2018 Ford Explorer Gas Tank Size

The gas tank size for the 2018 Ford Explorer is 18.6 gallons across all trim levels. Click here to learn more!
Written by Mariza Morin
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The gas tank capacity for the 2018
Ford Explorer
—from the base model to the highest
Platinum
trim level—is 18.6 gallons. 
It’s important to determine your vehicle’s gas tank size so you can decide how much to fill it at the pump. You can find this information in your Ford owner’s manual, but if you lost it, no problem! That’s why
Jerry
, the
car insurance
comparison
super app
, has created this handy guide to the 2018 Ford Explorer gas tank size. 
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How big is the gas tank on a 2018 Ford Explorer?

The average gas tank capacity, depending on the car type, can be anywhere from 12 gallons to 15 gallons. But the 2018 Explorer, one of Ford’s best-selling SUVs of all time, has a slightly larger-than-average fuel tank capacity of 18.6 gallons
Since the Ford Explorer was introduced in 1991, the SUV’s gas tank size has fluctuated over the years—ranging from 16.8 gallons to 22.5 gallons depending on factors like trim level, model year, and model upgrades. 

How to check your 2018 Ford Explorer’s gas tank size

If you don’t want to take our word for it, there are a few easy ways to check your Explorer’s gas tank size all by yourself. 

Measure the gas tank

Do you prefer a hands-on approach? Then bust out that measuring tape and calculator! All you have to do is multiply the width, length, and height of your gas tank and divide that number by 231, the number of cubic inches in a gallon. 

Check your owner’s manual

If you still have your Ford owner’s manual, you can easily confirm the size of your fuel tank. In the table of contents or index, just look for the phrase “gas tank capacity” or something similar to get a precise measurement. 

Drive till empty, then fill it up

If you don’t trust yourself with a tape measure or you’ve lost your owner’s manual, you have one more option—if you want to take a walk on the wild side. You can find out your Explorer’s gas tank size by driving until you nearly reach the “E” on your fuel gauge
You probably won’t get the most accurate measurement, but you should be able to figure out the general size of your fuel tank. Just make sure to refill your tank before you completely run out!
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How to save on fuel costs in a Ford Explorer

While the 2018 Ford Explorer’s gas tank size is consistent across the board, the SUV comes with various engine options and drivetrain configurations that affect how much you pay at the pump. For example, an FWD Explorer with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine gets a 22 mpg combined city/highway, while an AWD Explorer with a 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine receives 19mpg combined
The Ford Explorer definitely isn’t the most fuel-efficient SUV around, but that doesn’t mean you should pay a small fortune every time you need to fill up. If you want to conserve gas and save your hard-earned money, follow these tips: 
  • Follow a maintenance schedule. Don’t let wear and tear get the best of your Explorer as it can cause your fuel economy to plummet.
  • Drive carefully on the road. Go easy on your gas pedal and try not to accelerate too harshly to help you preserve your fuel consumption. 
  • Avoid idling, especially when it’s cold out. Don’t leave your SUV running! Idling can eat away at your gasoline, so you should opt to slowly drive your Explorer to warm it up during the winter instead.

How to optimize your Explorer’s insurance coverage

While you can optimize your Ford Explorer by choosing the right engine and drivetrain configurations for your SUV, you can also optimize insurance coverage by downloading the comparison super app
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in less than one minute.
Here’s how it works: just download the app and sign-up within 45 seconds to unlock several customized quotes from a host of top providers in the nation. Once you find a better deal, Jerry’s team will take care of the rest—from finalizing all the paperwork and phone calls to even helping you cancel your old policy. 
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