Ford Explorer V (U502)
The fifth-generation Explorer abandoned traditional body-on-frame construction for a modern unibody D4 architecture, debuting Ford's Terrain Management System and high-output twin-turbo EcoBoost power in the Sport model.
Generation Quick Facts: The Ford Explorer V (U502) was manufactured from 2011 – 2019 (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 model years) as a suv. Across 3 verified powertrains, power outputs range from 280 to 365 hp, with top fuel economy reaching 22.0 MPG combined (2.3L EcoBoost FWD).
Power range
280–365 hp
Quickest 0–100
5.9 s
Best combined
22 MPG
Length
5.04 m
01Decision support
Which Explorer V (U502) suits you?
Daily driver · least fuel
2.3L EcoBoost FWD
22.0 MPG combined
It burns up to 18% less fuel per mile than the thirstiest Explorer V (U502).
Performance · quickest
3.5L EcoBoost V6 AWD (Sport)
0–100 km/h in 5.9s · 365 hp
The straight-line choice of this generation.
Sweet spot · balance
3.5L Ti-VCT V6 AWD
290 hp · 19.0 MPG
Sits mid-range for power without paying the fuel or price tax of the flagship trim. Usually the best value on the used market.
023 powertrains (3 petrol)
Full specifications
| Specification | 2.3L EcoBoost FWDPetrol | 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 AWDPetrol | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 AWD (Sport)Petrol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | |||
| Engine code | EcoBoost 2.3 | Cyclone 3.5 | EcoBoost 3.5 TT |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| Displacement | 2.3L (2,261 cc) | 3.5L (3,496 cc) | 3.5L (3,496 cc) |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Naturally aspirated | Twin-Turbo |
| Cylinders | I4 | V6 | V6 |
| Power & Performance | |||
| Power | 280 hp / 209 kW | 290 hp / 216 kW | 365 hp / 272 kW |
| Torque | 420 Nm / 310 lb-ft | 346 Nm / 255 lb-ft | 475 Nm / 350 lb-ft |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.2 s | 7.8 s | 5.9 s |
| Top speed | 185 km/h (115 mph) | 180 km/h (112 mph) | 200 km/h (124 mph) |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | |||
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic | 6-Speed Automatic | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Gears | — | — | — |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy & Emissions | |||
| City | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100km) | 16 MPG (14.7 L/100km) | 16 MPG (14.7 L/100km) |
| Highway | 27 MPG (8.7 L/100km) | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100km) | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100km) |
| Combined | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100km) | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100km) | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100km) |
| Electric range | — | — | — |
| Battery | — | — | — |
| CO₂ emissions | — | — | — |
| Weight & Body | |||
| Curb weight | 1,980 kg (4,365 lbs) | 2,095 kg (4,619 lbs) | 2,226 kg (4,907 lbs) |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Model years | 2016-2019 | 2011-2019 | 2013-2019 |
0Exterior
Dimensions
Length
5,037 mm
198.3 in
Width
2,004 mm
78.9 in
Height
1,778 mm
70.0 in
Wheelbase
2,860 mm
112.6 in
Curb weight spans 1,980–2,226 kg depending on powertrain. Battery and AWD hardware add the most mass.
05Long-tail answers
Explorer V (U502): questions answered
What engines and trims are available on the Ford Explorer V (U502)?
The Ford Explorer V (U502) lineup offers 3 petrol: 2.3L EcoBoost FWD (280 hp), 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 AWD (290 hp), 3.5L EcoBoost V6 AWD (Sport) (365 hp).
How quick is the Ford Explorer V (U502) from 0 to 100 km/h?
The fastest trim, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 AWD (Sport), accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9s, reaching a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 AWD (Sport).
What is the most fuel-efficient Ford Explorer V (U502) trim?
The 2.3L EcoBoost FWD delivers the highest fuel economy at 22.0 MPG (EPA combined). Across the 3 powertrains, fuel economy spans 18–22 combined MPG.
What model years are included in the Ford Explorer V (U502)?
The Ford Explorer V (U502) was produced from 2011 – 2019, spanning the following model years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019.
What are the exterior dimensions of the Ford Explorer V (U502)?
5037 mm long, 2004 mm wide, 1778 mm tall on a 2860 mm wheelbase (198.3 in overall length).
Sources for this page
- EPA fuel-economy records: Ford ExplorerCertification data, 2011–2019
- NHTSA vehicle file: recalls, complaints and investigations2011 Ford Explorer, official safety record
- NHTSA vPIC vehicle databasePowers our VIN decoder, the federal manufacturer registry
- Ford official: data sheets and archiveManufacturer-published specifications
Figures on this page are compiled from the sources above and cross-checked against manufacturer data sheets. US-market EPA cycle where noted; European WLTP values are measured differently and are not directly comparable.
Guides worth reading before you choose
AWD vs. 4WD vs. FWD vs. RWD: The Complete Drivetrain Guide (Mechanics, Snow, Towing & Efficiency)
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September 19, 2026
Turbocharged vs. Naturally Aspirated Engines: Boost, Lag, Reliability & Fuel Economy
Factory turbos now dominate new cars, but naturally aspirated engines still have real advantages. A balanced look at power, economy and reliability.
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