Understanding the 2016 Ford Explorer MPG is essential for any family or adventurer considering this popular three-row SUV. The Explorer represents a significant shift for Ford, moving away from the truck-based body-on-frame design of earlier generations to a more refined, car-based platform. This engineering change was not just about improving ride comfort; it was a strategic move to enhance fuel efficiency without sacrificing the space and capability buyers expected from the iconic nameplate.
2016 Engine Options and Fuel Economy
The 2016 model year offered a clear choice in powertrains, each with distinct MPG profiles to suit different driving priorities. The base engine was a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6, producing 290 horsepower and pairing with a six-speed automatic transmission. This configuration delivered an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. For those who needed more towing capacity and power, the Police Interceptor Utility version came standard with a 3.7-liter V6, while the general market could opt for a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. The EcoBoost engine, utilizing twin turbochargers, produced 365 horsepower but required premium fuel to achieve its optimal performance and efficiency, resulting in an EPA rating of 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.
EPA Ratings and Real-World Mileage
EPA ratings provide a standardized benchmark, but real-world driving often tells a different story. The 2016 Ford Explorer's official combined MPG, calculated at 23 MPG for the base V6, serves as a useful reference point. Factors such as driving habits, traffic conditions, and accessory usage significantly impact the final number. Aggressive acceleration and high speeds can easily reduce observed MPG by several points. Conversely, conservative driving, utilizing the available Eco mode, and maintaining the correct tire pressure can help owners approach or even exceed the EPA estimates, making the Explorer more economical than its reputation suggests.
Design Changes for Improved Efficiency
The transition to a unibody platform was the single most important factor in improving the 2016 Explorer's efficiency compared to its predecessors. A lighter curb weight reduces the energy required to move the vehicle. Furthermore, the design was aerodynamically refined, featuring active grille shutters that close at higher speeds to reduce drag. These shutters, managed by the engine control unit, play a crucial role in optimizing MPG, particularly during steady-state highway cruising where the cooling demands on the radiator are lower.
Comparing the 2016 Explorer to Competitors
In the competitive three-row SUV segment, the 2016 Ford Explorer held its own regarding fuel economy. When comparing the base V6 model to rivals like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, the Explorer's 20 MPG city rating was competitive, not class-leading. The Highlander, for example, offered a more efficient hybrid powertrain that pushed its combined MPG into the 30s. However, the Explorer's value proposition lay in its standard features, robust towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, and the available twin-turbo EcoBoost engine, which provided a power-to-efficiency ratio that was attractive to performance-minded buyers.
Maximizing Your 2016 Explorer's MPG
Owners can take several practical steps to improve their 2016 Ford Explorer's fuel economy. Regular maintenance is paramount; this includes using the recommended SAE 5W-20 motor oil, replacing the air filter at scheduled intervals, and ensuring the tires are inflated to the pressure listed on the driver's door jamb. Reducing excess weight, such as removing roof racks when not in use, and minimizing idling time also contribute to better MPG. Utilizing the available automatic stop-start system, which shuts down the engine at traffic lights, can yield noticeable savings in urban driving conditions.
