The 2016 Ford Explorer achieves a fuel economy of around 20 mpg in combined city and highway driving depending on the selected powertrain, with front-wheel-drive four-cylinder EcoBoost models reaching up to 22 combined mpg and all-wheel-drive V6 configurations dropping closer to 18 combined mpg. Understanding these figures requires analyzing engine choices, drivetrain configurations, driving habits, and real-world testing conditions.
Evolution of the 2016 Ford Explorer Powertrain Lineup
When Ford introduced the refreshed 2016 model year Explorer, it brought significant mechanical and stylistic updates to the popular midsize three-row crossover SUV. Central to these updates was the powertrain lineup, which heavily influenced real-world fuel economy. Buyers could choose from three distinct engine options: a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 reserved for the Sport and Platinum trim levels.
Each engine brought a different balance of capability, hauling power, and fuel efficiency to the table. The base and mid-tier trims relied primarily on the 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6, an engine carried over from earlier generations known for steady power delivery but moderate fuel consumption. Meanwhile, the introduction of the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder—replacing the older 2.0-liter EcoBoost—was specifically engineered to provide an alternative for buyers seeking better fuel mileage without sacrificing the towing and passing power expected from a heavy utility vehicle.
Breakdown of EPA Fuel Economy Ratings by Configuration
Official United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates provide a standardized baseline for comparing vehicle efficiency. However, because the 2016 Ford Explorer was offered with multiple engines, transmissions, and drivetrain layouts, the EPA ratings vary significantly.
For the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive (FWD) models achieved an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway, resulting in a combined rating of 22 mpg. Opting for Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with this same four-cylinder engine adjusted the figures to 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. This configuration represents the most efficient entry point for buyers prioritizing fuel economy.
The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine occupied the middle ground of the lineup. In front-wheel-drive form, it delivered an EPA rating of 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined. When paired with all-wheel drive, those numbers dipped slightly to 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined.
At the top of the performance and price spectrum, the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6—standard on the Sport and Platinum trims—was exclusively paired with all-wheel drive. Its EPA ratings were 16 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined, matching the all-wheel-drive fuel economy of the naturally aspirated V6 despite offering substantially higher horsepower and torque.
| Engine Configuration | Drivetrain | EPA City (mpg) | EPA Highway (mpg) | EPA Combined (mpg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | 19 | 28 | 22 |
| 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | 18 | 26 | 21 |
| 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | 17 | 24 | 20 |
| 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | 16 | 22 | 18 |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (Twin-Turbo) | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | 16 | 22 | 18 |
Real-World Driving Factors Influencing Fuel Efficiency
While EPA test cycles provide a controlled benchmark, real-world fuel economy for a 2016 Ford Explorer often diverges based on operating conditions, maintenance, and driver behavior. A vehicle weighing over 4,500 pounds empty requires significant energy to accelerate from a stop, making urban stop-and-go driving the primary penalty for fuel economy.
Aerodynamics and Highway Speeds
At highway speeds, aerodynamic drag plays a massive role in fuel consumption. The boxy, commanding stance of the Explorer creates considerable wind resistance. Driving consistently above 70 mph noticeably degrades fuel economy, often pushing highway averages below the official EPA ratings. Maintaining a steady pace and utilizing cruise control on flat terrain helps mitigate this drop-off.
Payload and Passenger Weight
As a three-row SUV capable of seating up to seven passengers, hauling a full cabin or heavy cargo significantly increases the physical load on the engine. Added weight requires higher throttle inputs to maintain momentum, directly increasing fuel burn. Roof racks, cargo boxes, and hitch-mounted carriers also disrupt airflow and add dead weight, further eroding efficiency.
Mechanical Health and Maintenance Practices
An aging vehicle's ability to achieve its original fuel economy benchmarks depends heavily on routine preventative maintenance. Neglected components can silently drain fuel efficiency without necessarily triggering a check engine light.
Ignition and Air Filtration
Worn spark plugs or dirty air filters restrict airflow and impede combustion efficiency. Replacing spark plugs at recommended intervals and inspecting engine air filters ensures the air-fuel mixture remains optimal. Similarly, restricted fuel injectors can cause uneven combustion, forcing the powertrain control module to dump extra fuel to compensate.
Tire Pressure and Alignment
Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder to propel the vehicle forward. Checking tire pressure monthly against the placard located inside the driver's door jamb is a simple yet vital step. Furthermore, improper wheel alignment creates scrubbing resistance, which drains power and accelerates tire wear.
Comparing the 2016 Explorer to Competitors of Its Era
When evaluating the fuel economy of the 2016 Ford Explorer within its vehicle class, it sits roughly on par with other three-row midsize crossovers of that era, such as the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Chevrolet Traverse. While hybrid options were rare or non-existent in mainstream three-row crossovers at that specific time, four-cylinder turbocharged engines began emerging as a viable way to bridge the gap between heavy V6 performance and acceptable fuel efficiency.
Vehicles equipped with larger V6 engines across the competitive landscape typically hovered around the 18 to 20 mpg combined mark, validating why achieving a 20 mpg average in a mixed-driving cycle for a V6 Explorer—or slightly better with the four-cylinder EcoBoost—was considered standard performance for a heavy family hauler in 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2016 Ford Explorer require premium fuel?
No, regular unleaded gasoline with an 87 octane rating is acceptable for all engines in the 2016 Ford Explorer lineup, including the EcoBoost variants. However, Ford noted in owner documentation that using premium fuel on EcoBoost engines can yield minor improvements in high-performance or hot-weather operating conditions through advanced spark timing, though it is entirely optional.
Why is my all-wheel-drive 2016 Explorer getting lower than 20 mpg?
All-wheel-drive systems add permanent mechanical weight and parasitic drivetrain drag compared to front-wheel-drive variants. If your vehicle is dropping significantly below its expected 18 mpg combined rating, factors such as failing oxygen sensors, dragging brake calipers, old transmission fluid, or winter-blend gasoline should be investigated by a mechanic.
Can I upgrade my 2016 Explorer to improve fuel economy?
Aftermarket modifications rarely yield a meaningful return on investment for fuel economy. While high-flow air filters or exhaust systems alter engine sound, modern powertrain computers automatically adjust fuel trims to maintain stoichiometric ratios. The most effective improvements come from routine maintenance, proper tire inflation, and removing unnecessary cargo weight.
Is the 2.3L EcoBoost noticeably more fuel-efficient than the standard V6?
Yes, particularly in city driving environments. The smaller displacement four-cylinder engine reduces pumping losses at idle and low speeds while utilizing turbocharging to deliver torque on demand. This design allows it to achieve up to 22 mpg combined in front-wheel-drive layout, compared to 20 mpg for the base V6.
Final Recommendations for Owners and Buyers
If achieving or maintaining an efficient fuel economy average around 20 mpg is a priority when operating or purchasing a 2016 Ford Explorer, targeting a front-wheel-drive model equipped with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine provides the most favorable mathematical baseline. For drivers requiring all-wheel-drive capability for winter weather or rough terrain, accepting a combined average closer to 18 mpg is realistic. Prioritize strict adherence to routine maintenance schedules, monitor tire pressures regularly, and moderate high-speed highway driving to keep fuel consumption as close to factory estimates as possible.
