While the 2022 Ford Escape AWD with the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine’s combined fuel economy of 26 MPG won’t break any fuel efficiency records, it’s perfectly acceptable for a compact SUV with all-wheel drive. This powertrain suits buyers who value confident traction and responsive acceleration more than maximum fuel savings. This is a trade-off some owners willingly make.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2022 Ford Escape AWD 2.0L gets 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The lower city figure is due to stop-and-go traffic and frequent acceleration, where the engine works harder and the all-wheel-drive system may engage more frequently, using more fuel. However, the 31 MPG highway rating suggests the Escape AWD can achieve respectable efficiency on longer trips when cruising at a steady speed. The 8-speed automatic transmission helps optimize fuel economy at higher speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Ford Escape AWD 2.0L is $1,700 per year. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and the national average fuel price at the time of testing. Remember that your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, city versus highway driving, and local fuel prices. Aggressive driving will cause that $1,700 number to increase significantly.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, but real-world fuel economy often differs depending on driving styles and conditions. Drivers who accelerate quickly or frequently encounter heavy traffic may see numbers closer to the city estimate, or even lower. On the other hand, those who accelerate smoothly, avoid aggressive braking, and spend more time on the highway may exceed the 31 MPG highway estimate. Payload also affects fuel economy; a frequently loaded Escape with passengers and cargo will likely use more gas compared to driving solo with an empty vehicle. The EPA figures are a guide, not exact predictions.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the 2022 Ford Escape AWD 2.0L is competitive. For instance, the Toyota RAV4 AWD is EPA-estimated at 27 MPG combined, slightly better than the Escape. The Honda CR-V AWD gets a similar 27 MPG combined rating. However, the 2.0L engine in the Escape has noticeably more power and quicker acceleration than the base engines in the RAV4 and CR-V, and more power requires more fuel. Those who want better performance are willing to accept the small difference in fuel economy. Exploring all Ford fuel economy data provides more context. Also, check the ESCAPE MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2.0L EcoBoost engine responds to changes in driving style. Avoid quick acceleration and maintain a steady cruising speed to improve fuel economy. Anticipate traffic flow to minimize hard braking and sudden bursts of throttle.

Check your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. See the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure for your specific Escape.

Remove unnecessary weight. Less cargo lightens the load on the engine, improving fuel economy. Extra sports gear, tools, or other items you’re driving around with cost you extra money.

Use cruise control on the highway when you can. This helps maintain a consistent speed, reducing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. Use cruise control on flatter roads for best results, turning it off where it might cause the transmission to frequently change gears on hilly terrain.