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1997 Ford Explorer Gas Tank Size & Fuel Capacity

SUV 15 trims listed 1 fuel-system recall ← 1996 1998 →

Fuel tank capacity

17.5–21.0gal · 66–79 L

The 1997 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 333–462 highway miles or 231–336 miles around town, going by the EPA ratings.

21.0 gal · Bigger than 73% of 1997 models we list.

Highway range
333–462 mi
City range
231–336 mi
Fuel
Regular unleaded
EPA combined
15–18 MPG
EPA size class
Special Purpose Vehicles

1997 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.

TrimEngineDrive Tank MPG city / hwy Range city / hwy
Sport 2dr SUV 4.0L 6cyl 5M · RWD MPG 16 / 22Range 280 / 385 mi 4.0L 6cyl 5M RWD 17.5 gal66 L 16 / 22 280 / 385 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 / 22Range 280 / 385 mi 4.0L 6cyl 5M RWD 17.5 gal66 L 16 / 22 280 / 385 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 · RWD MPG 14 / 19Range 294 / 399 mi 4.0L 6cyl RWD 21.0 gal79 L 14 / 19 294 / 399 mi
Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV 4WD 4.0L 6cyl · 4WD MPG 14 / 18Range 294 / 378 mi 4.0L 6cyl 4WD 21.0 gal79 L 14 / 18 294 / 378 mi
Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV AWD 5.0L 8cyl 4A · AWD MPG 11 / 16Range 231 / 336 mi 5.0L 8cyl 4A AWD 21.0 gal79 L 11 / 16 231 / 336 mi
Limited 4dr SUV 4.0L 6cyl · RWD MPG 14 / 19Range 294 / 399 mi 4.0L 6cyl RWD 21.0 gal79 L 14 / 19 294 / 399 mi
Limited 4dr SUV 4WD 4.0L 6cyl 5A · 4WD MPG 14 / 18Range 294 / 378 mi 4.0L 6cyl 5A 4WD 21.0 gal79 L 14 / 18 294 / 378 mi
Limited 4dr SUV AWD 5.0L 8cyl 4A · AWD MPG 11 / 16Range 231 / 336 mi 5.0L 8cyl 4A AWD 21.0 gal79 L 11 / 16 231 / 336 mi
XL 4dr SUV 4.0L 6cyl 5M · RWD MPG 16 / 22Range 336 / 462 mi 4.0L 6cyl 5M RWD 21.0 gal79 L 16 / 22 336 / 462 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 / 22Range 336 / 462 mi 4.0L 6cyl 5M RWD 21.0 gal79 L 16 / 22 336 / 462 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 11 / 16Range 231 / 336 mi 5.0L 8cyl 4A AWD 21.0 gal79 L 11 / 16 231 / 336 mi

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 1997 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 13 MPG, a full 21.0-gallon tank covers about 273 miles.

GaugeGallonsHighway milesCity miles
Full21.0336231
3/415.8252173
1/210.5168116
1/45.38458
1/82.64229

Over 15,000 miles a year (the EPA's yearly estimate) this configuration uses about 1,154 gallons, roughly 55 full tanks.

In real driving: owners who log fill-ups at fueleconomy.gov average 17.9 MPG in the Explorer (9 drivers), about 376 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
15–18 MPG
Tailpipe CO2
494–592 g/mi
Source
EPA ratings

What it costs to fill up a 1997 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.

TankFuelUS avg / galFrom emptyFrom 1/4 tank
17.5 galRegular$4.27$74.72$56.04
21.0 galRegular$4.27$89.67$67.25

By region, 21.0-gallon tank

RegionRegular / galFill 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)$4,927

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 1997 Explorer uses the same 17.5–21.0 gal tank sizes as every Explorer since 1995.

Model yearTankLongest highway range
2002 Explorer 22.5 gal 450 mi
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
Ford Explorer fuel tank by model yearSmallest tank Larger tank options
1991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024202520262027
← 1996 Ford Explorer Every Explorer year 1998 Ford Explorer →

1997 Ford Explorer vs similar 1997 SUVs

The Explorer has the largest tank of the three 1997 SUVs compared here, 21.0 gallons against 21.0 for the Mercury Mountaineer.

1997 modelTankLongest highway range
Ford Explorer 17.5–21.0 gal 462 mi
Mercury Mountaineer 21.0 gal 357 mi
Oldsmobile Bravada 18.0 gal 360 mi

Other 1997 SUVs of a similar size, one model per brand.

1997 Ford Explorer fuel system recalls

NHTSA lists 1 fuel-system recall for the 1997 Ford Explorer, out of 7 recalls in total. A recall applies only to the vehicles named in it, so check your VIN.

Delivery · Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMar 19, 1998 · NHTSA 98V060000 · Ford Motor Company · 320,000 vehicles

Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with 4.0l single overhead cam engines. The engine fuel lines can be damaged if the vehicle is jump started and the ground cable is attached to the fuel line bracket that is located near the battery. Since the bracket is not grounded, the stainless steel fuel line braid could act as a ground potentially overheating the ptfe inner liner of the fuel line resulting in damage to the fuel line.

Risk and remedy

Risk: The fuel lines can leak, and in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could potentially result.

Remedy: Dealers will install a warning label on the fuel line bracket advising owners not to use it for a jump start ground. Also a revised bolt will be installed in the alternator bracket to provide a convenient jump start ground location.

All Ford fuel recalls Look up your tank by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1997 Ford Explorer?

The 1997 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 1997 Ford Explorer gas tank hold?

The 1997 Ford Explorer tank holds 66–79 liters, or 17.5–21.0 gallons in US gallons.

Which 1997 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 1997 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 1997 Ford Explorer go on a full tank?

About 333–462 miles on the highway and 231–336 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 1997 Ford Explorer go on a quarter tank?

About 84 highway miles or 58 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 1997 Ford Explorer really get on a tank?

Drivers who log their fill-ups at fueleconomy.gov average 17.9 MPG in the 1997 Ford Explorer (9 drivers), which works out to about 376 miles on a full 21.0-gallon tank.

What gas does the 1997 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 1997 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 1997 Ford Explorer?

About 130 pounds for the 21.0-gallon tank. Gasoline weighs roughly 6.2 pounds a gallon.

Does the 1997 Ford Explorer have a bigger gas tank than the Mercury Mountaineer?

No, they match: both top out at 21.0 gallons in 1997.

Has the 1997 Ford Explorer had a fuel pump or fuel system recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 fuel-system recall for the 1997 Ford Explorer: 98V060000 (delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your car is affected.

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.

Other 1997 Ford models

Aerostar21.0 gallons Aspire10.0 gallons Contour14.5 gallons Crown Victoria19.0–20.0 gallons E-15035.0 gallons E-25035.0 gallons E-35035.0 gallons Escort12.7 gallons Expedition26.0–30.0 gallons F-15024.5–30.0 gallons F-25025.0–37.2 gallons F-35034.7–37.2 gallons