2020–2025 U625 (6th generation)
2020–2025 Ford Explorer Oil Type and Capacity
The 2020–2025 Ford Explorer takes 5W-30 engine oil, 5.7 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter Motorcraft FL-910S. Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents.
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Quick answer
2020–2025 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost I4 oil
Verified| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil standard | Ford WSS-M2C961-A1 (API SP / ILSAC GF-6A) |
| Capacity (with filter) | 5.7 qt / 5.4 L |
| Synthetic required | See owner's manual |
| OEM filter | Motorcraft FL-910S |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram XG3614, Wix 51372, Purolator PL10241 |
| Change interval | Per Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor, max 10,000 mi / 12 months; 5,000 mi severe |
2020–2024 use the same FL-910S spin-on as the 5th-gen EcoBoost fours. The 2025 refresh's 2.3L moved to the Motorcraft FL-2127 filter with a ~5.0 qt capacity. Check your year before buying parts.
2020–2025 Ford Explorer 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (ST; Platinum/King Ranch availability varies) oil
High confidence| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil standard | Ford WSS-M2C961-A1 (API SP / ILSAC GF-6A) |
| Capacity (with filter) | 6 qt / 5.7 L |
| Synthetic required | See owner's manual |
| OEM filter | Motorcraft FL-2062A (cartridge) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram XG11955, Wix WL10255, K&N HP-7047 |
| Change interval | Per Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor, max 10,000 mi / 12 months; 5,000 mi severe (many ST owners change at 5k) |
Cartridge filter on top of the engine, needs a 27mm (1-1/16 in) cap socket, cap torque ~24 ft-lbs. Some forum guides quote 5.2 qt; the owner's-manual figure is 6.0 qt with filter, verify on the dipstick.
2020–2025 Ford Explorer 3.3L V6 Hybrid (2020–2024) oil
High confidence| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-20 |
| Oil standard | Ford WSS-M2C960-A1 (API SP / ILSAC GF-6A) |
| Capacity (with filter) | 6 qt / 5.7 L |
| Synthetic required | See owner's manual |
| OEM filter | Motorcraft FL-500S |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram XG500 (Ultra), Wix 57502 |
| Change interval | Per Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor, max 10,000 mi / 12 months |
The naturally aspirated 3.3L (hybrid and the Police Interceptor's non-hybrid version) is the only 6th-gen engine on 5W-20. Uses the common FL-500S spin-on filter.
Which Ford Explorer model years does this cover?
These oil 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 oil: common questions
How many quarts of oil does a 2020–2025 Ford Explorer take?
- It depends on the engine. The 2.3L EcoBoost I4 takes 5.7 quarts; The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (ST; Platinum/King Ranch availability varies) takes 6 quarts; The 3.3L V6 Hybrid (2020–2024) takes 6 quarts, all figures include a new filter.
What kind of oil does a 2020–2025 Ford Explorer take?
- 5W-30 meeting Ford WSS-M2C961-A1 (API SP / ILSAC GF-6A). Other engines in this vehicle may differ; see the table above.
Can you use a different viscosity in a 2020–2025 Ford Explorer?
- The factory specification is 5W-30 and no alternate grade is listed for this engine. Modern variable-valve-timing hardware is sized around the specified viscosity, so substituting a thicker oil is not a free choice.
How often does a 2020–2025 Ford Explorer need an oil change?
- Per Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor, max 10,000 mi / 12 months; 5,000 mi severe. Short trips, towing, extended idling, and dusty or very cold conditions all put the vehicle on the severe-service side of that interval.
What oil filter does a 2020–2025 Ford Explorer take?
- The OEM filter is Motorcraft FL-910S. Common equivalents: Fram XG3614, Wix 51372, Purolator PL10241.
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)