Quick answer: the 2020–2024 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost takes 5.2 qt (4.9 L) of SAE 5W-30 with a filter change (5.0 qt (4.8 L) in the 2025 manual). The 3.0L EcoBoost takes 6.0 qt (5.7 L) of 5W-30. The 3.3L V6 and 3.3L hybrid take 6.0 qt of 5W-20 in the 2020–2024 manuals and 5W-30 in the 2025 manual.
| Engine | Oil capacity (with filter) | Oil type | Ford specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost (2020–2024) | 5.2 qt (4.9 L) | 5W-30 | WSS-M2C946-B1 (2020), WSS-M2C961-A1 (2021+) |
| 2.3L EcoBoost (2025) | 5.0 qt (4.8 L) | 5W-30 | WSS-M2C961-A1 |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 5W-30 | WSS-M2C946-B1 (2020), WSS-M2C961-A1 (2021+) |
| 3.3L V6 | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 5W-20 (2020–2024), 5W-30 (2025) | WSS-M2C945-B1 / WSS-M2C960-A1; WSS-M2C961-A1 (2025) |
| 3.3L hybrid (HEV) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 5W-20 (2020–2024), 5W-30 (2025) | WSS-M2C945-B1 / WSS-M2C960-A1; WSS-M2C961-A1 (2025) |
The 2025 manual moves every engine to 5W-30. Through 2024, the 3.3L V6 and 3.3L hybrid use 5W-20; the 2025 manual lists SAE 5W-30 (WSS-M2C961-A1) for all four engines and 5.0 qt for the 2.3L. Follow the manual for your model year.
Oil capacity by year
| Model year | 2.3L EcoBoost | 3.0L EcoBoost | 3.3L V6 | 3.3L hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5.2 qt (4.9 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) |
| 2021 | 5.2 qt (4.9 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) |
| 2022 | 5.2 qt (4.9 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) |
| 2023 | 5.2 qt (4.9 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) |
| 2024 | 5.2 qt (4.9 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) |
| 2025 | 5.0 qt (4.8 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) |
Ford lists one capacity per engine, always including the oil filter. We checked the capacity tables in every model-year manual on this page.
Recommended oil type
2.3L and 3.0L EcoBoost: SAE 5W-30. Ford recommends Motorcraft 5W-30 or an oil meeting WSS-M2C946-B1 (2020) or WSS-M2C961-A1 (2021–2025).
3.3L V6 and 3.3L hybrid: SAE 5W-20 (WSS-M2C945-B1 in 2020, WSS-M2C960-A1 in 2021–2024); 5W-30 (WSS-M2C961-A1) in the 2025 manual.
The 2025 manual lists the engines above; not every engine is offered in every retail model year, so check which one your Explorer has.
Ford tells owners not to use supplemental engine oil additives.
How to reset the oil life on the 2020–2025 Ford Explorer
See also: Oil life reset by brand.
The 2025 manual gives this path:
- Press Settings on the touchscreen.
- Select Vehicle Maintenance.
- Select Oil Life.
- Press and hold OK until the reset confirmation appears.
In the 2020–2024 Explorer, the cluster Settings menu shows Oil Life with “Hold OK to Reset”. Reset only after an oil change.
Oil change tips
- A 6-quart jug covers one change on the 3.0L and 3.3L engines; a 5-quart jug plus a little extra covers the 2.3L.
- Add a little less than the full capacity, run the engine, wait a few minutes and check the dipstick before topping up.
Sources and how we checked
All capacities and oil grades on this page come from Ford’s owner’s manuals, published on Ford’s official owner manuals site (chapter “Capacities and Specifications”):
- 2020 Explorer owner’s manual
- 2021 Explorer owner’s manual
- 2022 Explorer owner’s manual
- 2023 Explorer owner’s manual
- 2024 Explorer owner’s manual
- 2025 Explorer owner’s manual
If your owner’s manual shows something different, follow your manual and tell us.
Last checked: October 22, 2026.
FAQ
How much oil does a 2020–2025 Ford Explorer take?
5.2 qt (4.9 L) for the 2.3L EcoBoost (5.0 qt in 2025) and 6.0 qt (5.7 L) for the 3.0L EcoBoost, 3.3L V6 and 3.3L hybrid, with a filter change.
What oil does a 2.3 EcoBoost Explorer use?
SAE 5W-30 meeting WSS-M2C961-A1 (WSS-M2C946-B1 in 2020).
What oil does the Explorer ST 3.0 EcoBoost use?
SAE 5W-30, 6.0 qt (5.7 L) with the filter.
What oil does the Explorer Hybrid use?
SAE 5W-20 in the 2020–2024 manuals, 6.0 qt (5.7 L) with the filter.
How do I reset the oil life on a 2025 Explorer?
Press Settings on the touchscreen, select Vehicle Maintenance, then Oil Life, and hold OK until the reset is confirmed.
Older Explorer? See the 2011–2019 Ford Explorer oil type and capacity.