2006 Ford Explorer Gas Tank Size & Fuel Capacity
Fuel tank capacity
22.5gal · 85 L
The 2006 Ford Explorer has a fuel tank capacity of 22.5 gallons (85 liters) on every trim.
A full tank is good for roughly 405–428 highway miles or 293–315 miles around town, going by the EPA ratings.
22.5 gal · Bigger than 70% of 2006 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
2006 Ford Explorer fuel tank capacity by trim
What changes the tank sizeTap an option to filter the table
- Drive
- no difference
- Engine
- no difference
All 14 trims
MPG and range are city / highway.
| Trim | Engine | Drive | Tank | MPG city / hwy | Range city / hwy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV 4.0L 6cyl 5A · RWD MPG 14 / 19Range 315 / 428 mi | 4.0L 6cyl 5A | RWD | 22.5 gal85 L | 14 / 19 | 315 / 428 mi | |
| Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV 4.6L 8cyl 6A · RWD MPG 13 / 19Range 293 / 428 mi | 4.6L 8cyl 6A | RWD | 22.5 gal85 L | 13 / 19 | 293 / 428 mi | |
| Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV 4WD 4.0L 6cyl 5A · 4WD MPG 13 / 19Range 293 / 428 mi | 4.0L 6cyl 5A | 4WD | 22.5 gal85 L | 13 / 19 | 293 / 428 mi | |
| Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV 4WD 4.6L 8cyl 6A · 4WD MPG 13 / 18Range 293 / 405 mi | 4.6L 8cyl 6A | 4WD | 22.5 gal85 L | 13 / 18 | 293 / 405 mi | |
| Limited 4dr SUV 4.0L 6cyl 5A · RWD MPG 14 / 19Range 315 / 428 mi | 4.0L 6cyl 5A | RWD | 22.5 gal85 L | 14 / 19 | 315 / 428 mi | |
| Limited 4dr SUV 4.6L 8cyl 6A · RWD MPG 13 / 19Range 293 / 428 mi | 4.6L 8cyl 6A | RWD | 22.5 gal85 L | 13 / 19 | 293 / 428 mi | |
| Limited 4dr SUV 4WD 4.0L 6cyl 5A · 4WD MPG 13 / 19Range 293 / 428 mi | 4.0L 6cyl 5A | 4WD | 22.5 gal85 L | 13 / 19 | 293 / 428 mi | |
| Limited 4dr SUV 4WD 4.6L 8cyl 6A · 4WD MPG 13 / 18Range 293 / 405 mi | 4.6L 8cyl 6A | 4WD | 22.5 gal85 L | 13 / 18 | 293 / 405 mi | |
| XLS 4dr SUV 4.0L 6cyl 5A · RWD MPG 14 / 19Range 315 / 428 mi | 4.0L 6cyl 5A | RWD | 22.5 gal85 L | 14 / 19 | 315 / 428 mi | |
| XLS 4dr SUV 4WD 4.0L 6cyl 5A · 4WD MPG 13 / 19Range 293 / 428 mi | 4.0L 6cyl 5A | 4WD | 22.5 gal85 L | 13 / 19 | 293 / 428 mi | |
| XLT 4dr SUV 4.0L 6cyl 5A · RWD MPG 14 / 19Range 315 / 428 mi | 4.0L 6cyl 5A | RWD | 22.5 gal85 L | 14 / 19 | 315 / 428 mi | |
| XLT 4dr SUV 4.6L 8cyl 6A · RWD MPG 13 / 19Range 293 / 428 mi | 4.6L 8cyl 6A | RWD | 22.5 gal85 L | 13 / 19 | 293 / 428 mi | |
| XLT 4dr SUV 4WD 4.0L 6cyl 5A · 4WD MPG 13 / 19Range 293 / 428 mi | 4.0L 6cyl 5A | 4WD | 22.5 gal85 L | 13 / 19 | 293 / 428 mi | |
| XLT 4dr SUV 4WD 4.6L 8cyl 6A · 4WD MPG 13 / 18Range 293 / 405 mi | 4.6L 8cyl 6A | 4WD | 22.5 gal85 L | 13 / 18 | 293 / 405 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 2006 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 15 MPG, a full 22.5-gallon tank covers about 338 miles.
| Gauge | Gallons | Highway miles | City miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full | 22.5 | 428 | 293 |
| 3/4 | 16.9 | 321 | 219 |
| 1/2 | 11.3 | 214 | 146 |
| 1/4 | 5.6 | 107 | 73 |
| 1/8 | 2.8 | 53 | 37 |
Over 15,000 miles a year (the EPA's yearly estimate) this configuration uses about 1,000 gallons, roughly 44 full tanks.
In real driving: owners who log fill-ups at fueleconomy.gov average 14.8 MPG in the Explorer (15 drivers), about 333 miles on a full 22.5-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
- 15–16 MPG
- Tailpipe CO2
- 555–592 g/mi
- Source
- EPA ratings
What it costs to fill up a 2006 Ford Explorer
$96.07 to fill the 22.5-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22.5 gal | Regular | $4.27 | $96.07 | $72.06 |
By region, 22.5-gallon tank
| Region | Regular / gal | Fill from empty |
|---|---|---|
| East Coast | $4.02 | $90.45 |
| Midwest | $4.27 | $96.07 |
| Gulf CoastLowest | $3.70 | $83.25 |
| Rocky Mountain | $4.46 | $100.35 |
| West Coast | $5.42 | $121.95 |
| CaliforniaHighest | $5.89 | $132.53 |
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
- 22.5-gallon tank$96.07
- A year of driving (15,000 mi)$4,270
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 2006 Explorer uses the same 22.5 gal tank as every Explorer since 2002.
| Model year | Tank | Longest highway range |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 Explorer | 18.6 gal | 465 mi |
| 2010 Explorer | 22.5 gal | 450 mi |
| 2009 Explorer | 22.5 gal | 473 mi |
| 2008 Explorer | 22.5 gal | 450 mi |
| 2007 Explorer | 22.5 gal | 450 mi |
| 2006 Explorer | 22.5 gal | 428 mi |
| 2005 Explorer | 22.5 gal | 428 mi |
| 2004 Explorer | 22.5 gal | 450 mi |
| 2003 Explorer | 22.5 gal | 428 mi |
| 2002 Explorer | 22.5 gal | 450 mi |
| 2001 Explorer | 21.0 gal | 420 mi |
- 2027
- 2026
- 2025
- 2024
- 2023
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
- 2011
- 2010
- 2009
- 2008
- 2007
- 2006
- 2005
- 2004
- 2003
- 2002
- 2001
- 2000
- 1999
- 1998
- 1997
- 1996
- 1995
- 1994
- 1993
- 1992
- 1991
2006 Ford Explorer vs similar 2006 SUVs
At 22.5 gallons, the Explorer's largest tank ranks second of the seven 2006 SUVs compared here. The Mitsubishi Montero carries the most (23.8 gal) and the Nissan Pathfinder the least (21.1 gal).
| 2006 model | Tank | Longest highway range |
|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi Montero | 23.8 gal | 405 mi |
| Ford Explorer | 22.5 gal | 428 mi |
| Mercury Mountaineer | 22.5 gal | 428 mi |
| Buick Rainier | 22.0 gal | 440 mi |
| GMC Envoy | 22.0 gal | 440 mi |
| Chevrolet Trailblazer | 22.0 gal | 440 mi |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 21.1 gal | 443 mi |
Other 2006 SUVs of a similar size, one model per brand.
2006 Ford Explorer fuel system recalls
None of the 1 recall NHTSA lists for the 2006 Ford Explorer involve the fuel system.
2006 Ford Explorer fuel pump and gauge parts
NHTSA lists no fuel-system recall for the 2006 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 2006 Ford Explorer?
The 2006 Ford Explorer holds 22.5 gallons (85 liters) on every trim we list.
How many gallons and liters does the 2006 Ford Explorer gas tank hold?
The 2006 Ford Explorer tank holds 85 liters, or 22.5 gallons in US gallons.
Does 4WD change the 2006 Ford Explorer gas tank?
No. RWD and 4WD versions of the 2006 Ford Explorer use the same 22.5 gal tank.
How far can a 2006 Ford Explorer go on a full tank?
About 405–428 miles on the highway and 293–315 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 2006 Ford Explorer go on a quarter tank?
About 107 highway miles or 73 in town from the 22.5-gallon tank, which has roughly 5.6 gallons left at the quarter mark. Gauges aren't exact, so treat that as a guide.
How many miles does a 2006 Ford Explorer really get on a tank?
Drivers who log their fill-ups at fueleconomy.gov average 14.8 MPG in the 2006 Ford Explorer (15 drivers), which works out to about 333 miles on a full 22.5-gallon tank.
What gas does the 2006 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 2006 Ford Explorer?
At the US average of $4.27 a gallon for regular (EIA, week of October 26, 2026), filling the 22.5-gallon tank from empty costs $96.07. It ranges from $83.25 in the Gulf Coast to $132.53 in California.
How much does a full tank of gas weigh in a 2006 Ford Explorer?
About 140 pounds for the 22.5-gallon tank. Gasoline weighs roughly 6.2 pounds a gallon.
Does the 2006 Ford Explorer have a bigger gas tank than the Buick Rainier?
Yes. The 2006 Ford Explorer holds up to 22.5 gallons; the 2006 Buick Rainier holds up to 22.0.
Has the 2006 Ford Explorer had a fuel pump or fuel system recall?
No. None of the 1 recall NHTSA lists for the 2006 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.