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GizmoDriver

Does the 2023 Ford Explorer need premium gas?

Yes. Premium.

$300extra a year

Pick another car

12,000 miles a year. Gas $3.20. Premium $0.60 more.

Coupes97%Convertibles93%Sedans65%SUVs54%Hatchbacks36%Trucks20%Minivans0%
296 models (2023). One trim per model: the cheapest with a grade.
2023 Ford Explorer: fuel grade by trim
TrimEngineGradeMpgRegular, a yearPremium, a year
XLT RWD2.3LPremium24$1,600$1,900
AWD2.3LPremium23$1,670$1,983
ST-Line RWD2.3LPremium24$1,600$1,900
Limited RWD2.3LPremium24$1,600$1,900
ST RWD3.0LPremium20$1,920$2,280
Platinum RWD3.3LRegular26$1,477$1,754
King Ranch RWD3.0LPremium21$1,829$2,171
Limited HEV 4WD3.3L 6cylRegular25$1,536$1,824
Platinum 4WD3.3LRegular23$1,670$1,983
Platinum HEV 4WD3.3L 6cylRegular23$1,670$1,983

Rivals

2023 Ford Explorer and rivals: grade of the cheapest trim
CarCheapest trimGrade
2023 Ford ExplorerXLT RWDPremium
2023 Ford ExpeditionXL 4x2Regular
2023 Chevrolet TraverseLS FWDRegular
2023 Honda PilotLX 2WDRegular
2023 Toyota HighlanderL FWDRegular
2023 Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo 2WDRegular
2023 Nissan PathfinderS 2WDRegular

What this cannot tell you

Check the fuel door or manual before you fill.

Gas prices and the premium gap change by state.

How values are checked