2003 · SUV · Gas / Flex-fuel

2003 Ford Explorer MPG & fuel economy

The 2003 Ford Explorer is a SUV offered in 10 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version returns 17 MPG combined (15 city / 20 highway) on regular gasoline. Across the lineup, combined ratings range from 15 to 17 MPG. Efficiency is unchanged from the 2002 model. Among 66 SUVs rated for 2003, it ranks 27th for lowest fuel cost. At 15,000 miles a year with $3.10/gal regular gas, it costs about $2,735 a year to fuel.

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Combined 17 MPG 15 MPG city · 20 MPG hwy
Driving range — not published for this model
Your fuel cost $2,735 15,000 mi/yr · $18.24 per 100 mi
Class rank, 2003 #27 of 66 SUVs by fuel cost

What will it cost you?

Your mileage and prices are saved and used across the site.

Fuel average

The 2003 Ford Explorer's fuel average is 7.2 km/L (13.8 L/100 km), or 17 MPG combined: 6.4 km/L in the city and 8.5 km/L on the highway.

MPGkm/LL/100 km
City156.415.7
Highway208.511.8
Combined177.213.8

How it ranks among 2003 SUVs

Full class ranking →
  1. 1Toyota RAV4 EV78 MPGe $1,161
  2. 2Toyota RAV424 MPG $1,938
  3. 3Chevrolet Tracker22 MPG $2,114
  4. 4Honda CR-V22 MPG $2,114
  5. 5Suzuki Vitara22 MPG $2,114
  6. 27Ford Explorer17 MPG $2,735
  7. 66Land Rover Discovery12 MPG $4,938
2003 ExplorerOther SUVsClass median: $2,906/yr

Annual fuel cost at 15,000 miles and default prices; shorter bars cost less.

Explorer MPG across model years

Full history →

10 EPA-rated configurations

ConfigurationTypeCityHwyCombinedRangeYour cost / yr
RWD · 4.0L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD		 Gas 15 MPG 20 MPG 17 MPG — $2,735
RWD · 4.0L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD		 Gas 15 MPG 19 MPG 16 MPG — $2,906
4WD/AWD · 4.0L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD		 Gas 15 MPG 18 MPG 16 MPG — $2,906
RWD · 4.0L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic
Explorer Sport 2WD		 Gas 14 MPG 19 MPG 16 MPG — $2,906
4WD/AWD · 4.0L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic
Explorer 4WD FFV		 Flex-fuel 14 MPG 19 MPG 16 MPG — $2,906
RWD · 4.0L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic
Explorer 2WD FFV		 Flex-fuel 14 MPG 19 MPG 16 MPG — $2,906
4WD/AWD · 4.0L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD		 Gas 14 MPG 18 MPG 15 MPG — $3,100
RWD · 4.6L 8-cyl · 5-speed automatic
Explorer 2WD		 Gas 13 MPG 18 MPG 15 MPG — $3,100
4WD/AWD · 4.6L 8-cyl · 5-speed automatic
Explorer 4WD		 Gas 13 MPG 18 MPG 15 MPG — $3,100
4WD/AWD · 4.0L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual
Explorer Sport 4WD		 Gas 14 MPG 17 MPG 15 MPG — $3,100

Specs (most efficient configuration)

Fuel
Regular gasoline
Engine / motor
4.0L 6-cyl
Transmission
5-speed manual
Drivetrain
RWD
Tailpipe CO₂
523 g/mi

2003 Ford Explorer vs. rivals

vs Chevrolet Blazer 17 MPG · $2,735/yr Same fuel cost vs GMC Jimmy 17 MPG · $2,735/yr Same fuel cost vs Honda Pilot 17 MPG · $2,735/yr Same fuel cost vs Jeep Wrangler/TJ 17 MPG · $2,735/yr Same fuel cost vs Toyota 4Runner 18 MPG · $2,583/yr 4Runner saves $152/yr vs Mitsubishi Montero Sport 18 MPG · $2,583/yr Montero Sport saves $152/yr

Compare the 2003 Explorer

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Frequently asked questions

What is the gas mileage of the 2003 Ford Explorer?

Up to 17 MPG combined (15 city / 20 highway); ratings range from 15 to 17 MPG depending on configuration.

What fuel does the 2003 Ford Explorer use?

Regular gasoline.

What is the fuel average in km/L for the 2003 Ford Explorer?

The 2003 Ford Explorer's fuel average is 7.2 km/L (13.8 L/100 km), or 17 MPG combined: 6.4 km/L in the city and 8.5 km/L on the highway.

How much does it cost to fuel the 2003 Ford Explorer per year?

About $2,735 at 15,000 miles a year with $3.10/gal regular gas, or $18.24 per 100 miles. Use the calculator on this page to plug in your own mileage and prices.

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