2011 Ford Explorer Rated at 25 MPG Highway

That highway mileage tops its V-6-equipped competitors – the Chevrolet Traverse (17/24), Toyota Highlander (18/24) and Honda Pilot (17/23) all have equal or lower combined scores. Incidentally, the Explorer’s sister, the 2011 Ford Flex, gets lower gas mileage (17/24 mpg) probably because of differences in engine architecture since the Flex is a lighter vehicle. The all-wheel-drive Explorer is rated at 17/23 mpg (19 mpg combined).

The V-6 Explorer, whose 3.5-liter engine makes 290 horsepower, is already on sale, but a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder will soon be an option, promising 30% better gas mileage over the 2010 Explorer.