---
title: "2020-2025 Ford Explorer Oil Type: 5W-30, 5.7 qt"
description: "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."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/oil"
updated: "2026-08-20"
---

# 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.

**Quick answer**: The 2020-2025 Ford Explorer (2.3L EcoBoost I4) takes 5W-30 engine oil, 5.7 quarts with a filter change (OEM filter Motorcraft FL-910S). Other engines differ; see the tables below.

## 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 |

Note: 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) |

Note: 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 |

Note: 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.

- [2020 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020)
- [2021 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2021)
- [2022 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2022)
- [2023 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2023)
- [2024 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2024)
- [2025 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2025)

## What changed during the 2020-2025 Ford Explorer

| Years | What changed |
| --- | --- |
| 2020 | Generation launch on RWD-based CD6 platform; 10-speed automatic across the board; hybrid and 400-hp ST debut; rocky launch quality (see common problems) |
| 2021 | King Ranch and off-road-flavored Timberline (265/65R18 ATs, full-size spare) added; Platinum keeps 365-hp 3.0L |
| 2022 | ST-Line (ST looks, 2.3L) added; ST available RWD; 3.0L Platinum/King Ranch rated 400 hp |
| 2024 | Carryover; final year for the 3.3L hybrid and King Ranch/Timberline/Limited trims |
| 2025 | Major 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)](https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/vdirsnet/OwnerManual/Home/Content?variantid=6725&languageCode=en&countryCode=USA&moidRef=G1635371&Uid=G1977553&ProcUid=G1988500&userMarket=CAN&div=f&vFilteringEnabled=False&buildtype=web)
- [CarCareTruth, 2020-2026 Explorer oil type & capacity (from OEM manuals)](https://www.carcaretruth.com/engine-oil/ford-explorer-6th-gen)
- [NHTSA recall 23V-675 / Ford 23S55, rear axle bolt replacement](https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=23V675)
- [Ford recall 22S27 (NHTSA 22V-712), rear axle bolt software remedy](https://www.ford.com/support/campaign-details/22s27/)
- [NHTSA recall 23V-342 (Ford 23S23), 360-camera blue image](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2023/RCLRPT-23V342-5662.PDF)
- [Levittown Ford parts, FA-1947 / L1MZ-9601-A engine air filter (3.0L/3.3L)](https://www.levittownfordparts.com/sku/l1mz-9601-a.html)
- [Ford Parts Giant, JX6Z-19N619-B cabin air filter, 2020 Explorer](https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/oem-2020-ford-explorer-cabin_air_filter.html)
- [ExplorerST.org, factory H6 battery, fluid capacities (Mercon ULV, 75W-85 rear axle)](https://www.explorerst.org/threads/car-battery-recommendations.9879/)
- [fueleconomy.gov, 2021 Ford Explorer EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2021_Ford_Explorer.shtml)
- [Goodyear / Mavis, 2021-2024 Explorer OE tire sizes by trim](https://www.goodyear.com/en-us/vehicles/Ford/Explorer/2024)
- [Car and Driver, 2020 Explorer specs (fuel tank, curb weight, towing)](https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/explorer/specs/2020/ford_explorer_ford-explorer_2020)

## Other Ford Explorer generations

- [2012-2019 Ford Explorer oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/oil)

Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/oil).

## More for the 2020-2025 Ford Explorer

- [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/battery)
- [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/tires)
- [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/wipers)
- [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/filters)
- [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/bulbs)
- [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/brakes)
- [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/fluids)
- [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/service-schedule)
- [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/common-problems)
- [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/oil-reset)
- [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/key-fob-battery)
- [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/specs)

Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.