exploring a remote trail, a well-maintained SUV is your best asset.
Remember that the small things add up. A clean air filter, properly inflated tires, and a gentle touch on the throttle can save you hundreds of dollars over the course of a year. If you notice a sudden change in performance, don’t ignore it. Use the troubleshooting steps we discussed to find the root cause before it leads to a more expensive repair.
The 2017 Ford Explorer remains a fantastic vehicle for those who value utility and comfort. By treating it with the care an expert DIYer provides, you ensure that it remains efficient for years to come. Stay safe on the roads, keep your sensors clean, and enjoy the journey ahead!
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