Ford Explorer 2018 Gas Mileage – Real-World Stats And Efficiency Fixes
The 2018 Ford Explorer offers fuel economy ratings that vary significantly across its three engine options, typically ranging from 16 to 22 combined MPG. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of these ratings and offers practical maintenance steps to help you maximize every gallon in your tank.
Owning a mid-size SUV usually means balancing power with the cost at the pump. You likely chose this vehicle for its towing capacity or third-row seating, but the frequent fuel stops can become a burden.
If you want to understand your ford explorer 2018 gas mileage and learn how to optimize it, you are in the right place. We will explore the technical factors that influence efficiency and provide DIY fixes to keep your engine running lean.
This article covers engine-specific performance, the impact of 4WD systems, and the maintenance routines every owner should follow. We will help you identify why your fuel economy might be dropping and how to fix it.
Understanding Your ford explorer 2018 gas mileage by Engine Type
Ford offered three distinct powerplants for the 2018 model year, each with its own fuel consumption profile. Knowing which engine sits under your hood is the first step in managing your expectations at the gas station.
The 2.3L EcoBoost Inline-4
This turbocharged four-cylinder is the efficiency leader of the lineup. It was designed to provide the torque of a larger V6 while maintaining better highway mileage during long cruises.
Front-wheel drive models with this engine typically see an EPA-estimated 19 city and 27 highway MPG. If you have the Intelligent 4WD system, expect those numbers to dip slightly to 18 city and 25 highway.
The 3.5L Ti-VCT V6
The naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 was the standard choice for many base and XLT trims. It is a reliable workhorse but lacks the advanced fuel-saving technology found in the EcoBoost variants.
Expect roughly 17 city and 24 highway MPG with front-wheel drive. Adding 4WD to this specific engine usually brings the highway rating down to 22 MPG, making it a thirstier option for daily commuting.
The 3.5L EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6
Found in the Sport and Platinum trims, this engine prioritizes performance over economy. It delivers 365 horsepower, which is great for merging but heavy on fuel consumption.
This engine only comes with 4WD and is rated at 16 city and 22 highway MPG. If you have a heavy foot, you may find your real-world ford explorer 2018 gas mileage stays closer to the 15 MPG mark in mixed driving.
Mechanical Factors That Influence Fuel Efficiency
Several mechanical systems work together to determine how much fuel your Explorer consumes. When one part of this system fails or degrades, your miles per gallon will suffer immediately.
Aerodynamics and Vehicle Weight
The 2018 Explorer is a heavy vehicle with a large frontal area that creates significant wind resistance. Adding roof racks, cargo boxes, or heavy off-road bumpers increases drag and lowers efficiency.
Extra weight inside the cabin also forces the engine to work harder during acceleration. Clean out your cargo area to remove unnecessary tools or gear that add dead weight to your daily drives.
Drivetrain Losses and 4WD Systems
Vehicles equipped with 4WD have more moving parts, including a transfer case, front differential, and extra CV axles. These components create mechanical friction that the engine must overcome.
Ford’s Intelligent 4WD system helps by disconnected the rear wheels when they aren’t needed. However, the added weight of the hardware still impacts the ford explorer 2018 gas mileage compared to FWD models.
The Role of the Transmission
The 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission manages power delivery and plays a huge role in keeping RPMs low. If the transmission fluid is old or the torque converter isn’t locking properly, mileage will drop.
Ensure your transmission software is up to date, as Ford occasionally releases PCM updates that improve shift logic. Better shifting leads to more time spent in the highest gear possible.
Maintenance Tasks to Boost Your Explorer’s Efficiency
Routine maintenance is the most effective way to restore lost fuel economy. Most of these tasks are simple enough for a weekend DIYer to handle with basic hand tools.
Replacing the Air Filter
An engine is essentially a large air pump; if it cannot breathe, it cannot burn fuel 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 drive on dusty trails. Replacing a dirty filter can improve throttle response and prevent the engine from running a “rich” fuel mixture.
Spark Plug and Ignition Coil Health
The EcoBoost engines are particularly sensitive to spark plug gaps and carbon fouling. Worn plugs cause incomplete combustion, meaning unburnt fuel literally goes out the tailpipe.
Replace your spark plugs every 60,000 miles, especially on turbocharged models. Use iridium-tipped plugs for the best longevity and ensure they are gapped exactly to factory specifications.
Cleaning the Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
The MAF sensor tells the computer exactly how much air is entering the engine. If it gets coated in oil or dust, it sends inaccurate data, leading to poor fuel management.
Use a specialized MAF sensor cleaner spray to gently remove debris from the delicate wires. Never touch the wires with your fingers or a cloth, as they are extremely fragile and expensive to replace.
Tire Pressure and Rolling Resistance
Your tires are the only point of contact between your SUV and the road. If they aren’t optimized, they can act like a drag chute on your fuel economy.
- Check pressures monthly: Low tire pressure increases the “footprint” of the tire, creating more friction.
- Follow the door placard: Do not use the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall; use the PSI recommended on the driver-side door jamb.
- Wheel Alignment: If your wheels are “toeing” in or out, they are essentially scrubbing against the pavement, which kills mileage.
If you have upgraded to all-terrain tires for off-roading, be aware that the aggressive tread blocks increase rolling resistance. While they look great, they can cost you 1-2 MPG compared to standard highway tires.
Always balance your tires when you rotate them to ensure smooth rotation. Vibration isn’t just annoying; it represents wasted energy that should be going toward forward motion.
How Driving Habits and Loads Affect Your Range
The way you interact with the pedals has a larger impact on the ford explorer 2018 gas mileage than almost any mechanical upgrade. Small changes in driving behavior yield big results.
The Cost of Idling
Idling is the ultimate fuel killer because you are getting zero miles per gallon while the engine is running. Modern engines use very little fuel to restart compared to idling for minutes at a time.
If you are waiting in a parking lot or a long drive-thru line, consider turning the engine off. This also reduces heat soak in the engine bay, which helps keep the intake air cool and dense.
Smooth Acceleration and Braking
Rapidly accelerating to the next red light is a waste of energy that you just paid for. Use gradual acceleration to let the transmission shift through the gears early and efficiently.
Look ahead and coast toward stops whenever possible rather than staying on the gas until the last second. This preserves kinetic energy and reduces wear on your brake pads and rotors.
Managing High-Speed Drag
Fuel economy drops off significantly once you exceed 65 MPH due to exponential increases in wind resistance. Using cruise control on flat highways can help maintain a steady fuel flow.
However, in hilly terrain, cruise control may cause the transmission to downshift aggressively to maintain speed. In these cases, it is often better to manually control the throttle to avoid high-RPM surges.
Troubleshooting Low MPG and Engine Performance Issues
If your mileage has suddenly plummeted, it may indicate a failing sensor or a mechanical fault. Diagnosing these early can prevent expensive repairs down the road.
- Check for “Soft” Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to look for pending codes that haven’t triggered a Check Engine Light yet.
- Inspect Oxygen Sensors: These sensors monitor exhaust gases to adjust the fuel-to-air ratio; a sluggish sensor causes excessive fuel consumption.
- Verify Thermostat Function: If your engine never reaches full operating temperature, the computer stays in “cold-start” mode, which uses more fuel.
- Check for Brake Drag: A sticking brake caliper can act like a constant anchor on your vehicle.
If you notice a sulfur smell or a glowing catalytic converter, your engine is likely dumping too much fuel into the exhaust. Seek professional help immediately to avoid a fire hazard or permanent engine damage.
Carbon buildup on intake valves is another common issue for Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines like the EcoBoost. Using a high-quality fuel system cleaner can help, but severe cases may require manual cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions About ford explorer 2018 gas mileage
Does using premium gas improve the ford explorer 2018 gas mileage?
While the EcoBoost engines can run on 87 octane, they are designed to produce maximum power and efficiency on 91 or 93 octane. You may see a slight 1-2 MPG increase on premium, but the cost-per-mile often remains higher.
Why is my winter fuel economy so much worse?
Winter gas blends have a lower energy density, and engines take longer to reach optimal operating temperatures in the cold. Additionally, cold air is denser, which increases aerodynamic drag on the vehicle’s body.
Can a bad wheel bearing affect my gas mileage?
Yes, a failing wheel bearing creates mechanical drag and heat. If you hear a humming or growling noise that changes with vehicle speed, inspect your bearings immediately for safety and efficiency.
Does the “Towing Package” change fuel economy?
The package itself doesn’t change it much, but the shorter gear ratios often included in towing setups can lead to slightly higher RPMs on the highway. This may result in a minor decrease in MPG when not towing.
Maximizing Your Explorer’s Potential
Achieving the best possible ford explorer 2018 gas mileage is a combination of diligent maintenance and mindful driving. By keeping your sensors clean, your tires aired up, and your cargo light, you can beat the EPA estimates.
Remember that the 2018 Explorer is a versatile tool meant for adventure and family safety. While efficiency is important, maintaining the mechanical integrity of your vehicle ensures it stays on the road for years to come.
Take some time this weekend to check your air filter and tire pressures. These small steps are the foundation of a well-maintained vehicle that treats your wallet with respect. Drive smart, stay safe, and enjoy the journey!
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