The 2023 Ford Explorer delivers an EPA-certified 20–27 MPG combined across 17 configurations. Hybrid variants achieve up to 27 MPG combined, compared to 24 MPG for standard gasoline trims. Estimated annual fuel costs range from $2,300 to $3,100.
Factual efficiency differences across gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric variants
Annual Fuel Cost: $2,550–$3,100.
Annual Fuel Cost: $2,300–$2,650 (saves vs gas).
Laboratory certification test values across engine, transmission, and drivetrain permutations
| Configuration / Model | Powertrain | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO2 (g/mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer HEV RWD Regular | 3.3L Hybrid | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 27 MPG | 28 MPG | 27 MPG | $2,300 | — |
| Explorer Platinum HEV RWD Regular | 3.3L Hybrid | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 25 MPG | 26 MPG | 26 MPG | $2,350 | — |
| Explorer HEV AWD Regular | 3.3L Hybrid | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 23 MPG | 26 MPG | 25 MPG | $2,450 | — |
| Explorer RWD Regular | 2.3L 4-Cyl Gas | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 21 MPG | 28 MPG | 24 MPG | $2,550 | — |
| Explorer RWD Regular | 2.3L 4-Cyl Gas | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 20 MPG | 28 MPG | 23 MPG | $2,650 | — |
| Explorer AWD Regular | 2.3L 4-Cyl Gas | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 20 MPG | 27 MPG | 23 MPG | $2,650 | — |
| Explorer Platinum HEV AWD Regular | 3.3L Hybrid | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 23 MPG | 24 MPG | 23 MPG | $2,650 | — |
| Explorer AWD Regular | 2.3L 4-Cyl Gas | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 20 MPG | 26 MPG | 22 MPG | $2,800 | — |
| Explorer RWD Regular | 3L 6-Cyl Gas | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 18 MPG | 26 MPG | 21 MPG | $2,950 | — |
| Explorer Timberline AWD Regular | 2.3L 4-Cyl Gas | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 19 MPG | 22 MPG | 21 MPG | $2,950 | — |
| Explorer RWD Regular | 3L 6-Cyl Gas | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 18 MPG | 25 MPG | 20 MPG | $3,100 | — |
| Explorer AWD Regular | 3L 6-Cyl Gas | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 18 MPG | 24 MPG | 20 MPG | $3,100 | — |
| Explorer AWD Regular | 3L 6-Cyl Gas | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 18 MPG | 24 MPG | 20 MPG | $3,100 | — |
| Explorer Timberline AWD Regular | 2.3L 4-Cyl Gas | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 19 MPG | 21 MPG | 20 MPG | $3,100 | — |
| Explorer FFV AWD Gasoline or E85 | 3.3L 6-Cyl Gas | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 17 MPG | 25 MPG | 20 MPG | $3,100 | — |
| Explorer AWD Regular | 3L 6-Cyl Gas | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 17 MPG | 24 MPG | 20 MPG | $3,100 | — |
| Explorer AWD Regular | 3L 6-Cyl Gas | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 17 MPG | 24 MPG | 20 MPG | $3,100 | — |
Standardized annual energy consumption and operating cost metrics based on 15,000 annual miles
Based on $3.50 per gallon regular gasoline
Estimated annual energy units needed for 15,000 miles
Compared to the average new vehicle over 5 years
Cross-reference safety ratings, owner defect complaints, and recall campaigns
Vehicle summary, specifications, and primary KPI metrics.
NHTSA 5-Star NCAP crash tests, rollover risk, and active driver assistance.
NHTSA consumer defect complaint filings by affected component.
Official safety recall notices, defects, and free repair instructions.
Direct, deterministic answers synthesized from verified United States government databases for the 2023 Ford Explorer
The 2023 Ford Explorer achieves an EPA-certified rating of 20 to 27 MPG combined across 17 certified configuration(s).
City ratings range from 17 to 27 MPG, and highway ratings range from 21 to 28 MPG.
Hybrid (HEV) models achieve up to 27 MPG combined, delivering approximately 3 more miles per gallon than standard gasoline configurations (up to 24 MPG combined).
Gas-electric hybrid variants use regenerative braking and electric assist motors to reduce fuel consumption in stop-and-go city driving.
Using AutoUtility's standardized operating cost model, estimated annual fueling and energy costs range between $2,300 and $3,100 for the 2023 Ford Explorer.
Calculated under AutoUtility's standardized methodology (15,000 miles per year, 55% city / 45% highway driving, $3.50/gallon regular gasoline, $0.16/kWh electricity) using official EPA dynamometer consumption ratings.
Fuel economy ratings, electric range figures, and energy cost estimates on this page are retrieved directly from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (FuelEconomy.gov) certified vehicle database under 40 CFR Part 600.
Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.