2011 Ford Explorer Gets Best-in-Class 25 MPG Highway

Ford has finally released the official EPA fuel economy stats for the new 2011 Explorer, carrying through on a promise to be an mpg leader with every new vehicle it rolls out.

That being said, the new Ford Explorer gets a rating of 17-mpg city and 25-mpg highway, a solid 2-mpg getter than any of its competitors – among which Ford includes the Honda Pilot, Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee. AWD models are rated at 17/23-mpg.

In total, the Explorer is now 25 percent more fuel efficient than the outgoing 2010 V6 model and 32 percent more efficient than the V8 – despite being just 2-hp down on the old V8.

Ford credits numerous advancements for the fuel savings, notably a new V6 engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), a six-speed automatic transmission, improved aerodynamics and electric power steering.

GALLERY: 2011 Ford Explorer

Stay tuned for AutoGuide’s review of the new 2011 Ford Explorer when the embargo lifts this Monday.