2020–2025 U625 (6th generation)
2020–2025 Ford Explorer Fluid Types and Capacities
Which transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid the 2020–2025 Ford Explorer takes, with capacities and the specifications each one has to meet. Transmission: 10R60 10-speed automatic: Motorcraft Mercon ULV (XT-12-QULV). Sealed unit, no dipstick; total fill ~11 qt, drain-and-fill ~5 qt with level set at the check plug. Ford schedule: change at 150,000 mi (much sooner for towing/police duty). Hybrid uses the modular-hybrid version of the 10-speed, same ULV fluid.. Coolant: Motorcraft Yellow prediluted antifreeze/coolant (VC-13DL-G). ~18 qt system on the 3.0L; hybrid has a separate electronics cooling loop. First change 100k mi/6 yr, then every 50k mi/3 yr..
Last verified
2020–2025 Ford Explorer fluid guide
High confidence| System | Fluid type & capacity |
|---|---|
| Coolant | Motorcraft Yellow prediluted antifreeze/coolant (VC-13DL-G). ~18 qt system on the 3.0L; hybrid has a separate electronics cooling loop. First change 100k mi/6 yr, then every 50k mi/3 yr. |
| Transmission | 10R60 10-speed automatic: Motorcraft Mercon ULV (XT-12-QULV). Sealed unit, no dipstick; total fill ~11 qt, drain-and-fill ~5 qt with level set at the check plug. Ford schedule: change at 150,000 mi (much sooner for towing/police duty). Hybrid uses the modular-hybrid version of the 10-speed, same ULV fluid. |
| Brake fluid | Motorcraft DOT 4 LV High Performance brake fluid |
| Power steering | None (electric power steering) |
| Differential | Rear axle: SAE 75W-85 premium synthetic (Motorcraft XY-75W85-QL), ~1 qt. Front axle/PTU on AWD: check the 4WD supplement, severe duty benefits from 60k changes. |
Plain washer fluid; no special spec
Which Ford Explorer model years does this cover?
These fluids specifications apply to every Ford Explorer built from 2020 through 2025 — the U625 (6th generation), mid-size 3-row suv (rwd-based cd6 platform, rwd/awd; 2025 refresh). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2020–2025 Ford Explorer
- 2020Generation launch on RWD-based CD6 platform; 10-speed automatic across the board; hybrid and 400-hp ST debut; rocky launch quality (see common problems)
- 2021King Ranch and off-road-flavored Timberline (265/65R18 ATs, full-size spare) added; Platinum keeps 365-hp 3.0L
- 2022ST-Line (ST looks, 2.3L) added; ST available RWD; 3.0L Platinum/King Ranch rated 400 hp
- 2024Carryover; final year for the 3.3L hybrid and King Ranch/Timberline/Limited trims
- 2025Major refresh: new fascias, new interior with 13.2-in SYNC 4A touchscreen, trims consolidated to Active/ST-Line/Platinum/ST; hybrid dropped; 2.3L switches to FL-2127 oil filter (~5.0 qt)
2020–2025 Ford Explorer fluids: common questions
What transmission fluid does a 2020–2025 Ford Explorer take?
- 10R60 10-speed automatic: Motorcraft Mercon ULV (XT-12-QULV). Sealed unit, no dipstick; total fill ~11 qt, drain-and-fill ~5 qt with level set at the check plug. Ford schedule: change at 150,000 mi (much sooner for towing/police duty). Hybrid uses the modular-hybrid version of the 10-speed, same ULV fluid.. Transmission fluid specifications are not interchangeable. Friction modifiers differ between them, and the wrong fluid causes shudder long before it causes failure.
What coolant does a 2020–2025 Ford Explorer use?
- Motorcraft Yellow prediluted antifreeze/coolant (VC-13DL-G). ~18 qt system on the 3.0L; hybrid has a separate electronics cooling loop. First change 100k mi/6 yr, then every 50k mi/3 yr..
What brake fluid does a 2020–2025 Ford Explorer take?
- Motorcraft DOT 4 LV High Performance brake fluid.
What differential fluid does a 2020–2025 Ford Explorer take?
- Rear axle: SAE 75W-85 premium synthetic (Motorcraft XY-75W85-QL), ~1 qt. Front axle/PTU on AWD: check the 4WD supplement, severe duty benefits from 60k changes..
Sources
- 2020 Explorer Owner's Manual, Capacities and Specifications (fordservicecontent.com)
- CarCareTruth, 2020–2026 Explorer oil type & capacity (from OEM manuals)
- NHTSA recall 23V-675 / Ford 23S55, rear axle bolt replacement
- Ford recall 22S27 (NHTSA 22V-712), rear axle bolt software remedy
- NHTSA recall 23V-342 (Ford 23S23), 360-camera blue image
- Levittown Ford parts, FA-1947 / L1MZ-9601-A engine air filter (3.0L/3.3L)
- Ford Parts Giant, JX6Z-19N619-B cabin air filter, 2020 Explorer
- ExplorerST.org, factory H6 battery, fluid capacities (Mercon ULV, 75W-85 rear axle)
- fueleconomy.gov, 2021 Ford Explorer EPA ratings
- Goodyear / Mavis, 2021–2024 Explorer OE tire sizes by trim
- Car and Driver, 2020 Explorer specs (fuel tank, curb weight, towing)