1997 Ford Explorer fuel economy
The EPA lists 8 versions of the 1997 Ford Explorer. Combined fuel economy ranges from 14 to 18 MPG; the most efficient version is rated 16 city / 22 highway.
At a glance
- Combined
- 14 to 18 MPG depending on version
- City and highway
- 16 and 22 most efficient version
- Yearly fuel cost
- $3,700 EPA estimate, most efficient version
Source: U.S. EPA fueleconomy.gov
Every version the EPA tested
| Version | Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined | Yearly fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 2WD Manual 5-spd | 6-cyl 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 MPG | $3,700 |
| Explorer 2WD Automatic 5-spd | 6-cyl 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 MPG | $4,200 |
| Explorer 4WD Manual 5-spd | 6-cyl 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 MPG | $4,200 |
| Explorer 2WD Automatic 5-spd | 6-cyl 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 MPG | $4,450 |
| Explorer 4WD Automatic 5-spd | 6-cyl 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 MPG | $4,450 |
| Explorer 4WD Automatic 5-spd | 6-cyl 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 MPG | $4,450 |
| Explorer 2WD Automatic 4-spd | 8-cyl 5.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 MPG | $4,800 |
| Explorer 4WD Automatic 4-spd | 8-cyl 5.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 MPG | $4,800 |
At EPA assumptions, the most efficient version costs about $3,700 per year in fuel, versus $4,800 for the least efficient.