Check out www.fueleconomy.gov
According to fuel economy . gov ( no spaces ) Depending on whether it's two wheel drive or four wheel drive , automatic or manual transmission City is 14 to 16 / highway is 18 to 22 mpg for the U.S. gallon
For two wheel drive it gets 22 miles to the gallon. For four wheel drive, it gets 21 miles to the gallon. (Both for highway.)
The 2003 Ford Explorer has rear wheel drive.
On your 1996 Ford Explorer : Do you have the 4.0 liter V6 engine or the 5.0 liter V8 engine? Is it rear wheel drive or 4X4 with the V6 , automatic or manual transmission? If you have the 5.0 liter V8 engine , is it rear wheel drive or all wheel drive? More information is needed so we can answer your question.
The 2011 Ford Explorer has front wheel drive.
The 2005 Ford Explorer has rear wheel drive.
The 2009 Ford Explorer has rear wheel drive.
The 2006 Ford Explorer has rear wheel drive.
The 2004 Ford Explorer has rear wheel drive.
The 2012 Ford Explorer has front wheel drive.
The 2010 Ford Explorer has rear wheel drive.
The 2001 Ford Explorer has rear wheel drive.