Against 419 other V6 cars rated 2001–2003, the Explorer Sport trails their 18.8 mpg average by 1.8 mpg, about $216 a year.
Every Ford Explorer Sport engine, compared
The Ford Explorer Sport was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4L 6-cyl | 15.3 / 20 | 2001–2003 | $2,220 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Subaru Outback gets 20.5 mpg, the Subaru Forester 21 mpg and the Chevrolet Tahoe 15 mpg, next to 17 mpg for the 2003 Explorer Sport.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2003) | $0.188 |
| Fuel per year | $2,259 |
| Fuel over five years | $11,295 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2001–2003 | +$216 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,583 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport gives up 5 mpg in town: 20 on the highway against 15 in the city, $640 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2003) | 15 mpg | $2,560 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (33%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Explorer Sport changed over the years
The Explorer Sport peaked in 2001 at 18 mpg (16 city, 20 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2003 at 17 — 1 mpg apart, or $126 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2003 car does 17.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2002 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2001 | 16 / 20 | 1 | $2,133 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 3 EPA ratings of the Ford Explorer Sport — 1 engine across 2001–2003. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,583. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport get?
17 mpg combined, 15 city and 20 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2001 the Explorer Sport has averaged 17.3 mpg.
Is the 2003 Explorer Sport more efficient than the 2002?
About the same: 17 against 17 mpg combined.
Which Explorer Sport year has the best gas mileage?
The 2001, at 18 mpg combined (16 city, 20 highway).
Does the Explorer Sport get better gas mileage than the Subaru Outback?
No: 17 mpg for the 2003 Explorer Sport against 20.5 for the 2004 Subaru Outback, about $386 a year more to run.
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