The 2016 Ford Explorer features an 18.6-gallon fuel tank across all standard configurations. Depending on your engine choice—ranging from the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder to the muscular 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6—your real-world driving range typically spans between 300 and 430 miles per fill-up.
Knowing exact capacity numbers helps you plan long road trips, calculate fuel stops, and monitor your SUV's real-world efficiency. We'll break down how engine types, drivetrain options, and driving habits affect what you get out of every gallon.
Fuel Tank Capacity by Trim and Engine
Every major trim level of the mid-size SUV—from the base model to the high-end Platinum—shares the same physical fuel storage design.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.6 US gallons (70.4 liters)
- Compatible Fuel Types: Regular unleaded (87 octane recommended) or E85 for flexible-fuel V6 variants.
Even though the physical tank size doesn't change, your choice of powertrain dictates fuel consumption rates. Ford offered three distinct engine configurations for this model year, each pulling fuel through the system at different speeds.
2.3L EcoBoost Four-Cylinder
Introduced to boost efficiency in a heavy crossover, this turbo-four delivers solid mileage figures. Front-wheel drive versions pull an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, though real-world mixed driving usually lands closer to 21 mpg.
3.5L Ti-VCT V6
The workhorse engine found in most base, XLT, and Limited models produces 290 horsepower. It carries EPA ratings of 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway for front-wheel drive builds, dropping slightly to 17 city and 23 highway when paired with intelligent four-wheel drive.
3.5L EcoBoost V6 (Twin-Turbo)
Reserved for the Sport and Platinum trims, this high-output option pushes 365 horsepower. Standard four-wheel drive and heavier performance tuning drop fuel economy to 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, which reduces total tank longevity.
Expected Driving Range Per Tank
Calculating your total driving range requires multiplying the 18.6-gallon capacity by your specific miles-per-gallon (MPG) return. Factory estimates offer a baseline, but highway cruising versus heavy city traffic changes the math completely.
- Highway Cruising Range: Up to 420–440 miles on models equipped with the efficient 2.3L engine or standard V6 during steady interstate travel.
- City Driving Range: Around 300–315 miles when dealing with frequent stop-and-go traffic, idling, and cold starts.
- Sport Trim Range: Expect roughly 300 to 350 miles on a full tank during mixed highway commutes due to the twin-turbo engine's thirstier performance profile.
According to data tracked by drivers on Fuelly, the combined average across all engine types hovers near 17.6 mpg. That yields a practical mixed-driving range of about 325 miles before the low fuel light illuminates.
Factors Impacting Your Real-World Range
Factory window stickers rarely match day-to-day driving conditions. Several external variables alter how far a single tank takes you.
- Payload and Towing: Hauling heavy cargo or towing up to the 5,000-pound maximum capacity forces the engine to work harder, dropping fuel economy sharply.
- All-Wheel Drive System: Opting for Ford's intelligent four-wheel drive adds mechanical weight and drivetrain drag, shaving about 1 mpg off highway estimates compared to front-wheel drive variants.
- Tire Pressure and Tread: Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance. Maintaining correct cold pressure ratings listed on your driver-side door jamb preserves maximum efficiency.
- Idle Time: Long periods of idling in driveways or traffic burn fuel without adding distance to your odometer, shrinking your effective range.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gallons does a 2016 Ford Explorer hold?
It holds 18.6 US gallons, regardless of whether you drive a base model, XLT, Limited, Sport, or Platinum trim.
When does the low fuel light turn on?
The low fuel warning indicator typically illuminates when approximately 2 to 2.5 gallons of reserve fuel remain in the tank, giving you roughly 35 to 50 miles of emergency driving distance.
Can the 2016 Ford Explorer use E85 fuel?
Only models equipped with the flexible-fuel 3.5L V6 engine can run on E85 ethanol blends. EcoBoost engines require standard gasoline. Check your fuel door label or owner's manual before pumping alternative fuels.
What is the fuel tank range on the highway?
With a highway rating of up to 23 or 24 mpg multiplied by the 18.6-gallon capacity, you can expect a maximum highway range between 420 and 445 miles under ideal conditions.
