1996 Ford Explorer Gas Tank Size & Fuel Capacity
Fuel tank capacity
17.5–21.0gal · 66–79 L
The 1996 Ford Explorer has a fuel tank capacity of 17.5 to 21.0 gallons (66–79 liters), depending on the trim. The most common size is 21.0 gallons, used on 11 trims.
A full tank is good for roughly 333–441 highway miles or 252–336 miles around town, going by the EPA ratings.
21.0 gal · Bigger than 72% of 1996 models we list.
- By trim
- Gas cap & parts
- Fuel essentials
- Miles per tank
- Fill-up cost
- Other years
- Compared
- Fuel recalls
- Pump & gauge parts
- FAQ
1996 Ford Explorer fuel tank capacity by trim
What changes the tank sizeTap an option to filter the table
- Drive
- Engine
All 15 trims
MPG and range are city / highway.
| Trim | Engine | Drive | Tank | MPG city / hwy | Range city / hwy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport 2dr SUV 4.0L 6cyl 5M · RWD MPG 16 / 21Range 280 / 368 mi | 4.0L 6cyl 5M | RWD | 17.5 gal66 L | 16 / 21 | 280 / 368 mi | |
| Sport 2dr SUV 4WD 4.0L 6cyl 5M · 4WD MPG 15 / 19Range 263 / 333 mi | 4.0L 6cyl 5M | 4WD | 17.5 gal66 L | 15 / 19 | 263 / 333 mi | |
| XL 2dr SUV 4.0L 6cyl 5M · RWD MPG 16 / 21Range 280 / 368 mi | 4.0L 6cyl 5M | RWD | 17.5 gal66 L | 16 / 21 | 280 / 368 mi | |
| XL 2dr SUV 4WD 4.0L 6cyl 5M · 4WD MPG 15 / 19Range 263 / 333 mi | 4.0L 6cyl 5M | 4WD | 17.5 gal66 L | 15 / 19 | 263 / 333 mi | |
| Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV 4.0L 6cyl 4A · RWD MPG 14 / 20Range 294 / 420 mi | 4.0L 6cyl 4A | RWD | 21.0 gal79 L | 14 / 20 | 294 / 420 mi | |
| Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV 4WD 4.0L 6cyl 4A · 4WD MPG 13 / 19Range 273 / 399 mi | 4.0L 6cyl 4A | 4WD | 21.0 gal79 L | 13 / 19 | 273 / 399 mi | |
| Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV AWD 5.0L 8cyl 4A · AWD MPG 12 / 17Range 252 / 357 mi | 5.0L 8cyl 4A | AWD | 21.0 gal79 L | 12 / 17 | 252 / 357 mi | |
| Limited 4dr SUV 4.0L 6cyl 4A · RWD MPG 14 / 20Range 294 / 420 mi | 4.0L 6cyl 4A | RWD | 21.0 gal79 L | 14 / 20 | 294 / 420 mi | |
| Limited 4dr SUV 4WD 4.0L 6cyl 4A · 4WD MPG 13 / 19Range 273 / 399 mi | 4.0L 6cyl 4A | 4WD | 21.0 gal79 L | 13 / 19 | 273 / 399 mi | |
| Limited 4dr SUV AWD 5.0L 8cyl 4A · AWD MPG 12 / 17Range 252 / 357 mi | 5.0L 8cyl 4A | AWD | 21.0 gal79 L | 12 / 17 | 252 / 357 mi | |
| XL 4dr SUV 4.0L 6cyl 5M · RWD MPG 16 / 21Range 336 / 441 mi | 4.0L 6cyl 5M | RWD | 21.0 gal79 L | 16 / 21 | 336 / 441 mi | |
| XL 4dr SUV 4WD 4.0L 6cyl 5M · 4WD MPG 15 / 19Range 315 / 399 mi | 4.0L 6cyl 5M | 4WD | 21.0 gal79 L | 15 / 19 | 315 / 399 mi | |
| XLT 4dr SUV 4.0L 6cyl 5M · RWD MPG 16 / 21Range 336 / 441 mi | 4.0L 6cyl 5M | RWD | 21.0 gal79 L | 16 / 21 | 336 / 441 mi | |
| XLT 4dr SUV 4WD 4.0L 6cyl 5M · 4WD MPG 15 / 19Range 315 / 399 mi | 4.0L 6cyl 5M | 4WD | 21.0 gal79 L | 15 / 19 | 315 / 399 mi | |
| XLT 4dr SUV AWD 5.0L 8cyl 4A · AWD MPG 12 / 17Range 252 / 357 mi | 5.0L 8cyl 4A | AWD | 21.0 gal79 L | 12 / 17 | 252 / 357 mi | |
| No trim matches all of these filters. | ||||||
Tank figures are the manufacturer's rated capacity, sorted smallest tank first. Range is tank size times EPA city or highway MPG.
How far a 1996 Ford Explorer goes on a tank
Gallons left and the distance they cover at each mark on the fuel gauge, at EPA city and highway mileage. At the combined rating of 14 MPG, a full 21.0-gallon tank covers about 294 miles.
| Gauge | Gallons | Highway miles | City miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full | 21.0 | 357 | 252 |
| 3/4 | 15.8 | 268 | 189 |
| 1/2 | 10.5 | 179 | 126 |
| 1/4 | 5.3 | 89 | 63 |
| 1/8 | 2.6 | 45 | 32 |
Over 15,000 miles a year (the EPA's yearly estimate) this configuration uses about 1,071 gallons, roughly 51 full tanks.
In real driving: owners who log fill-ups at fueleconomy.gov average 16.5 MPG in the Explorer (25 drivers), about 347 miles on a full 21.0-gallon tank.
Fuel gauges aren't perfectly linear and the low-fuel light comes on with a few gallons still in the tank, so plan your stop before the last eighth.
- EPA combined
- 14–18 MPG
- Tailpipe CO2
- 494–635 g/mi
- Source
- EPA ratings
What it costs to fill up a 1996 Ford Explorer
$89.67 to fill the 21.0-gallon tank from empty with regular, at this week's US average of $4.27 a gallon.
| Tank | Fuel | US avg / gal | From empty | From 1/4 tank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17.5 gal | Regular | $4.27 | $74.72 | $56.04 |
| 21.0 gal | Regular | $4.27 | $89.67 | $67.25 |
By region, 21.0-gallon tank
| Region | Regular / gal | Fill from empty |
|---|---|---|
| East Coast | $4.02 | $84.42 |
| Midwest | $4.27 | $89.67 |
| Gulf CoastLowest | $3.70 | $77.70 |
| Rocky Mountain | $4.46 | $93.66 |
| West Coast | $5.42 | $113.82 |
| CaliforniaHighest | $5.89 | $123.69 |
Prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration retail averages for the week of October 26, 2026. This week's prices by state and city.
Your own price
- 17.5-gallon tank$74.72
- 21.0-gallon tank$89.67
- A year of driving (15,000 mi)$4,575
Starts at the US average for regular; type in what your station charges. For other tank sizes, use the fill-up calculator.
Explorer tank size in other years
The 1996 Explorer uses the same 17.5–21.0 gal tank sizes as the 1995 model.
| Model year | Tank | Longest highway range |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 Explorer | 21.0 gal | 420 mi |
| 2000 Explorer | 17.5–21.0 gal | 441 mi |
| 1999 Explorer | 17.5–21.0 gal | 441 mi |
| 1998 Explorer | 17.5–21.0 gal | 420 mi |
| 1997 Explorer | 17.5–21.0 gal | 462 mi |
| 1996 Explorer | 17.5–21.0 gal | 441 mi |
| 1995 Explorer | 17.5–21.0 gal | 441 mi |
| 1994 Explorer | 19.0 gal | 380 mi |
| 1993 Explorer | 19.3 gal | 425 mi |
| 1992 Explorer | 19.0 gal | 380 mi |
| 1991 Explorer | 19.0 gal | 399 mi |
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1996 Ford Explorer vs similar 1996 SUVs
At 21.0 gallons, the Explorer's largest tank ranks second of the four 1996 SUVs compared here. The Isuzu Rodeo carries the most (21.9 gal) and the Oldsmobile Bravada the least (19.0 gal).
| 1996 model | Tank | Longest highway range |
|---|---|---|
| Isuzu Rodeo | 21.9 gal | 438 mi |
| Ford Explorer | 17.5–21.0 gal | 441 mi |
| Chevrolet Blazer | 19.0–20.0 gal | 400 mi |
| Oldsmobile Bravada | 19.0 gal | 380 mi |
Other 1996 SUVs of a similar size, one model per brand.
1996 Ford Explorer fuel system recalls
None of the 6 recalls NHTSA lists for the 1996 Ford Explorer involve the fuel system.
1996 Ford Explorer fuel pump and gauge parts
NHTSA lists no fuel-system recall for the 1996 Ford Explorer, so a failed pump or gauge is a normal repair. These are the part numbers the makers list for it.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1996 Ford Explorer?
The 1996 Ford Explorer holds between 17.5 and 21.0 gallons, depending on the trim. 21.0 gallons is the usual size; the smaller 17.5-gallon tank is on the Sport 2dr SUV.
How many gallons and liters does the 1996 Ford Explorer gas tank hold?
The 1996 Ford Explorer tank holds 66–79 liters, or 17.5–21.0 gallons in US gallons.
Which 1996 Ford Explorer has the biggest gas tank?
The 21.0-gallon tank is on the Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV, Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV 4WD, Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV AWD and 8 other trims. The smallest tank, 17.5 gallons, is on the Sport 2dr SUV.
Does 4WD change the 1996 Ford Explorer gas tank?
Yes. RWD: 17.5–21.0 gal; 4WD: 17.5–21.0 gal; AWD: 21.0 gal.
How far can a 1996 Ford Explorer go on a full tank?
About 333–441 miles on the highway and 252–336 miles in town, going from full to empty at its EPA ratings. Expect less in practice, since nobody runs the tank dry.
How many miles can a 1996 Ford Explorer go on a quarter tank?
About 89 highway miles or 63 in town from the 21.0-gallon tank, which has roughly 5.3 gallons left at the quarter mark. Gauges aren't exact, so treat that as a guide.
How many miles does a 1996 Ford Explorer really get on a tank?
Drivers who log their fill-ups at fueleconomy.gov average 16.5 MPG in the 1996 Ford Explorer (25 drivers), which works out to about 347 miles on a full 21.0-gallon tank.
What gas does the 1996 Ford Explorer take?
Regular unleaded. The label inside the fuel door confirms it for your car.
How much does it cost to fill up a 1996 Ford Explorer?
At the US average of $4.27 a gallon for regular (EIA, week of October 26, 2026), filling the 21.0-gallon tank from empty costs $89.67. It ranges from $77.70 in the Gulf Coast to $123.69 in California.
How much does a full tank of gas weigh in a 1996 Ford Explorer?
About 130 pounds for the 21.0-gallon tank. Gasoline weighs roughly 6.2 pounds a gallon.
Does the 1996 Ford Explorer have a bigger gas tank than the Isuzu Rodeo?
No. The 1996 Isuzu Rodeo holds up to 21.9 gallons; the 1996 Ford Explorer holds up to 21.0.
Has the 1996 Ford Explorer had a fuel pump or fuel system recall?
No. None of the 6 recalls NHTSA lists for the 1996 Ford Explorer involve the fuel system.
Sources
- Tank sizes: manufacturer-rated capacities from US-market specifications, checked against independent references. Updated October 2026.
- MPG and range: EPA ratings (fueleconomy.gov). Range is tank size times EPA MPG.
- Fuel prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration, week of October 26, 2026 (this week's prices).
- Recalls: NHTSA recall database (Ford fuel system recalls).
- Real-world MPG: driver-reported fill-ups shared at fueleconomy.gov (My MPG).
Does your owner's manual say something different? Let us know and we'll fix it. More on how we check the numbers.