17 MPG combined is what owners of the 2022 Ford Expedition Timberline actually get. This isn’t a Prius; it’s a purpose-built, off-road-oriented full-size SUV designed to haul families and their gear deep into the wilderness, so fuel economy is secondary to what this vehicle can do. To be clear, Timberline buyers aren’t prioritizing saving money at the pump, but ground clearance, four-wheel-drive capability, and the ability to tow heavy loads. They understand what that means and are willing to accept it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Expedition Timberline achieves 15 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. These figures provide a benchmark, but they represent ideal conditions. Stop-and-go traffic, aggressive driving, and the Timberline’s elevated ride height all contribute to real-world fuel consumption that often falls short of these numbers. On the highway, maintaining a steady speed and avoiding sudden acceleration can help achieve the 19 MPG rating, but the vehicle’s size and weight inevitably affect fuel economy. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6, while powerful, needs to work hard to move this much mass. This engine benefits from a gentle foot. It’s designed to deliver torque when needed for towing or off-roading, not for winning drag races.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Ford Expedition Timberline at $2,600. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. It’s a useful benchmark. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the price of gasoline in your area, and the type of fuel you use. If you consistently drive aggressively or tow heavy loads, expect to spend significantly more than $2,600 annually. Conversely, if you drive mostly highway miles and practice fuel-efficient driving techniques, you might save a little. Reducing your fuel expenses is unlikely given the vehicle’s limitations, however. Fuel costs are part of the ownership experience, so factor that in from the beginning.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides estimates, real-world fuel economy often differs. Expect to see numbers closer to 14-16 MPG in mixed driving. Towing will drastically reduce fuel economy, potentially dropping it into the single digits. Off-roading, with its low speeds and high engine loads, will also negatively impact MPG. Tire pressure, vehicle load, and weather conditions can further influence fuel consumption. Monitor your fuel economy using the vehicle’s trip computer and adjust your driving habits accordingly. Frequent short trips, especially in cold weather, will also lower your average MPG. The Expedition Timberline is not a vehicle for penny-pinchers. It’s for those who value its capabilities more than its fuel efficiency.

How it compares

The Expedition Timberline’s fuel economy is similar to its competitors. The Chevrolet Tahoe Z71, another off-road-oriented full-size SUV, achieves a similar 16 MPG combined. The Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro, while known for its reliability, offers only slightly better fuel economy around 15 MPG combined. even the more luxurious Land Rover Range Rover, in its base P360 form, manages only 19 MPG combined. The Timberline’s 17 MPG is the price for a vehicle that combines off-road capability, passenger space, and towing capacity in a single package. For detailed information, check out all Ford fuel economy data and EXPEDITION MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Expedition Timberline rewards a smooth, deliberate driving style. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The EcoBoost engine delivers plenty of torque at low RPMs, so there’s no need to push it hard to get up to speed. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed, minimizing unnecessary speed changes that burn extra fuel.

Regular maintenance is important for optimal fuel economy. Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce MPG. Keep up with scheduled oil changes and air filter replacements. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently, using less fuel to deliver the same performance.

Consider removing any unnecessary weight from the vehicle. Extra cargo adds to the Expedition’s already substantial curb weight, further burdening the engine and reducing fuel economy. Remove items you don’t need for your daily commute or off-road adventures. Even small amounts of weight can add up and affect your MPGs.

Plan your trips strategically to minimize stop-and-go driving. Use navigation apps to identify routes with less traffic congestion. Avoiding rush hour can significantly improve your fuel economy, as constant acceleration and braking consume more fuel than maintaining a steady speed. Consider consolidating errands into fewer trips to minimize cold starts, which are particularly fuel-inefficient.