2018 Ford Explorer Gas Mileage – Maximizing Your Suv’S Efficiency
The 2018 Ford Explorer offers a range of fuel economy ratings depending on whether you have the 2.3L EcoBoost, the base 3.5L V6, or the powerful 3.5L EcoBoost engine. While EPA estimates range from 16 to 27 MPG, real-world factors like drivetrain, maintenance habits, and driving conditions significantly influence your actual pump costs.
We all know that owning a mid-sized SUV is a balancing act between utility and expense. You likely chose this vehicle for its three-row versatility and towing capability, but the cost at the pump can sometimes be a surprise. Whether you are hauling the family to a campsite or commuting through stop-and-go traffic, getting the most out of every gallon is a top priority.
In this guide, we will break down exactly what you can expect from your fuel tank and how to improve your numbers. From understanding engine specificities to performing DIY maintenance that restores efficiency, we have you covered. Our goal is to turn your Explorer into a more economical machine without sacrificing its rugged performance.
By the end of this article, you will have a clear roadmap for monitoring and optimizing your 2018 ford explorer gas mileage. We will look at technical data, common mechanical pitfalls, and professional driving techniques. Let’s dive into the specifics of what makes this Ford tick and how to keep your fuel needle from dropping too fast.
Understanding the 2018 ford explorer gas mileage by Engine Type
Ford offered three distinct powerplants for the 2018 model year, each with its own fuel appetite. The base engine is the 3.5L Ti-VCT V6, a naturally aspirated workhorse found in many fleet and base models. It typically delivers an EPA-estimated 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway for front-wheel-drive configurations.
For those seeking the best efficiency, the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 is the standout choice. This turbocharged engine utilizes direct injection to produce impressive torque while maintaining better fuel economy. It reaches up to 19 MPG city and 27 MPG highway, making it the preferred option for long-distance highway cruisers.
The performance-oriented Sport and Platinum trims feature the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. This twin-turbocharged engine prioritizes power over parsimony, resulting in lower ratings. You can expect roughly 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway, though heavy-footed driving can easily push those numbers into the low teens.
The Role of Turbocharging and Direct Injection
The EcoBoost engines rely on Direct Injection (DI) and turbochargers to maximize the energy extracted from every drop of fuel. By spraying fuel directly into the combustion chamber at high pressure, the engine achieves a more complete burn. This technology is a double-edged sword for efficiency.
While DI improves power, it can lead to carbon buildup on the intake valves over time. Since fuel no longer “washes” the back of the valves, oil vapors can bake onto the metal. This restriction of airflow eventually hurts your fuel economy and causes rough idling.
Transmission Efficiency and the 6-Speed SelectShift
All 2018 Explorers use a 6-speed automatic transmission, which is robust but lacks the extra gears found in newer 10-speed models. This means the engine often has to work harder at higher RPMs during highway merging or towing. Keeping your transmission fluid clean is vital for maintaining smooth shifts and optimal power transfer.
The Impact of Drivetrain: FWD vs. 4WD Fuel Consumption
Choosing between Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) changes the mechanical drag on your vehicle. FWD models are lighter and have fewer moving parts, which naturally leads to better efficiency. If you primarily drive in dry, paved environments, the FWD setup is the most economical configuration.
The 4WD system adds a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and a rear differential, increasing the vehicle’s weight by several hundred pounds. Even when the system isn’t actively sending power to the rear wheels, there is parasitic loss from the spinning components. This typically results in a 1-2 MPG penalty compared to FWD counterparts.
Intelligent 4WD and Terrain Management
Ford’s Intelligent 4WD system is proactive, meaning it adjusts torque distribution before wheel slip even occurs. While this is great for safety on slick boat ramps or snowy roads, it can use more fuel. Using the “Normal” setting on the Terrain Management dial is essential for daily driving to ensure the system isn’t over-allocating power.
Tire Choice and Rolling Resistance
Off-road enthusiasts often swap stock tires for aggressive All-Terrain (A/T) treads. While these look great and provide grip in the mud, their high rolling resistance is a silent killer of efficiency. The deeper the tread blocks and the heavier the tire, the more energy your engine wastes just to keep them turning.
Common Maintenance Issues That Kill Your Explorer’s MPG
If you notice a sudden drop in your 2018 ford explorer gas mileage, it is usually a sign that a component is underperforming. Modern vehicles rely on a network of sensors to maintain the perfect air-fuel ratio. When one of these fails or gets dirty, the computer often defaults to a “rich” mixture, burning more fuel than necessary.
Routine DIY checks can save you hundreds of dollars in fuel costs over the life of the vehicle. You don’t need to be a master mechanic to inspect your air filter or check your tire pressure. These simple tasks are the foundation of fuel economy and vehicle longevity.
The Importance of Clean Air Filters
Your engine is essentially a giant air pump; if it can’t breathe, it can’t work efficiently. A clogged engine air filter forces the engine to work harder to pull in oxygen. Check your filter every 15,000 miles, or more often if you frequently drive on dusty gravel roads or off-road trails.
Spark Plug Intervals and Gap Settings
For EcoBoost engines, spark plugs are critical. The high-pressure environment of a turbocharged engine can wear out plug electrodes faster than a naturally aspirated V6. If your plugs are fouled or the gap is too wide, you will experience incomplete combustion and a noticeable dip in MPG.
- Replace spark plugs every 60,000 miles for EcoBoost models.
- Always use a gap gauge to verify the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Inspect ignition coils for signs of heat damage or cracking.
Oxygen Sensors and the MAF Sensor
The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor tells the computer how much air is entering the engine. If it gets coated in dust or oil (common with reusable “oiled” filters), it sends inaccurate data. Cleaning this sensor with a dedicated MAF cleaner spray is a 10-minute DIY job that can restore lost efficiency.
Real-World Driving Scenarios: Towing and Off-Roading
The EPA ratings for the Explorer are calculated under ideal laboratory conditions. In the real world, your 2018 ford explorer gas mileage will fluctuate based on how you use the vehicle. Towing a trailer or heading into the backcountry changes the physics of fuel consumption entirely.
When towing, the 2018 Explorer can pull up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. However, towing even a small 2,000 lb camper can drop your highway mileage into the low double digits. This is due to both the weight and the massive aerodynamic drag created by the trailer.
Managing Fuel While Towing
To maximize efficiency while hauling gear, avoid using the “Sport” mode, which holds gears longer and keeps RPMs high. Instead, use the Tow/Haul mode, which optimizes shift points for the extra load. Keeping your speed around 60-65 MPH rather than 75 MPH can significantly reduce the fuel penalty of wind resistance.
Off-Roading and Low-Speed Efficiency
Crawling through trails or sand requires high torque at low speeds, which is the least efficient way to run an internal combustion engine. If you are an off-road enthusiast, be prepared for your MPG to drop to 8-10 MPG during technical sections. Always carry extra fuel if you plan on extended stays in remote areas where gas stations are non-existent.
- Air down your tires for better traction, but remember to air them back up for the highway.
- Avoid idling for long periods to run the AC; it consumes more fuel than you might think.
- Remove heavy roof racks or cargo boxes when they aren’t in use to improve aerodynamics.
DIY Performance Mods to Improve Fuel Efficiency
Many owners look toward the aftermarket to improve their 2018 ford explorer gas mileage. While there are no “magic” chips that double your MPG, certain modifications can help the engine run more efficiently. The key is to focus on reducing restrictions and improving the quality of the air and fuel entering the system.
One of the most effective mods for EcoBoost owners is an Oil Catch Can. As mentioned earlier, carbon buildup on valves is a major issue. A catch can filters out oil vapors from the PCV system before they reach the intake, keeping your valves clean and your combustion process efficient over the long term.
Upgrading to a High-Flow Dry Air Filter
While some “cold air intakes” are mostly for sound, a high-quality dry synthetic filter can offer better airflow than paper filters. Avoid “oiled” filters if you aren’t prepared to clean your MAF sensor regularly. A high-flow dry filter provides a slight bump in throttle response and can marginally improve highway MPG.
The Impact of Weight Reduction
The 2018 Explorer is a heavy vehicle, weighing nearly 5,000 lbs in some trims. Every 100 lbs of extra weight reduces fuel economy by about 1%. Take a moment to clear out unnecessary gear from the cargo area. If you don’t need that third-row seat for a long trip, removing it (if possible) or at least keeping the cabin clear can help.
The Role of Sensors and Electronics in Fuel Management
Your Explorer is equipped with an On-Board Diagnostics (OBDII) system that constantly monitors fuel trims. If you have a “Check Engine” light, your fuel economy is likely suffering. Even without a light, a faulty thermostat can keep the engine from reaching operating temperature, causing it to stay in “warm-up” mode and burn extra gas.
Using a basic OBDII scanner, you can check your “Long Term Fuel Trims.” If these numbers are positive by more than 10%, your engine is compensating for a lean condition (too much air), likely caused by a vacuum leak or a dirty sensor. Addressing these small electronic discrepancies is the pro way to maintain peak efficiency.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Never ignore a TPMS warning. Driving on under-inflated tires increases the contact patch with the road, creating rolling resistance that acts like a constant brake on your progress. For the best balance of ride comfort and fuel economy, stick to the PSI listed on the sticker inside your driver’s side door jamb.
Fuel Quality and Octane Ratings
The 2018 Explorer is designed to run on 87-octane regular unleaded. However, Ford notes that for “severe duty” or towing, premium fuel (91+ octane) is recommended. In EcoBoost engines, higher octane allows the computer to advance spark timing, which can actually result in slightly better fuel economy and significantly better power under load.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2018 ford explorer gas mileage
What is the average 2018 ford explorer gas mileage for the Sport trim?
The 2018 Explorer Sport, equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and standard 4WD, typically averages around 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. In combined real-world driving, most owners report seeing between 17 and 18 MPG, depending on how aggressively they use the twin-turbochargers.
Does using Cruise Control help with MPG?
Yes, using cruise control on flat highways helps maintain a steady throttle position, which is much more efficient than the constant micro-adjustments of a human foot. However, in very hilly terrain, it is often better to control the throttle manually to prevent the transmission from downshifting too aggressively on inclines.
How much does a roof rack affect my fuel economy?
An empty roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 1% to 5% due to wind resistance. If you add a cargo box or a set of kayaks, that penalty can jump to 10% or 20% at highway speeds. Always remove crossbars and racks when you don’t plan on using them for several weeks.
Will a fuel injector cleaner improve my mileage?
If your injectors are partially clogged with deposits, a high-quality fuel system cleaner containing PEA (Polyetheramine) can help restore the spray pattern. This leads to better atomization and can recover 1-2 MPG if the system was previously dirty. It is a cheap preventative maintenance step to take every oil change.
Final Thoughts on Mastering Your Explorer’s Efficiency
Optimizing your 2018 ford explorer gas mileage isn’t about one single “trick.” It is the result of consistent maintenance, smart driving habits, and an understanding of your vehicle’s mechanical limits. Whether you’re driving the efficient 2.3L EcoBoost or the powerful 3.5L Sport, you have the power to influence your fuel costs.
Start by checking the basics: tire pressure, air filters, and your driving style. If you are a DIYer, don’t be afraid to dig into the sensors or perform a throttle body cleaning to keep the air flowing smoothly. These small efforts accumulate into significant savings over thousands of miles of adventure.
Remember, the Explorer is a tool designed for exploration and family safety. While fuel economy is important, maintaining the mechanical integrity of your vehicle ensures it will be ready for the next off-road trail or cross-country road trip. Stay proactive with your maintenance, drive with a light foot, and enjoy the journey!
Stay safe and stay efficient on the road!
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