The 2016 Ford Explorer features a standard fuel tank capacity of 18.6 gallons (70 liters) across all trim levels and engine configurations. Whether you drive the base V6, the turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder, or the high-performance twin-turbo V6 Sport edition, your total fuel storage capacity remains identical. Knowing this exact capacity helps you calculate how far you can travel before needing a refill, especially during long road trips or daily commutes.
Depending on your specific engine choice and drivetrain, a single fill-up yields a total driving range between roughly 330 and 500 miles. Front-wheel drive models equipped with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine achieve the highest mileage, while all-wheel drive models with heavier V6 powerplants exhaust their fuel supply faster. Real-world conditions like heavy traffic, roof cargo racks, and steep mountain grades will also alter these baseline projections significantly.
Breaking Down the 2016 Ford Explorer Engine Options
Vehicle trim levels and engine choices dictate your fuel efficiency, which directly dictates your driving range. Ford offered three distinct engine choices for this model year, and each interacts with the 18.6-gal reservoir differently.
- 2.3-Liter EcoBoost Four-Cylinder: Available on front-wheel drive configurations, this powerplant balances pep with efficiency, rated by the EPA at roughly 18 to 19 miles per gallon in city driving and 25 to 27 miles per gallon on the highway.
- 3.5-Liter Ti-VCT V6: Serving as the standard engine for most models, this conventional V6 produces 290 horsepower. It delivers an EPA-estimated 16 to 17 miles per gallon in the city and 23 to 24 miles per gallon on the highway.
- 3.5-Liter EcoBoost V6: Reserved for the Sport and Platinum trims, this twin-turbocharged powerhouse puts out 365 horsepower with mandatory all-wheel drive. It drops fuel economy down to roughly 16 miles per gallon city and 22 miles per gallon highway.
Manufacturer specifications for this model year can be verified through official archives like Edmunds. Reviewing these figures helps you match your daily driving habits to the right mechanical setup. For another angle on this story, see the recent update from Reuters.
Calculating Real-World Driving Range
Math dictates your actual highway endurance. To find your expected mileage, multiply your usable fuel capacity by your current miles per gallon. Because you shouldn't run your fuel pump completely dry, practical planning assumes you will use about 17 gallons before the low fuel warning chime sounds.
City Driving Versus Highway Cruising
City stop-and-go traffic kills fuel economy. If your V6 model averages 16 miles per gallon in heavy urban environments, 17 usable gallons translate to roughly 272 miles of city range. On the open highway at sustained speeds, that same vehicle climbing to 23 miles per gallon extends your distance to approximately 391 miles before sputtering to a halt.
The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine stretches those numbers further. Achieving 27 miles per gallon on flat interstate stretches allows you to push past 450 miles on a single fill-up under ideal conditions. Heavy loads or towing a lightweight trailer will reduce these distances by 20 to 40 percent.
Common Mistakes That Drain Your Fuel Tank Too Fast
Drivers often blame factory fuel economy ratings when poor maintenance or bad habits drain their fuel tank prematurely. Avoid these common pitfalls to maximize every gallon stored in your SUV:
- Neglecting tire pressure: Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing your engine to burn extra fuel to maintain highway speeds. Check your tire pressure monthly against the placard inside the driver door jamb, a process recommended by safety organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Carrying excess cargo: Leaving heavy roof boxes, hitch carriers, or unnecessary gear inside the cabin adds aerodynamic drag and extra weight. Strip off roof accessories when you aren't actively traveling.
- Aggressive acceleration: Rapidly punching the throttle triggers rich fuel mixtures. Smooth, progressive acceleration preserves fuel economy far better in heavy SUVs.
- Excessive idling: Letting your Explorer warm up in the driveway for twenty minutes burns fuel while moving zero miles. Modern fuel-injected engines only require a minute of idling before driving gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gallons does a 2016 Ford Explorer hold?
Every 2016 Ford Explorer model features an 18.6-gal fuel tank, regardless of whether you choose front-wheel drive or intelligent all-wheel drive.
When does the low fuel light turn on?
The low fuel warning indicator typically illuminates when your remaining driving range drops below 50 miles, leaving roughly two to three gallons of reserve fuel in the tank.
Can you use E85 flex fuel in a 2016 Ford Explorer?
Only models equipped with the Flex Fuel V6 badge on the tailgate can run E85 ethanol blends. Standard EcoBoost and twin-turbo engines require regular unleaded gasoline.
What is the absolute maximum range on a single tank?
A front-wheel drive model with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine can approach nearly 500 miles of total highway range under optimal driving conditions and flat terrain.
