Hey guys! Let's dive into everything you need to know about the 2016 Ford Explorer's fuel tank. Whether you're a proud owner or just curious, understanding your vehicle's fuel capacity is super important. This knowledge helps you plan those long road trips, estimate fuel costs, and just generally be more aware of your SUV's capabilities. So, let’s get started and explore the fuel tank specifics of the 2016 Ford Explorer.

Understanding the 2016 Ford Explorer Fuel Tank

Fuel tank capacity is crucial for any vehicle, and the 2016 Ford Explorer is no exception. The size of the fuel tank directly impacts how far you can travel before needing to refuel. For the 2016 Ford Explorer, the fuel tank capacity is approximately 18.6 gallons (70.4 liters). This capacity is pretty standard for a mid-size SUV, balancing fuel storage with overall vehicle weight and size. Knowing this figure allows you to estimate your driving range, making those long journeys a bit less stressful.

Why Fuel Tank Size Matters

Why should you even care about the fuel tank size? Well, it affects several aspects of your driving experience:

• Range: A larger tank means fewer stops at the gas station. For road trips, this is a huge convenience.
• Fuel Costs: Understanding your tank's capacity helps you budget for fuel. You can calculate how much it costs to fill up and estimate your monthly fuel expenses.
• Planning: Knowing your range helps you plan routes, especially in areas where gas stations might be scarce.

Factors Affecting Fuel Range

Keep in mind that the actual distance you can travel on a full tank depends on various factors. These include:

• Driving Habits: Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, can significantly reduce fuel efficiency.
• Road Conditions: Driving uphill or on rough terrain consumes more fuel.
• Weather: Extreme temperatures can affect fuel economy. For example, using air conditioning in hot weather increases fuel consumption.
• Vehicle Load: Carrying heavy loads or towing trailers reduces fuel efficiency.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as keeping your tires properly inflated and changing your air filter, can improve fuel economy.

Different 2016 Ford Explorer Models and Fuel Capacity

The 2016 Ford Explorer comes in several trims, including the base, XLT, Limited, Sport, and Platinum. While the fuel tank capacity remains consistent across these models, the fuel efficiency can vary slightly due to differences in engine options and features. Let's take a closer look at how these variations might affect your overall range.

Engine Options and Fuel Efficiency

The 2016 Explorer offers a few engine choices, each with its own fuel efficiency characteristics:

• 3.5L V6 Engine: This is the standard engine for most trims. It provides a good balance of power and fuel economy. Expect around 17-18 MPG in the city and 24-25 MPG on the highway.
• 2.3L EcoBoost Engine: Available on some trims, this turbocharged engine offers better fuel efficiency without sacrificing too much power. It typically achieves around 19-20 MPG in the city and 27-28 MPG on the highway.
• 3.5L EcoBoost Engine: Found in the Sport and Platinum trims, this engine delivers more power but is less fuel-efficient. Expect around 16-17 MPG in the city and 22-23 MPG on the highway.

Trim-Specific Considerations

• Base and XLT: These models usually come with the 3.5L V6 engine. The fuel efficiency is generally consistent, but adding optional features can slightly impact it.
• Limited: The Limited trim offers a bit more luxury and features, which can add weight and slightly reduce fuel economy.
• Sport: With the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, the Sport trim prioritizes performance over fuel efficiency. If you're looking for power, this is the trim to choose, but be prepared for more frequent trips to the gas station.
• Platinum: Similar to the Sport, the Platinum trim also uses the 3.5L EcoBoost engine and includes many luxury features. This trim offers a blend of performance and comfort, but fuel efficiency is similar to the Sport.

Maximizing Your 2016 Ford Explorer's Fuel Efficiency

Want to get the most out of every gallon? Here are some tips to improve your 2016 Ford Explorer's fuel efficiency:

Driving Techniques

• Smooth Acceleration: Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking. Gentle acceleration saves fuel and reduces wear on your vehicle.
• Maintain a Steady Speed: Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed. This helps optimize fuel consumption.
• Anticipate Traffic: Look ahead and anticipate traffic flow. Avoiding sudden stops and starts can improve fuel economy.

Vehicle Maintenance

• Tire Pressure: Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel efficiency.
• Air Filter: Replace your air filter regularly. A clean air filter ensures proper airflow to the engine, improving fuel economy.
• Oil Changes: Follow the recommended oil change schedule. Fresh oil reduces friction in the engine, which helps improve fuel efficiency.
• Spark Plugs: Replace spark plugs as recommended. Worn spark plugs can reduce engine efficiency and increase fuel consumption.

Other Tips

• Reduce Weight: Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle. Extra weight reduces fuel efficiency.
• Avoid Idling: Limit idling time. If you're stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine.
• Use Air Conditioning Wisely: Use air conditioning only when necessary. Air conditioning increases fuel consumption.
• Plan Your Trips: Combine errands into a single trip. This reduces the number of cold starts, which consume more fuel.

Real-World Fuel Range Examples

To give you a better idea of what to expect, let's look at some real-world examples of fuel range for the 2016 Ford Explorer. These examples assume a full tank (18.6 gallons) and average driving conditions.

City Driving

• 3.5L V6: With an average of 18 MPG in the city, you can expect a range of approximately 335 miles.
• 2.3L EcoBoost: With an average of 20 MPG in the city, you can expect a range of approximately 372 miles.
• 3.5L EcoBoost: With an average of 17 MPG in the city, you can expect a range of approximately 316 miles.

Highway Driving

• 3.5L V6: With an average of 25 MPG on the highway, you can expect a range of approximately 465 miles.
• 2.3L EcoBoost: With an average of 28 MPG on the highway, you can expect a range of approximately 521 miles.
• 3.5L EcoBoost: With an average of 23 MPG on the highway, you can expect a range of approximately 428 miles.

Combined Driving

• 3.5L V6: With a combined average of 21 MPG, you can expect a range of approximately 390 miles.
• 2.3L EcoBoost: With a combined average of 24 MPG, you can expect a range of approximately 446 miles.
• 3.5L EcoBoost: With a combined average of 19 MPG, you can expect a range of approximately 353 miles.

Comparing the 2016 Ford Explorer to Competitors

How does the 2016 Ford Explorer stack up against its competitors in terms of fuel tank size and range? Let's take a look at some popular alternatives:

Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is a strong competitor in the mid-size SUV segment. It typically has a fuel tank capacity of around 19.2 gallons. This slightly larger tank gives it a bit more range compared to the Explorer, especially on the highway. However, real-world fuel economy can vary depending on the engine and driving conditions.

Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is another popular choice. It usually comes with a fuel tank capacity of about 19.5 gallons. Similar to the Highlander, this provides a slightly longer range than the Explorer. The Pilot is known for its fuel-efficient engine, which can help you get the most out of each tank.

Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse typically has a larger fuel tank, around 22 gallons. This larger capacity allows for a significantly longer range, making it a great option for long road trips. However, the Traverse tends to be less fuel-efficient than the Explorer, so the benefits of the larger tank might be offset by higher fuel consumption.

Ford Edge

If you're looking for something slightly smaller, the Ford Edge is a good option. It usually has a fuel tank capacity of around 18.5 gallons, similar to the Explorer. The Edge tends to be more fuel-efficient, which can help you save money on gas.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! The 2016 Ford Explorer comes with a fuel tank capacity of approximately 18.6 gallons (70.4 liters), which is pretty standard for its class. Understanding this, along with the factors that affect fuel efficiency, can help you plan your trips and manage your fuel costs effectively. Remember to consider your driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and the specific trim you own to get the most accurate estimate of your Explorer's range. Safe travels, and happy driving!