I was curious(if anyone reads here anymore) what others are getting for fuel mileage in their Explorer. It doesn't have to be a V8 model, but I want to compare.

Mine is a 2004 Eddie Bauer AWD 4.6L and after having it roughly 9 months, I get about 18.5mpg overall. Towing, it drops to about 16.5-17mpg.

My curiousity comes from having visited a few dealerships recently(looking for a new truck) and seeing utter SHOCK in the eyes of salesman when I mention economy and reply to their answers with, "I get about 18.5 overall in my AWD V8 Explorer." They seem to think that's great and I can't see why, knowing my PS F-350(far larger) gets better overall mileage and is several yrs older.

 

your diesel gets better mileage because turbo diesels are far more efficient than gas engines. 18.5mpg seems about right for your truck. My 5.0 truck gets about 17 with mixed city driving and towing my jet skis to the lake.

 

If I tow even my motorcycle trailer, mileage drops to at least 17ish. About the same with the car trailer, oddly. The diesel goes to about 15.5 and stays there, regardless what I tow or which trailer I use(not including the small one- never bothered with that).

The diesel is obviously more efficient, but it isn't me who's shocked at the 18.5, it's the dealerships. On the other hand, my dad has a 6.0L in his F-350 and mine gets better mileage. And just about anyone with a Duramax would be VERY happy with 15, let alone 19+. I hear often, those get 10-14mpg, when I ask guys at the pump. It's not just the diesel factor alone, but how it's been tuned and you have to consider the size of the engine and the vehicle. My Explorer weighs about 2,000 lb less than my truck and is much more narrow and short(height)... Anyway, I know the deal and I can't see why they're so surprised. That's why I'm curious about others. Sadly, not many people pay attention to this part of the board.

What did you see prior to the turbo? I hope it wasn't better or equal to now, or I'd feel bad about my mileage. Not to mention, I'd be shocked that they think 18.5 is great at the dealerships.