2017 Ford Explorer Xlt Gas Mileage – Real-World Efficiency And Pro
The 2017 Ford Explorer XLT typically earns an EPA rating between 18 and 22 combined MPG, depending on whether it is equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost or the 3.5L Ti-VCT engine. While these factory numbers provide a baseline, real-world efficiency fluctuates based on drivetrain configurations, maintenance habits, and the weight of your weekend gear.
Do you feel like you are visiting the gas station more often than you should in your Explorer? Many owners find that their actual fuel economy doesn’t quite match the window sticker, especially when the odometer starts climbing toward the six-figure mark.
Maximizing your 2017 ford explorer xlt gas mileage requires a mix of smart driving and proactive mechanical upkeep. Whether you are commuting to work or heading off-road for a camping trip, small adjustments to your vehicle’s health can lead to significant savings at the pump.
In this guide, we will break down the technical factors affecting your SUV’s efficiency. From cleaning critical sensors to choosing the right tire pressure, you will learn how to keep your Ford running lean and strong for years to come.
Understanding the Engine Options for the 2017 Ford Explorer XLT
The 2017 XLT trim was offered with two primary powerplants, and each has a distinct personality when it comes to fuel consumption. Understanding which one sits under your hood is the first step in diagnosing efficiency issues.
The 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 Engine
The standard engine for the XLT is the 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6. This engine is known for its reliability and linear power delivery, but it is not the most frugal option in the lineup.
It uses Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT) to optimize valve operation across the RPM range. While this helps with efficiency, the sheer weight of the Explorer means this engine works hard during city driving, often resulting in lower MPG in stop-and-go traffic.
The 2.3L EcoBoost Four-Cylinder
Many XLT buyers opted for the 2.3L EcoBoost engine, which uses turbocharging and direct injection to produce V6-like power with fewer cylinders. On paper, this engine offers the best fuel economy for the 2017 model year.
However, turbochargers are sensitive to driving style. If you have a heavy foot, the turbo stays “on boost,” which requires a richer fuel mixture and can quickly negate the efficiency benefits of the smaller displacement.
Front-Wheel Drive vs. Four-Wheel Drive
The drivetrain plays a massive role in your total efficiency. Front-wheel drive (FWD) models are lighter and have fewer moving parts, generally offering 1-2 MPG more than their Intelligent 4WD counterparts.
The 4WD system adds weight through the transfer case, rear differential, and driveshafts. Even when the system is not actively sending power to the rear wheels, the added rotational mass and friction slightly decrease your overall fuel economy.
Maintenance Strategies to Improve 2017 ford explorer xlt gas mileage
If your fuel economy has taken a sudden dip, it is usually a sign that a consumable part is failing or dirty. Most of these fixes are well within the reach of a weekend DIY mechanic with basic tools.
Replacing the Engine Air Filter
Your engine needs to breathe freely to maintain a proper air-fuel ratio. A clogged or dirty air filter forces the engine to work harder to pull in air, which often leads to the computer compensating with more fuel.
Check your filter every 15,000 miles, or more often if you drive on dusty trails. Replacing it is a five-minute job that requires no tools; simply unclip the air box housing and swap the old element for a high-quality paper or dry-media filter.
Cleaning the Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
The MAF sensor measures the volume and density of air entering the engine. Over time, oil vapor and dust can coat the delicate wires inside the sensor, causing it to send inaccurate data to the Engine Control Module (ECM).
Use a dedicated MAF sensor cleaner spray—never use brake cleaner or carb cleaner, as these can damage the sensor. A clean sensor ensures the ECM can calculate the precise amount of fuel needed, preventing a “rich” condition that wastes gas.
Spark Plug Intervals and Gap
For the 2.3L EcoBoost engine especially, spark plug health is critical. Turbocharged engines are harder on plugs, and a widening gap can lead to weak combustion or subtle misfires that kill efficiency.
We recommend pulling the plugs every 50,000 miles to inspect the porcelain and electrode. Ensure you use the exact Motorcraft part number recommended in your owner’s manual and check the gap with a feeler gauge before installation.
The Impact of Tires and Alignment on Efficiency
Your tires are the only point of contact between your Explorer and the road. If they are not optimized, they create rolling resistance, which acts like a constant drag on your forward momentum.
Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure
Under-inflated tires are one of the most common causes of poor 2017 ford explorer xlt gas mileage. When a tire is low on air, its footprint spreads out, creating more friction against the pavement.
Check your tire pressure monthly using a reliable digital gauge. Always follow the PSI listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb rather than the “max pressure” listed on the tire sidewall itself.
Wheel Alignment and Drag
If your Explorer pulls to one side or the steering wheel is off-center, your wheel alignment is likely out of spec. This means your tires are essentially fighting each other as you drive down the road.
Poor alignment increases friction and wears out your tread prematurely. Getting a professional four-wheel alignment once a year ensures your SUV rolls as smoothly as possible, reducing the energy required to maintain highway speeds.
Choosing the Right Tread Pattern
For the off-roaders in the crowd, those aggressive all-terrain tires look great but come at a cost. Deep lugs and heavy carcasses increase weight and aerodynamic drag compared to standard highway-terrain tires.
If you spend 90% of your time on pavement, consider a “mild” all-terrain tire that balances off-road grip with a continuous center rib for better fuel economy. Every pound of “unsprung weight” added to the wheels is harder for the engine to turn than weight inside the cabin.
Advanced DIY Diagnostics for Fuel Economy Issues
Sometimes the cause of poor efficiency isn’t visible to the naked eye. If you have performed basic maintenance and the 2017 ford explorer xlt gas mileage is still lagging, it is time to dig deeper into the electronics.
Using an OBD-II Scanner
A basic OBD-II scan tool is a must-have for any Ford owner. You don’t need a check engine light to find useful data; look at your “Long Term Fuel Trims” to see if the computer is adding extra fuel to compensate for a vacuum leak.
If your fuel trims are consistently above +10%, your engine is running “lean,” and the computer is dumping extra gas to prevent damage. This is often caused by a leak in the intake manifold or a failing gasket.
Monitoring Oxygen Sensors
The Oxygen (O2) sensors in your exhaust manifold monitor how much unburnt fuel is leaving the engine. If these sensors become “lazy” due to age or carbon buildup, they may report incorrect data, causing the engine to run rich.
While O2 sensors usually last 100,000 miles, they can fail early. If you notice a “sulfur” or rotten egg smell from the exhaust, or a significant drop in MPG, use your scanner to check the voltage switching rate of the upstream sensors.
Cleaning the Throttle Body
The throttle body controls the amount of air entering the intake manifold. Over time, carbon deposits (gunk) can build up around the butterfly valve, preventing it from closing or opening smoothly.
This can cause a rough idle and poor throttle response, leading you to push the pedal harder than necessary. Carefully cleaning the bore with a soft brush and throttle body cleaner can restore smooth airflow and improve low-speed efficiency.
Real-World Driving Habits for the Ford Explorer
Even a perfectly maintained SUV will get poor mileage if driven aggressively. The 2017 Explorer is a heavy vehicle, and momentum management is the key to keeping your fuel costs down.
Mastering the EcoBoost Power Band
If you drive the 2.3L EcoBoost, try to keep the “Instant MPG” display active on your instrument cluster. You will notice that heavy acceleration triggers the turbocharger boost, which causes the MPG to plummet instantly.
Practice “rolling into” the throttle rather than stabbing it. By keeping the engine out of high-boost situations during normal city driving, you can significantly improve your weekly average without significantly increasing your travel time.
Using the Terrain Management System Wisely
The Explorer XLT’s Terrain Management System adjusts the throttle mapping and transmission shift points. While “Sand” or “Mud/Ruts” modes are great for the trail, they hold gears longer and sharpen throttle response, which wastes fuel on pavement.
Always ensure you are in “Normal” mode for daily driving. If you are on a long, flat highway stretch, using cruise control can help maintain a steady speed and prevent the “accordion effect” of constant braking and accelerating.
Managing Aerodynamics and Weight
Are you carrying around a roof rack or a hitch-mounted cargo carrier that you aren’t using? These items create aerodynamic drag, especially at speeds over 60 MPH. Removing unused racks can save you up to 1-2 MPG on the highway.
Similarly, clean out the cargo area. Every 100 pounds of unnecessary weight reduces your efficiency by about 1%. That extra set of tools or camping gear you forgot to take out adds up over hundreds of miles.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2017 ford explorer xlt gas mileage
What is the average 2017 ford explorer xlt gas mileage for city driving?
Most owners report seeing between 16 and 18 MPG in heavy city traffic. The 3.5L V6 tends to stay toward the lower end of that range, while the 2.3L EcoBoost can hit the higher end if you avoid aggressive starts from stoplights.
Does using Premium fuel improve the mileage in the 2.3L EcoBoost?
While the EcoBoost can run on 87-octane regular gas, using Premium (91+ octane) can provide a slight boost in efficiency and performance. This is because the higher octane allows the engine computer to run more advanced ignition timing without the risk of “knock.”
How much does towing a trailer affect my Explorer’s fuel economy?
Towing can cut your 2017 ford explorer xlt gas mileage by 30% to 50% depending on the weight and frontal area of the trailer. When towing, the engine stays under constant load and the transmission often stays in lower gears to provide torque, drastically increasing fuel consumption.
Why is my gas mileage lower in the winter?
Winter fuel blends have lower energy content, and cold engines take longer to reach operating temperature. Additionally, cold air is denser, increasing aerodynamic drag, and many owners idle their vehicles longer to warm up the cabin, all of which lower your MPG.
Summary of Efficiency Tips
Optimizing your 2017 ford explorer xlt gas mileage is a holistic process that combines technical maintenance with mindful driving. By keeping your sensors clean and your tires properly inflated, you ensure the mechanical side of the equation is balanced.
Remember that the Explorer is a versatile tool designed for both family comfort and rugged utility. While it may never match the efficiency of a compact sedan, following these pro-level maintenance steps ensures you aren’t leaving money on the table.
Start with the easy fixes like the air filter and tire pressure today. Not only will your wallet thank you at the pump, but your Explorer will also reward you with a smoother, more responsive ride for all your future adventures. Stay safe and keep wrenching!
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