2021 Ford Explorer AWDFuel Economy & MPG Ratings
Trim Comparison
| Trim | Engine | City | Hwy | Combined | Fuel Cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic (S10) | Regular | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,950 |
| Automatic 10-spd | Regular | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,950 |
| Automatic (S10) | Regular | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,400 |
Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year
vs. average new vehicle
Environment
- CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
- 386 g/mile
- Annual Petroleum Consumption
- 12.9 barrels
Specifications
- Engine
- 3L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- 10-speed Automatic
- Drivetrain
- 4WD
- Body Style
- SUV/Crossover
- GVWR
- Class 2-3 (6,001–10,000 lbs)
Source: EPA fuel economy data & NHTSA vPIC. Specifications reflect the most common trim configuration.
Engine & Efficiency Details
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
- Engine Size
- 2.3L, 4-cylinder
- Induction Type
- Direct Injection
- Efficiency Tech
- Auto Start-Stop
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Annual Fuel Cost by State
Prices as of week ending May 18, 2026 · Source: EIA
| State | Gas Price | Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| National AvgEPA default | $4.490/gal | $2,928/yr | — |
| California | $5.957/gal | $3,885/yrHIGHEST | +$957 |
| Texas | $3.888/gal | $2,536/yrLOWEST | $-392 |
| Florida | $4.136/gal | $2,697/yr | $-231 |
| New York | $4.522/gal | $2,949/yr | +$21 |
| Ohio | $4.510/gal | $2,941/yr | +$13 |
| Washington | $5.591/gal | $3,646/yr | +$718 |
| Colorado | $4.618/gal | $3,012/yr | +$84 |
| Minnesota | $4.344/gal | $2,833/yr | $-95 |
| Massachusetts | $4.448/gal | $2,901/yr | $-27 |
Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 23 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.
Recall History
Source: NHTSA✓No recalls reported for this vehicle.
Owner-Reported Problems382 complaints
Source: NHTSANHTSA has received 382 owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Explorer AWD. Top reported issues include power train, engine and electrical system. The data below is sourced from consumer complaints filed directly with NHTSA.
Problems by System / Component
2021 Ford Explorer AWD problems by category: Power Train: 104 complaints, Engine: 53 complaints, Electrical System: 39 complaints, Visibility / Wipers: 34 complaints, Advanced Safety (ADAS): 23 complaints, Structure: 21 complaints, Brakes: 21 complaints, Fuel System: 20 complaints.
Sample Owner Complaints
Complaint data is sourced from the NHTSA Complaints Database. Reports are filed by vehicle owners and may not reflect confirmed defects. Last updated via NHTSA API.