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 with filter); the 2.3L takes 5W-30 (5.7 quarts with filter); the 2.3L takes 5W-30 (5.7 quarts with filter); the 2.3L takes 5W-30 (5.7 quarts with filter); the 2.3L takes 5W-30 (5.7 quarts with filter); the 2.3L takes 5W-30 (5.7 quarts with filter); the 3.5L takes 5W-20 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 3.5L takes 5W-20 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 3.5L takes 5W-20 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 3.5L takes 5W-20 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 3.5L takes 5W-20 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 3.5L takes 5W-20 (6.0 quarts with filter); the Platinum takes 5W-20 (6.0 quarts with filter); the Sport takes 5W-20 (6.0 quarts 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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. |
Buy the right oil
Buy 5W-30 motor oil on AmazonBuy 5W-20 motor oil on Amazon2016 Ford Explorer oil filter on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
More specs & repair guides for your Explorer
2016 Ford Explorer factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
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; 2.3L uses 5W-30; 2.3L uses 5W-30; 2.3L uses 5W-30; 2.3L uses 5W-30; 2.3L uses 5W-30; 3.5L uses 5W-20; 3.5L uses 5W-20; 3.5L uses 5W-20; 3.5L uses 5W-20; 3.5L uses 5W-20; 3.5L uses 5W-20; Platinum uses 5W-20; Sport uses 5W-20.
How much oil does a 2016 Ford Explorer take?
Capacity depends on the engine: 2.3L holds 5.7 quarts with filter; 2.3L holds 5.7 quarts with filter; 2.3L holds 5.7 quarts with filter; 2.3L holds 5.7 quarts with filter; 2.3L holds 5.7 quarts with filter; 2.3L holds 5.7 quarts with filter; 3.5L holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 3.5L holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 3.5L holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 3.5L holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 3.5L holds 6.0 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.
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.