Hey guys! Ever wondered about the fuel tank capacity of the 2016 Ford Explorer? Knowing your vehicle's fuel tank size is super practical, whether you're planning a road trip, trying to budget your fuel expenses, or just being plain curious. Let’s dive into the details of the 2016 Ford Explorer and uncover everything you need to know about its fuel tank.

Understanding the 2016 Ford Explorer Fuel Tank Capacity

So, what's the deal with the 2016 Ford Explorer's fuel tank? The fuel tank capacity of the 2016 Ford Explorer is approximately 18.6 gallons (70.4 liters). This size is pretty standard for a mid-size SUV and is designed to offer a decent balance between fuel efficiency and driving range. This means you can fill 'er up and hit the road with fewer stops at the gas station, which is always a win in my book!

Why Knowing Your Fuel Tank Size Matters

Knowing your fuel tank size isn't just a random piece of information; it's actually quite useful. Here’s why:

• Planning Long Trips: When you're mapping out a long journey, knowing your fuel tank capacity helps you estimate how often you’ll need to stop for gas. This allows you to plan your routes more effectively, especially in areas where gas stations might be few and far between.
• Budgeting Fuel Costs: By combining your fuel tank size with the estimated fuel economy (MPG) of your vehicle, you can get a better handle on your fuel costs. This is super helpful for budgeting, especially if you drive a lot. Nobody likes fuel cost surprises!
• Emergency Situations: In an emergency, knowing how far you can drive on a full tank could be crucial. Whether it’s a natural disaster or just being stranded in a remote area, having this knowledge can provide peace of mind.

Factors Affecting Real-World Fuel Range

Okay, so you know the fuel tank capacity is 18.6 gallons, but how far can you actually go on a full tank? Several factors can affect your real-world fuel range:

• Driving Habits: Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, can significantly reduce your MPG. Smooth and steady driving, on the other hand, can help you maximize your fuel efficiency.
• Road Conditions: Driving on hilly terrain or in stop-and-go traffic burns more fuel than cruising on a flat highway.
• Vehicle Load: Carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer will decrease your fuel economy. The more weight you’re hauling, the more fuel you’ll use.
• Tire Pressure: Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Make sure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure.
• Weather Conditions: Extreme temperatures can affect fuel economy. Cold weather can reduce MPG because engines take longer to warm up, and the air is denser. Hot weather can also impact fuel efficiency due to increased use of air conditioning.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as changing air filters and spark plugs, can help keep your engine running efficiently and maintain good fuel economy. A well-maintained vehicle is a happy (and fuel-efficient) vehicle!

Exploring the Fuel Efficiency of the 2016 Ford Explorer

Let's talk fuel efficiency. The 2016 Ford Explorer comes with a few different engine options, each offering different levels of fuel economy. Understanding these options can help you estimate your driving range.

Engine Options and MPG

The 2016 Ford Explorer offers three engine choices:

1. 2.3L EcoBoost Inline-4: This engine is known for its balance of power and efficiency. It typically offers around 19 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.
2. 3.5L V6: The standard V6 engine provides a good amount of power for everyday driving. It usually gets around 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
3. 3.5L EcoBoost V6: This engine is the powerhouse of the lineup, delivering strong performance. However, it’s also the least fuel-efficient, with around 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway.

Calculating Your Potential Driving Range

To calculate your potential driving range, multiply your fuel tank capacity (18.6 gallons) by the estimated MPG for your engine. Here’s a quick example:

• 2.3L EcoBoost: 18.6 gallons * 28 MPG (highway) = Approximately 520 miles on a full tank
• 3.5L V6: 18.6 gallons * 24 MPG (highway) = Approximately 446 miles on a full tank
• 3.5L EcoBoost: 18.6 gallons * 22 MPG (highway) = Approximately 409 miles on a full tank

Keep in mind that these are just estimates. Your actual driving range will vary based on the factors we discussed earlier.

Tips to Maximize Your 2016 Ford Explorer's Fuel Efficiency

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

1. Drive Smoothly: Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. Smooth driving can significantly improve your MPG.
2. Maintain a Consistent Speed: Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed and reduce fuel consumption.
3. Keep Tires Properly Inflated: Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level.
4. Reduce Weight: Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle to reduce weight and improve fuel economy.
5. Use Air Conditioning Wisely: Limit your use of air conditioning, as it can significantly reduce MPG. Use it only when necessary.
6. Keep Up with Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter replacements, can help keep your engine running efficiently.
7. Avoid Idling: Idling wastes fuel. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine.

Comparing the 2016 Ford Explorer to Competitors

How does the 2016 Ford Explorer stack up against its competitors in terms of fuel tank size? Let’s take a quick look at some other popular mid-size SUVs:

• Toyota Highlander: The Toyota Highlander typically has a fuel tank capacity of around 19.2 gallons.
• Honda Pilot: The Honda Pilot usually has a fuel tank capacity of about 19.5 gallons.
• Chevrolet Traverse: The Chevrolet Traverse generally has a fuel tank capacity of approximately 19 gallons.

As you can see, the 2016 Ford Explorer's 18.6-gallon fuel tank is fairly comparable to other vehicles in its class. While some competitors might offer slightly larger tanks, the differences are usually minimal.

Real-World Scenarios: How Far Can You Go?

Let's put this information into some real-world scenarios to give you a better idea of how far you can drive on a full tank of gas.

Scenario 1: Daily Commute

Imagine you have a daily commute of 50 miles each way, totaling 100 miles per day. If you’re getting around 24 MPG with the 3.5L V6 engine, you’ll use approximately 4.17 gallons of gas each day. With a full tank, you could theoretically commute for about 4.5 days before needing to refuel.

Scenario 2: Weekend Road Trip

Let’s say you’re planning a weekend road trip of 600 miles. If you’re getting 28 MPG on the highway with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine, you’ll need approximately 21.4 gallons of gas for the trip. This means you’ll need to fill up at least once during your journey.

Scenario 3: Family Vacation

Consider a family vacation covering 1,200 miles. If you’re getting 22 MPG with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, you’ll need about 54.5 gallons of gas. This translates to needing to fill up almost three times during the trip.

Conclusion: The Importance of Knowing Your Vehicle’s Fuel Tank Size

Wrapping it up, knowing the fuel tank size of your 2016 Ford Explorer is more than just trivia—it’s practical knowledge that can help you plan trips, budget fuel costs, and be prepared for emergencies. With a fuel tank capacity of 18.6 gallons, the 2016 Ford Explorer offers a reasonable driving range for a mid-size SUV. By understanding your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and adopting smart driving habits, you can maximize your MPG and get the most out of every tank.

So, the next time you hit the road, you’ll have a better understanding of how far you can go and what to expect along the way. Happy driving, folks! And remember, drive safe and stay fuel-efficient!