2017 Ford Explorer MPG
18–22 mpg combined across 7 EPA-rated versions. Best: Explorer FWD (FWD, 2.3L 4-cyl) at 19 city / 27 hwy / 22 combined; lowest: Explorer AWD (3.5L 6-cyl, A6) at 18.
Every version
| Version | Engine | Trans. | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer FWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | A6 | FWD | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Explorer AWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | A6 | AWD | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Explorer 2WD FFV (FFV) | 3.5L 6-cyl | A6 | FWD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Explorer FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | A6 | FWD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Explorer AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | A6 | AWD | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Explorer AWD FFV (FFV) | 3.5L 6-cyl | A6 | AWD | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Explorer AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | A6 | AWD | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
How it compares
- 2017 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD: class average 18.4 mpg over 93 versions; best Explorer +3.6 (#12).
- 2016: 22 mpg best (no change).
- 2018: 22 mpg best.
- Fuel cost spread: $3,050–$3,700 a year ($650 difference).
- Available as FWD, AWD.
- 2027 model: 23 mpg best (+1).
Safety
| Crash test | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ · 17.4% risk |
| Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ · 16.4% risk |
1,708 owner complaints: Structure 661, Unknown Or Other 377, Engine 241, Power Train 123. Crashes 34, fires 11, injuries 51.
| Complaint area | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 661 | 39% |
| Unknown Or Other | 377 | 22% |
| Engine | 241 | 14% |
| Power Train | 123 | 7% |
| Electrical System | 93 | 5% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 77 | 5% |
| Steering | 76 | 4% |
| Wheels | 60 | 4% |
Recent owner reports: Structure
“B-pillar is coming off, not allowing keypad to lock/unlock. Remedy has not come available in over a year.”
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to perform the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger's side B-pillar trims detached from the vehicle.”
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the driver's side B-Pillar trim detached and was hanging off the vehicle with the wiring exposed. The contact used a bungee cord to secure the driver's side B-Pillar trim to the vehicle. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure.”
Owner reports are unverified and filed directly with NHTSA.
Recalls
14 NHTSA campaigns (check a VIN).
| Date | Component | Campaign |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 14, 2026 | Structure › body | 26V448000 |
| Feb 20, 2026 | Suspension › rear | 26V101000 |
| Oct 10, 2025 | Equipment › electrical › engine Block Heater | 25V685000 |
| May 23, 2025 | Structure › body | 25V347000 |
| Jan 19, 2024 | Structure › body › roof And Pillars | 24V031000 |
| Jul 15, 2021 | Suspension › rear | 21V537000 |
| May 5, 2021 | Structure › body | 21V316000 |
| Mar 12, 2021 | Suspension › rear | 20V675000 |
| Sep 11, 2019 | Seats | 19V651000 |
| Jun 10, 2019 | Suspension › rear | 19V435000 |
| Aug 28, 2017 | Wheels › hub | 17E048000 |
| Aug 28, 2017 | Steering | 17V530000 |
| May 22, 2017 | Seats › front Assembly › recliner | 17V332000 |
| Dec 22, 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling › engine › gasoline › turbo/Supercharger | 16V925000 |