2016 Ford Explorer Oil Type & Capacity

The 2016 Ford Explorer oil type depends on the engine: the 2.3L takes 5W-30 (5.7 quarts qt with filter); the 3.5L takes 5W-20 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the Platinum takes 5W-20 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the Sport takes 5W-20 (6.0 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.

Factory-spec answer

It depends on the engine:

2.3L: 5W-30, 5.7 quarts with filter
2.3L: 5W-30, 5.7 quarts with filter
2.3L: 5W-30, 5.7 quarts with filter
2.3L: 5W-30, 5.7 quarts with filter
2.3L: 5W-30, 5.7 quarts with filter
2.3L: 5W-30, 5.7 quarts with filter
3.5L: 5W-20, 6.0 quarts with filter
3.5L: 5W-20, 6.0 quarts with filter
3.5L: 5W-20, 6.0 quarts with filter
3.5L: 5W-20, 6.0 quarts with filter
3.5L: 5W-20, 6.0 quarts with filter
3.5L: 5W-20, 6.0 quarts with filter
Platinum: 5W-20, 6.0 quarts with filter
Sport: 5W-20, 6.0 quarts with filter

Oil capacity by engine

Engine	Oil Type (viscosity)	Capacity w/ Filter	Capacity w/o Filter	Notes
2.3L — Base, 2.3L Eng VIN H, AWD, 2.3L Eng	MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil	5.70 QTS.	—	To improve engine cold start performance use: MOTORCRAFT SAE 0W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil.
2.3L — Base, 2.3L Eng VIN H, FWD, 2.3L Eng	MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil	5.70 QTS.	—	To improve engine cold start performance use: MOTORCRAFT SAE 0W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil.
2.3L — Limited, 2.3L Eng VIN H, AWD, 2.3L Eng	MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil	5.70 QTS.	—	To improve engine cold start performance use: MOTORCRAFT SAE 0W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil.
2.3L — Limited, 2.3L Eng VIN H, FWD, 2.3L Eng	MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil	5.70 QTS.	—	To improve engine cold start performance use: MOTORCRAFT SAE 0W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil.
2.3L — XLT, 2.3L Eng VIN H, AWD, 2.3L Eng	MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil	5.70 QTS.	—	To improve engine cold start performance use: MOTORCRAFT SAE 0W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil.
2.3L — XLT, 2.3L Eng VIN H, FWD, 2.3L Eng	MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil	5.70 QTS.	—	To improve engine cold start performance use: MOTORCRAFT SAE 0W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil.
3.5L — Base, 3.5L Eng VIN 8, AWD, 3.5L Eng	MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil or MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil	6.00 QTS.	—	Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Only use fluid that meets Ford specification. Motor oils of the recommended viscosity grade that meet API SN requirements and display the API Certification Mark for gasoline engines are also acceptable. Do not use oil labeled with API SN service category unless the label also displays the API Certification Mark. Do not use supplemental engine oil additives in your engine. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that is not covered by your Ford warranty.
3.5L — Base, 3.5L Eng VIN 8, FWD, 3.5L Eng	MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil or MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil	6.00 QTS.	—	Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Only use fluid that meets Ford specification. Motor oils of the recommended viscosity grade that meet API SN requirements and display the API Certification Mark for gasoline engines are also acceptable. Do not use oil labeled with API SN service category unless the label also displays the API Certification Mark. Do not use supplemental engine oil additives in your engine. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that is not covered by your Ford warranty.
3.5L — Limited, 3.5L Eng VIN 8, FWD, 3.5L Eng	MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil or MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil	6.00 QTS.	—	Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Only use fluid that meets Ford specification. Motor oils of the recommended viscosity grade that meet API SN requirements and display the API Certification Mark for gasoline engines are also acceptable. Do not use oil labeled with API SN service category unless the label also displays the API Certification Mark. Do not use supplemental engine oil additives in your engine. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that is not covered by your Ford warranty.
3.5L — Limited, 3.5L Eng VIN 8, AWD, 3.5L Eng	MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil or MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil	6.00 QTS.	—	Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Only use fluid that meets Ford specification. Motor oils of the recommended viscosity grade that meet API SN requirements and display the API Certification Mark for gasoline engines are also acceptable. Do not use oil labeled with API SN service category unless the label also displays the API Certification Mark. Do not use supplemental engine oil additives in your engine. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that is not covered by your Ford warranty.
3.5L — XLT, 3.5L Eng VIN 8, FWD, 3.5L Eng	MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil or MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil	6.00 QTS.	—	Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Only use fluid that meets Ford specification. Motor oils of the recommended viscosity grade that meet API SN requirements and display the API Certification Mark for gasoline engines are also acceptable. Do not use oil labeled with API SN service category unless the label also displays the API Certification Mark. Do not use supplemental engine oil additives in your engine. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that is not covered by your Ford warranty.
3.5L — XLT, 3.5L Eng VIN 8, AWD, 3.5L Eng	MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil or MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil	6.00 QTS.	—	Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Only use fluid that meets Ford specification. Motor oils of the recommended viscosity grade that meet API SN requirements and display the API Certification Mark for gasoline engines are also acceptable. Do not use oil labeled with API SN service category unless the label also displays the API Certification Mark. Do not use supplemental engine oil additives in your engine. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that is not covered by your Ford warranty.
Platinum — 3.5L Eng	MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil or MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil	6.00 QTS.	—	Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Only use fluid that meets Ford specification. Motor oils of the recommended viscosity grade that meet API SN requirements and display the API Certification Mark for gasoline engines are also acceptable. Do not use oil labeled with API SN service category unless the label also displays the API Certification Mark. Do not use supplemental engine oil additives in your engine. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that is not covered by your Ford warranty.
Sport — 3.5L Eng	MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil or MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil	6.00 QTS.	—	Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Only use fluid that meets Ford specification. Motor oils of the recommended viscosity grade that meet API SN requirements and display the API Certification Mark for gasoline engines are also acceptable. Do not use oil labeled with API SN service category unless the label also displays the API Certification Mark. Do not use supplemental engine oil additives in your engine. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that is not covered by your Ford warranty.

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More factory specs & repair guides for your Explorer

🛞 2016 Ford Explorer Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2016 Ford Explorer Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2016 Ford Explorer Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2016 Ford Explorer Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)

Coolant capacity

11.6 quarts (10.97 L) — MOTORCRAFT Orange Antifreeze/Coolant Prediluted. Add the coolant type originally equipped in the vehicle. Indicates only approximate dry fill capacity. Some applications may vary.

Frequently asked questions

What type of oil does a 2016 Ford Explorer take?

It depends on the engine: 2.3L uses 5W-30; 3.5L uses 5W-20; Platinum uses 5W-20; Sport uses 5W-20.

What is the oil capacity of a 2016 Ford Explorer?

Oil capacity depends on the engine: 2.3L holds 5.7 quarts with filter; 3.5L holds 6.0 quarts with filter; Platinum holds 6.0 quarts with filter; Sport holds 6.0 quarts with filter.

How often should I change the oil in my 2016 Ford Explorer?

Most 2016 Ford Explorer owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Ford recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.

Can I use synthetic oil in my 2016 Ford Explorer?

Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2016 Ford Explorer. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.