When you're planning a long road trip or just monitoring your weekly fuel budget, knowing your vehicle's exact range keeps you off the shoulder and away from unexpected pump anxiety. The 2016 Ford Explorer holds 18.6 gallons of fuel across its standard configurations, translating to a real-world driving range between 315 and 427 miles on a single fill-up depending on your engine choice and driving environment.
Fuel economy in this midsize SUV fluctuates significantly based on whether you're driving the base 3.5L V6, the turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder, or the high-output 3.5L EcoBoost V6 found in the Sport and Platinum trims. Front-wheel drive versus intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD) also changes how far a single tank gets you. Let's break down the exact capacities, real-world fuel economy numbers, and how to maximize every drop of gas in your Explorer.
2016 Ford Explorer Fuel Tank Specifications
Every variant of the 2016 model year utilizes the same physical fuel tank size, yet fuel economy ratings vary widely across the powertrain lineup.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.6 gallons (70.4 liters) across all trims (Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, Platinum).
- Fuel Type: Regular unleaded (87 octane) recommended for naturally aspirated and 2.3L EcoBoost engines; premium fuel (91 octane or higher) recommended or required for optimal performance in the 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6.
- Fuel Door Location: Passenger side (right rear quarter panel).
Engine Options and EPA Fuel Economy Ratings
Understanding your EPA ratings helps you calculate a baseline driving range before factoring in traffic, cargo weight, and terrain.
- 2.3L EcoBoost Four-Cylinder (FWD): Rated at 19 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined.
- 2.3L EcoBoost Four-Cylinder (4WD): Rated at 18 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined.
- 3.5L V6 Naturally Aspirated (FWD): Rated at 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 20 mpg combined.
- 3.5L V6 Naturally Aspirated (4WD): Rated at 16 mpg city / 22 mpg highway / 18 mpg combined.
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Twin-Turbo (4WD Standard on Sport/Platinum): Rated at 16 mpg city / 22 mpg highway / 18 mpg combined.
Calculating Your Real-World Driving Range
EPA estimates provide a reliable laboratory benchmark, but real-world driving rarely matches ideal test loops. Highway speeds, roof racks, heavy cargo, and cold weather all eat into your fuel reserves.
2.3L EcoBoost Range Estimates
The four-cylinder EcoBoost offers the highest potential distance per tank in this generation.
- City Driving: At 18 mpg (4WD), your urban range sits around 334 miles.
- Highway Cruising: At 26 mpg (4WD), your highway range reaches 483 miles under pristine conditions.
- Combined Real-World Average: Expect roughly 390 miles of mixed driving before the low fuel warning chimes.
3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6 Range Estimates
The standard V6 balances everyday power with moderate efficiency.
- City Driving: At 16 mpg (4WD), expect about 297 miles around town.
- Highway Cruising: At 22 mpg (4WD), you'll cover roughly 409 miles on the interstate.
- Combined Real-World Average: Most drivers see about 353 miles per tank.
3.5L EcoBoost V6 Twin-Turbo Range Estimates
Prioritizing acceleration and towing capability in the Sport and Platinum trims means stopping at the pump slightly more often.
- City Driving: At 16 mpg, urban range drops to 297 miles.
- Highway Cruising: At 22 mpg, highway range sits around 409 miles.
- Combined Real-World Average: Real-world mixed driving typically yields 334 miles per tank, especially if you enjoy utilizing the turbo boost frequently.
Factors That Drain Your Fuel Tank Faster
Your Explorer's trip computer gives you a live estimate, but several hidden variables will shrink your actual driving range on a long trip.
Aerodynamic Drag and Cargo
The Explorer's boxy, commanding stance creates significant wind resistance at highway speeds. Stacking luggage on a roof cargo box or towing a travel trailer increases drag exponentially. When towing near the vehicle's maximum capacity of 5,000 pounds, expect your fuel economy to drop by 30 to 50 percent, cutting your highway range down to roughly 200 to 250 miles per tank.
Terrain and Elevation Changes
Mountainous terrain requires constant throttle adjustments to maintain momentum up steep grades. While regenerative braking on descents helps recover some energy in hybrids, a traditional internal combustion V6 or turbo-four works harder climbing inclines, burning extra fuel.
Tire Pressure and Maintenance
Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance. If your Explorer's tires drop below the manufacturer's recommended psi (typically 35 psi for factory sizes), you can lose up to 3 percent in fuel efficiency. Keeping your air filters clean and using synthetic 5W-30 engine oil helps maintain peak efficiency.
Tips to Maximize Your Explorer's Fuel Economy
You can't change the 18.6-gallon physical limit of your fuel tank, but you can squeeze extra miles out of every gallon with a few simple adjustments.
- Use Cruise Control on Open Highways: Maintaining a steady foot on flat stretches prevents micro-accelerations that spike fuel consumption.
- Lighten Your Load: Clear out heavy items, sports equipment, and golf bags from the cargo area when they aren't needed. Extra weight forces the engine to work harder during stop-and-go driving.
- Monitor Fuel Quality: While regular 87 octane works fine for most trims, sticking to Top Tier gasoline keeps fuel injectors cleaner over time, preserving optimal spray patterns and combustion efficiency. Consult the Ford Owner Manual for specific grade requirements based on your exact VIN and engine build.
- Plan Around Traffic: Idling in gridlock burns fuel at zero miles per gallon. Use navigation apps to route around major bottlenecks.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the low fuel light turn on in a 2016 Ford Explorer?
The low fuel warning chime sounds and the indicator light illuminates when your remaining driving range drops below approximately 50 miles, or when roughly 2 to 3 gallons of fuel remain in the tank. Don't push your luck—running an Explorer completely dry can damage the electric fuel pump located inside the tank, which relies on gasoline for cooling and lubrication.
Can I install a larger aftermarket fuel tank?
While auxiliary or replacement fuel tanks exist for full-size pickups, finding commercially manufactured aftermarket replacement tanks for the 2016 Explorer is difficult due to the tight clearance beneath the chassis around the independent rear suspension and exhaust routing. Most owners rely on fuel management apps like GasBuddy to map out affordable fuel stops during long cross-country road trips.
Why does my distance-to-empty reading fluctuate on the highway?
The vehicle's computer calculates remaining range dynamically using your fuel economy over the last several driving cycles. If you transition from steep mountain climbs to flat downhill cruising, your instant fuel economy jumps, causing the distance-to-empty readout to actually climb while you drive.
Does remote starting the engine burn a lot of fuel?
Yes. Letting your Explorer idle in the driveway to warm up on cold winter mornings burns fuel while registering zero miles traveled. Extended idling ruins your average mpg calculation and significantly reduces your overall tank range before your next fill-up.
