28/100
2010Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WDRegular

2010 Ford Explorer 4WD

EPA ID: 28792
13
City MPG
15
Combined MPG
15MPG· Below Avg
19
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2010 Ford Explorer 4WD achieves an EPA-estimated 15 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 13 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 4L 6-cylinder engine paired with a automatic 5-spd, this sport utility vehicle - 4wd features 4-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2010 Explorer 4WD produces approximately 592 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Explorer 4WD has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $4,000, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $9,250 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassSport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine4L 6-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd
Drive Type4-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions592 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$4,000
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $9,250

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
15.2
Impact vs EPA
$-35
/ year
💨

The Brick Effect: Highway Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Because the Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD has a large frontal area, expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by up to 25% at high speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$695/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$14,700
35.2%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$17,500
41.9%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$9,125
21.9%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.0%
Total 5-Year Cost$41,725

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #10E043000·2010-09-14
critical
Component: EQUIPMENT

MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

Remedy: MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.

Campaign #10V161000·2010-05-03
critical
Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINERS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINT." THE RECLINER GEAR PLATE TEETH MAY BE OUT OF DIMENSION SPECIFICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN LIMITED PAWL TO GEAR PLATE TOOTH ENGAGEMENT.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATBACK AND HEAD RESTRAINT MAY MOVE REARWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL RECLINERS FOR BOTH POWER AND MANUAL SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Ford Explorer 4WD configurations.

View Model History

Similar 2010 Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD Alternatives

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$4,000
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $9,250

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City13 MPG
Highway19 MPG
Combined15 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

118.5 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 147 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 9.9 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.