What's the 2027 Ford Explorer's MPG?
What Car Shoppers Need to Know
- The 2027 Ford Explorer is a mid-size three-row SUV with standard rear-wheel drive and available four-wheel drive.
- With the standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Explorer returns up to 23 mpg combined.
- The optional V-6 engine is rated as high as 21 mpg combined.
The 2027 Ford Explorer is a mid-size three-row SUV. But unlike popular competitors that include the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride, which all drive their front wheels in standard form, the Explorer is built on a rear-wheel-drive architecture. While many shoppers equate RWD with premium brands and FWD with fuel economy, the entry-level Explorer is both cheaper and more efficient than many competitors.
Related: How Much Is the 2027 Ford Explorer?
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By the Numbers
The 2027 Ford Explorer is available with two engines: a turbocharged four-cylinder and a twin-turbo V-6. Both send power through a 10-speed automatic transmission and can be had with either rear- or four-wheel drive. Displacing 2.3 liters, the turbo four generates 300 horsepower and 310 pounds-feet of torque. It’s standard on every trim level except the high-performance ST.
The twin-turbo V-6 is a 3.0-liter making 385 hp and 415 pounds-feet. It’s optional in the Tremor and Platinum trim levels and standard in the ST. 4WD is standard only in the off-road-tuned Tremor; it’s a $2,000 option on every other trim level.
| Trim | Powertrain | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
| Active, ST-Line, Platinum (RWD) | 300-hp, turbo 2.3-liter four-cylinder; 10-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 |
| Active, ST-Line, Platinum (4WD) | 300-hp, turbo 2.3-liter four-cylinder; 10-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 23 |
| Tremor (4WD) | 300-hp, turbo 2.3-liter four-cylinder; 10-speed automatic | 18 | 22 | 20 |
| Tremor (4WD) | 385-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6; 10-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 |
| ST, Platinum (RWD) | 385-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6; 10-speed automatic | 17 | 25 | 20 |
| ST, Platinum (4WD) | 385-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6; 10-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 |
Versus the Competition
The Explorer returns better fuel economy than most competitors when equipped with its standard four-cylinder engine. However, that’s the Explorer’s most efficient configuration, while many rivals offer hybrid powertrains. The Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander all return north of 30 mpg combined with their available hybrid engines.
| Model | Powertrain | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
| 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE | 265-hp, turbo 2.4-liter four-cylinder; eight-speed automatic | 21 | 28 | 24 |
| 2027 Ford Explorer Active | 300-hp, turbo 2.3-liter four-cylinder; 10-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 |
| 2027 Chevrolet Traverse LT | 328-hp, turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder; eight-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 |
| 2026 Honda Pilot Sport | 285-hp, 3.5-liter six-cylinder; 10-speed automatic | 19 | 27 | 22 |
| 2027 Hyundai Palisade SE | 287-hp, 3.5-liter six-cylinder; eight-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 22 |
| 2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo | 293-hp, 3.6-liter six-cylinder; eight-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 22 |
| 2027 Kia Telluride LX | 274-hp, turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder; eight-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 |
Read More About the Ford Explorer on Cars.com:
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- How Much Is the 2026 Ford Explorer?
- 9 Additional Vehicles Earn IIHS Crash-Test Accolades
- Which SUVs Can Tow at Least 5,000 Pounds?
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