2017 Ford Explorer Sport Fuel Economy – Maximizing Miles Per Gallon
The 2017 Ford Explorer Sport, with its potent 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, offers a compelling blend of performance and utility. While not primarily built for hypermiling, understanding and optimizing its fuel consumption is achievable for owners who plan their trips and maintain their vehicles diligently. This guide dives into how you can get the most out of your Explorer Sport’s gas tank, whether navigating city streets or heading off the beaten path.
Understanding Your 2017 Ford Explorer Sport’s Fuel Consumption
The 2017 Ford Explorer Sport is equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, which is a powerhouse delivering significant torque and horsepower. This engine, while impressive, is naturally going to consume more fuel than a smaller, less powerful option. The EPA estimated fuel economy for the 2017 Ford Explorer Sport, when new, was around 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway, with a combined rating typically falling around 18 MPG. However, real-world driving conditions, vehicle maintenance, driving habits, and external factors can significantly influence these numbers.
Many owners report figures that can vary widely. For instance, aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, carrying heavy loads, or driving at high speeds will all impact your actual MPG. Conversely, smooth driving, maintaining consistent speeds, and proper vehicle upkeep can help you get closer to, or even surpass, those original EPA estimates.
This article aims to provide you with practical, actionable insights to improve your 2017 Ford Explorer Sport fuel economy, whether you’re commuting daily, planning a long road trip, or venturing off-road. We’ll cover everything from routine maintenance to smart driving techniques.
Factors Influencing Your Explorer Sport’s MPG
Several elements play a crucial role in determining how many miles per gallon your 2017 Ford Explorer Sport achieves. Understanding these can empower you to make informed decisions to maximize your fuel efficiency.
Engine Performance and Maintenance
The heart of the Explorer Sport’s fuel consumption lies within its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. Regular maintenance is paramount to ensuring this engine operates at peak efficiency. Spark Plugs and Ignition System: Worn spark plugs can lead to incomplete combustion, wasting fuel. Similarly, issues with ignition coils or wires can disrupt the spark, causing misfires and reducing MPG. Inspecting and replacing these components at recommended intervals is vital.
Air Filter: A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, forcing it to work harder and consume more fuel. A clean air filter allows the engine to breathe freely, promoting efficient combustion. This is one of the simplest and most cost-effective maintenance tasks you can perform. Fuel Injectors: Dirty or clogged fuel injectors can spray fuel unevenly, leading to poor atomization and inefficient burning. Regular use of a quality fuel injector cleaner or professional cleaning can help maintain optimal spray patterns. Oil Changes: Using the correct grade of synthetic oil and adhering to a regular oil change schedule reduces friction within the engine. Less friction means the engine runs smoother and more efficiently, directly impacting fuel economy.
Tire Condition and Inflation
Your tires are the only point of contact between your Explorer Sport and the road, and their condition significantly impacts fuel efficiency. Tire Pressure: Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, meaning your engine has to work harder to move the vehicle. This is a common culprit for reduced MPG. Always check your tire pressure when the tires are cold, referring to the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended PSI. Tire Tread: Worn tires with shallow tread can also increase rolling resistance. Ensure your tires have adequate tread depth for optimal grip and efficiency. For off-road use, specific tire choices will influence on-road economy, but maintaining proper pressure is always key.
Wheel Alignment: Misaligned wheels cause tires to drag or scrub against the road surface, dramatically increasing resistance and decreasing fuel economy. You might notice uneven tire wear or the vehicle pulling to one side if your alignment is off.
Aerodynamics and Vehicle Load
How your Explorer Sport cuts through the air, and how much weight it’s carrying, directly affects its fuel economy. Roof Racks and Cargo Carriers: Even empty roof racks can create significant aerodynamic drag, especially at highway speeds. If you’re not using them, remove them. When hauling gear, consider a streamlined cargo box over bulky, open racks.
Weight: Extra weight requires more energy to move. Regularly declutter your vehicle; remove any unnecessary items from the cargo area or cabin. This applies whether you’re packing for a weekend camping trip or just running errands.
Windows and Sunroof: At lower speeds (under 40 mph), opening windows is generally more fuel-efficient than using the air conditioning. However, at higher highway speeds, the aerodynamic drag created by open windows often outweighs the energy used by the A/C. Keeping windows and sunroof closed at highway speeds is usually the more economical choice.
Driving Habits for Better Fuel Economy
Your driving style has a profound impact on your 2017 Ford Explorer Sport fuel economy. Adopting a few simple habits can lead to noticeable improvements.
Smooth Acceleration and Braking
Aggressive driving, characterized by rapid acceleration and hard braking, is a major fuel guzzler. The EcoBoost engine in the Explorer Sport is responsive, but it’s best to coax it gently. Gentle Starts: Accelerate smoothly and gradually. Pressing the accelerator pedal lightly and steadily allows the engine to reach your desired speed without excessive fuel consumption. Avoid flooring the pedal unless absolutely necessary. Anticipate Traffic: Look ahead and anticipate traffic flow. If you see a red light or slowing traffic, ease off the accelerator early and let the vehicle coast rather than braking hard at the last moment. This not only saves fuel but also reduces wear on your brakes.
Maintain Consistent Speed: Fluctuating speeds require more energy. On the highway, using cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed, which is often more fuel-efficient than manual control over long distances.
Managing Speed Wisely
Speed is a critical factor in fuel consumption, especially for larger SUVs like the Explorer Sport. Highway Speeds: Fuel economy typically decreases significantly as speed increases above 50-60 mph. While the Explorer Sport is comfortable at higher speeds, reducing your highway speed by even 5-10 mph can yield substantial fuel savings over a long trip. For instance, dropping from 75 mph to 65 mph can improve MPG considerably.
City Driving: In city driving, frequent stops and starts are inevitable. Focus on smooth acceleration and deceleration, as mentioned earlier. Avoiding short trips when possible also helps, as engines are less efficient when cold.
Utilizing Vehicle Features
Your Explorer Sport has features designed to assist with driving, some of which can indirectly help with fuel economy. Eco Mode (If Equipped): Some Explorer models feature an “Eco Mode” button. When engaged, this mode adjusts throttle response and transmission shift points to prioritize fuel efficiency. While it might make the vehicle feel less responsive, it can offer a noticeable improvement in MPG.
Smart Cruise Control (If Equipped): If your Explorer Sport has adaptive or smart cruise control, it can help maintain a consistent speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, which can contribute to more efficient driving on highways.
Planning for Better 2017 Ford Explorer Sport Fuel Economy
Proactive planning can make a significant difference in your overall fuel consumption, especially for longer journeys or when heading off-road.
Route Planning and Navigation
Choosing the right route can save both time and fuel.
Minimize Stop-and-Go Traffic: Use navigation apps that offer real-time traffic updates and can reroute you around congestion. Frequent idling and acceleration/braking cycles in heavy traffic are detrimental to MPG. Consider Terrain: While less impactful on paved roads, steep inclines require more engine power and thus more fuel. If you have a choice, a route with less drastic elevation changes might be slightly more economical, though often speed and traffic are bigger factors. Combine Errands: If you have multiple short trips to make around town, try to combine them into a single outing. A warm engine is more efficient than a cold one, so a longer, consolidated trip is generally better for fuel economy than several short ones.
Off-Road Considerations and Fuel Efficiency
When you take your 2017 Ford Explorer Sport off the pavement, fuel economy takes on a different dimension. Tire Choice and Pressure: All-terrain or mud-terrain tires, while excellent for grip, often have a more aggressive tread pattern that increases rolling resistance on pavement. For mixed use, a good all-terrain tire that balances on-road and off-road performance is a compromise. Always adjust tire pressure appropriately for off-road conditions; lower pressures improve traction but can reduce on-road efficiency significantly. Always reinflate for highway driving. Engage 4WD Wisely: The Explorer Sport likely has an intelligent 4WD system. Use 4WD only when necessary for traction. Driving in 4WD on dry, paved surfaces can increase drivetrain drag and reduce fuel economy.
Vehicle Load for Overlanding: When preparing for an off-road adventure, every pound counts. Pack only essential gear. Excessive weight will make your Explorer Sport work harder, consuming more fuel, especially on challenging terrain.
Driving Technique Off-Road: Smooth, controlled inputs are key. Avoid unnecessary wheel spin, which wastes energy and can dig you into trouble. Conserve momentum where possible.
Advanced Tips and Troubleshooting
Beyond basic maintenance and driving habits, a few advanced techniques and troubleshooting steps can help you squeeze every last mile out of your tank.
Fuel Quality and Additives
The quality of the fuel you use can have a subtle impact on your 2017 Ford Explorer Sport fuel economy. Top Tier Gasoline: Consider using “Top Tier” gasoline brands. These fuels contain a higher concentration of detergents that help keep your fuel system, including injectors and intake valves, cleaner. A cleaner fuel system operates more efficiently. Fuel Additives: While not a magic bullet, some reputable fuel system cleaners can help remove deposits that might be hindering injector performance. Use them according to product instructions and choose well-regarded brands.
Monitoring Your Fuel Economy
Tracking your MPG is crucial for understanding what works and what doesn’t. Trip Computer: Your Explorer’s trip computer provides an instantaneous or average MPG reading. Use this as a guide while driving to see how your habits affect consumption in real-time. Manual Tracking: For the most accurate picture, track your MPG manually. After filling the tank, reset your trip odometer. The next time you fill up, divide the number of miles driven by the gallons you just put in. Compare this to your trip computer’s average and your historical data.
Common Issues Affecting MPG
If you notice a sudden drop in your 2017 Ford Explorer Sport fuel economy, several common issues could be the cause. Oxygen Sensors: Faulty oxygen sensors can send incorrect data to the engine control module (ECM), leading to an incorrect air-fuel mixture and poor fuel economy. A check engine light often accompanies this issue. Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF): A dirty or malfunctioning MAF sensor can also disrupt the air-fuel mixture. Cleaning a MAF sensor with specialized MAF cleaner is a relatively simple DIY task that can sometimes resolve MPG issues.
Exhaust Leaks: Leaks in the exhaust system, particularly before the oxygen sensors, can affect sensor readings and lead to inefficient engine operation. Thermostat Issues: If the engine thermostat is stuck open, the engine may not reach its optimal operating temperature, which can negatively impact fuel efficiency. The engine control module expects the engine to reach a certain temperature to run efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2017 Ford Explorer Sport Fuel Economy
What are typical real-world MPG figures for a 2017 Ford Explorer Sport?
While EPA estimates are 16 city/22 highway MPG, most owners report a range of 15-18 MPG in mixed city/highway driving. Aggressive driving or heavy loads can push this lower, while very conservative highway driving might see you reach the low 20s.
Can I improve my highway MPG significantly?
Yes, by driving at a consistent speed, ideally between 55-65 mph, and ensuring your vehicle is well-maintained (proper tire pressure, clean air filter, good oil), you can see noticeable improvements on the highway.
Does using premium fuel make a difference in my Explorer Sport’s MPG?
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline. While some may argue for premium in certain performance applications, for standard driving aimed at fuel economy, regular unleaded should suffice and will not negatively impact your 2017 Ford Explorer Sport fuel economy.
How much does carrying extra weight affect my fuel economy?
Every extra 100 pounds can reduce your MPG by about 1%. So, for an SUV that might carry several hundred pounds of gear for a trip, this can add up significantly over time.
Is there a specific maintenance schedule I should follow for fuel economy?
Adhering to Ford’s recommended maintenance schedule for your 2017 Explorer Sport is the best approach. This includes regular oil changes, air filter replacements, spark plug checks, and tire rotations.
Conclusion: Mastering Your Explorer Sport’s Fuel Consumption
Achieving optimal 2017 Ford Explorer Sport fuel economy is a continuous process that blends diligent maintenance, smart driving habits, and thoughtful planning. By understanding the factors that influence your MPG and implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can significantly reduce your fuel costs and extend your range, whether you’re navigating daily commutes or embarking on grand adventures. Remember, a well-maintained vehicle and a conscious driving approach are your most powerful tools for maximizing every gallon.
Stay safe, drive smart, and enjoy the journey!
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