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2021 Ford Explorer Gas Tank Size & Fuel Capacity

SUV 15 trims listed 1 fuel-system recall ← 2020 2022 →

Fuel tank capacity

17.9–20.2gal · 68–76 L

The 2021 Ford Explorer has a fuel tank capacity of 17.9 to 20.2 gallons (68–76 liters), depending on the trim. The most common size is 17.9 gallons, used on 7 trims.

A full tank is good for roughly 412–525 highway miles or 340–486 miles around town, going by the EPA ratings.

20.2 gal · Bigger than 67% of 2021 models we list.

Highway range
412–525 mi
City range
340–486 mi
Fuel
Regular unleaded
EPA combined
20–27 MPG
EPA size class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle

2021 Ford Explorer fuel tank capacity by trim

What changes the tank sizeTap an option to filter the table

Powertrain
Drive
no difference
Engine

All 15 trims

MPG and range are city / highway.

TrimEngineDrive Tank MPG city / hwy Range city / hwy
4dr SUV 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A · RWD MPG 21 / 28Range 376 / 501 mi 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A RWD 17.9 gal68 L 21 / 28 376 / 501 mi
4dr SUV AWD 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A · AWD MPG 20 / 27Range 358 / 483 mi 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A AWD 17.9 gal68 L 20 / 27 358 / 483 mi
Limited 4dr SUV 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A · RWD MPG 21 / 28Range 376 / 501 mi 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A RWD 17.9 gal68 L 21 / 28 376 / 501 mi
Limited 4dr SUV AWD 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A · AWD MPG 20 / 27Range 358 / 483 mi 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A AWD 17.9 gal68 L 20 / 27 358 / 483 mi
Timberline 4dr SUV AWD 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A · AWD MPG 19 / 23Range 340 / 412 mi 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A AWD 17.9 gal68 L 19 / 23 340 / 412 mi
XLT 4dr SUV 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A · RWD MPG 21 / 28Range 376 / 501 mi 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A RWD 17.9 gal68 L 21 / 28 376 / 501 mi
XLT 4dr SUV AWD 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A · AWD MPG 20 / 27Range 358 / 483 mi 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A AWD 17.9 gal68 L 20 / 27 358 / 483 mi
Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV 3.3L 6cyl 10A · RWD Hybrid MPG 27 / 28Range 486 / 504 mi 3.3L 6cyl 10A Hybrid RWD 18.0 gal68 L 27 / 28 486 / 504 mi
Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD 3.3L 6cyl 10A · AWD Hybrid MPG 23 / 26Range 414 / 468 mi 3.3L 6cyl 10A Hybrid AWD 18.0 gal68 L 23 / 26 414 / 468 mi
Platinum Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD 3.3L 6cyl 10A · AWD Hybrid MPG 23 / 26Range 414 / 468 mi 3.3L 6cyl 10A Hybrid AWD 18.0 gal68 L 23 / 26 414 / 468 mi
King Ranch 4dr SUV 3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A · RWD MPG 18 / 26Range 364 / 525 mi 3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A RWD 20.2 gal76 L 18 / 26 364 / 525 mi
King Ranch 4dr SUV AWD 3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A · AWD MPG 18 / 24Range 364 / 485 mi 3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A AWD 20.2 gal76 L 18 / 24 364 / 485 mi
Platinum 4dr SUV 3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A · RWD MPG 18 / 26Range 364 / 525 mi 3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A RWD 20.2 gal76 L 18 / 26 364 / 525 mi
Platinum 4dr SUV AWD 3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A · AWD MPG 18 / 24Range 364 / 485 mi 3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A AWD 20.2 gal76 L 18 / 24 364 / 485 mi
ST 4dr SUV AWD 3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A · AWD MPG 18 / 24Range 364 / 485 mi 3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A AWD 20.2 gal76 L 18 / 24 364 / 485 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 2021 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 20 MPG, a full 20.2-gallon tank covers about 404 miles.

GaugeGallonsHighway milesCity miles
Full20.2485364
3/415.2364273
1/210.1242182
1/45.112191
1/82.56145

Over 15,000 miles a year (the EPA's yearly estimate) this configuration uses about 750 gallons, roughly 37 full tanks.

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
20–27 MPG
Tailpipe CO2
324–445 g/mi
EPA greenhouse score
4–6 of 10
Source
EPA ratings

What it costs to fill up a 2021 Ford Explorer

$76.43 to fill the 17.9-gallon tank from empty with regular, at this week's US average of $4.27 a gallon.

TankFuelUS avg / galFrom emptyFrom 1/4 tank
17.9 galRegular$4.27$76.43$57.32
18.0 galRegular$4.27$76.86$57.64
20.2 galRegular$4.27$86.25$64.69

By region, 17.9-gallon tank

RegionRegular / galFill from empty
East Coast$4.02$71.96
Midwest$4.27$76.43
Gulf CoastLowest$3.70$66.23
Rocky Mountain$4.46$79.83
West Coast$5.42$97.02
CaliforniaHighest$5.89$105.43

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

  • 17.9-gallon tank$76.43
  • 18.0-gallon tank$76.86
  • 20.2-gallon tank$86.25
  • A year of driving (15,000 mi)$3,202

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 2021 Explorer uses the same 17.9–20.2 gal tank sizes as the 2020 model.

Model yearTankLongest highway range
2026 Explorer 17.9–20.2 gal 586 mi
2025 Explorer 17.9–20.2 gal 586 mi
2024 Explorer 17.9–20.2 gal 525 mi
2023 Explorer 17.9–20.2 gal 525 mi
2022 Explorer 17.9–20.2 gal 525 mi
2021 Explorer 17.9–20.2 gal 525 mi
2020 Explorer 17.9–20.2 gal 522 mi
2019 Explorer 18.6 gal 502 mi
2018 Explorer 18.6 gal 502 mi
2017 Explorer 18.6 gal 502 mi
2016 Explorer 18.6 gal 446 mi
Ford Explorer fuel tank by model yearSmallest tank Larger tank options
1991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024202520262027
← 2020 Ford Explorer Every Explorer year 2022 Ford Explorer →

2021 Ford Explorer vs similar 2021 SUVs

At 20.2 gallons, the Explorer's largest tank ranks fifth of the seven 2021 SUVs compared here. The Dodge Durango carries the most (24.6 gal) and the Hyundai Palisade the least (18.8 gal).

2021 modelTankLongest highway range
Dodge Durango 24.6 gal 640 mi
Jeep Grand Cherokee L 23.0 gal 598 mi
GMC Acadia 19.0–22.0 gal 594 mi
Buick Enclave 19.0–22.0 gal 550 mi
Ford Explorer 17.9–20.2 gal 525 mi
Subaru Ascent 19.3 gal 521 mi
Hyundai Palisade 18.8 gal 489 mi

Other 2021 SUVs of a similar size, one model per brand.

2021 Ford Explorer fuel system recalls

NHTSA lists 1 fuel-system recall for the 2021 Ford Explorer, out of 27 recalls in total. A recall applies only to the vehicles named in it, so check your VIN.

Delivery · Fuel pumpJul 7, 2025 · NHTSA 25V455000 · Ford Motor Company · 850,318 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.

Risk and remedy

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

All Ford fuel recalls Look up your tank by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2021 Ford Explorer?

The 2021 Ford Explorer holds between 17.9 and 20.2 gallons, depending on the trim. 17.9 gallons is the usual size; the 20.2-gallon tank comes on the King Ranch 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A).

How many gallons and liters does the 2021 Ford Explorer gas tank hold?

The 2021 Ford Explorer tank holds 68–76 liters, or 17.9–20.2 gallons in US gallons.

Which 2021 Ford Explorer has the biggest gas tank?

The 20.2-gallon tank is on the King Ranch 4dr SUV, King Ranch 4dr SUV AWD, Platinum 4dr SUV and 2 other trims. The smallest tank, 17.9 gallons, is on the 4dr SUV.

Does the 2021 Ford Explorer hybrid have a smaller gas tank?

Yes. Gas: 17.9–20.2 gal; Hybrid: 18.0 gal.

Does AWD change the 2021 Ford Explorer gas tank?

No. AWD and RWD versions of the 2021 Ford Explorer use the same 17.9–20.2 gal tank.

How far can a 2021 Ford Explorer go on a full tank?

About 412–525 miles on the highway and 340–486 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 2021 Ford Explorer go on a quarter tank?

About 121 highway miles or 91 in town from the 20.2-gallon tank, which has roughly 5.1 gallons left at the quarter mark. Gauges aren't exact, so treat that as a guide.

What gas does the 2021 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 2021 Ford Explorer?

At the US average of $4.27 a gallon for regular (EIA, week of October 26, 2026), filling the 17.9-gallon tank from empty costs $76.43. It ranges from $66.23 in the Gulf Coast to $105.43 in California.

How much does a full tank of gas weigh in a 2021 Ford Explorer?

About 125 pounds for the 20.2-gallon tank. Gasoline weighs roughly 6.2 pounds a gallon.

Does the 2021 Ford Explorer have a bigger gas tank than the Hyundai Palisade?

Yes. The 2021 Ford Explorer holds up to 20.2 gallons; the 2021 Hyundai Palisade holds up to 18.8.

Has the 2021 Ford Explorer had a fuel pump or fuel system recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 fuel-system recall for the 2021 Ford Explorer: 25V455000 (delivery · fuel pump). 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).

Does your owner's manual say something different? Let us know and we'll fix it. More on how we check the numbers.

Other 2021 Ford models

Bronco16.9–20.8 gallons Bronco Sport16.0 gallons EcoSport13.8 gallons Edge18.5 gallons Escape14.3–15.7 gallons Escape Plug-In Hybrid11.2 gallons Expedition23.2–27.8 gallons F-15023.0–36.0 gallons F-250 Super Duty34.0–48.0 gallons F-350 Super Duty34.0–48.0 gallons F-450 Super Duty29.0–48.0 gallons Mustang15.5–16.0 gallons