The new Ford Explorer is seeing an increase in its MPG rating. Ford admitted that some consumers were avoiding the Explorer because of its less than optimal gas mileage so they have increased the MPG rating by 25%.

The older Ford Explorer got only 20 mpg on the highway and when it was fitted with rear wheel drive it only got 19 mpg on the highway.

The US Environmental Protection Agency has stated that the new Ford Explorer now gets 25 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city for a combined rating of 20mpg. This information was also reflected by Ford in a Facebook post.

"It's official, the 2011 Ford Explorer gets an EPA estimated 25 highway MPG - which is Best in Class for a V6 and 25% more fuel efficient than the current model."

MPG ratings have not yet come out for the direct-injected, turbocharged 237 horsepower 2.0 liter engine, but are expected to be even better.

To check out the all new Ford Explorer, come down to York Ford on 1481 Broadway, Route 1 South, Saugus, MA 01906.