16 MPG combined. That’s the fuel economy number for the 2015 Ford Expedition EL 4WD with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, and it’s a number that owners accept as part of ownership. Let’s be honest, nobody buys this extended-length Expedition because it’s good on gas. They buy it to haul a lot of kids, their gear, a boat or camper, and do it all in comfort and safety. It’s a tool for a specific job, and fuel economy is a secondary consideration, but still worth understanding.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the 16 MPG combined figure breaks down to 14 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects stop-and-go driving, the Expedition’s weight, and the energy needed to accelerate this large SUV. The highway figure is better, suggesting that steady cruising provides a reasonable return. Loading up the Expedition with passengers and cargo, or towing, will reduce both city and highway MPG. The EcoBoost engine works harder, and consumes more fuel, when under load.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Ford Expedition EL 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl at $2,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and assumes a national average fuel price. Your fuel costs may be higher or lower depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (mostly city vs. mostly highway), and the price of gasoline in your region. The EPA uses a formula to arrive at this number, and it’s a consistent standard for comparing the financial impact of different vehicles; browse all Ford fuel economy data to compare.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy can change. Expedition owners often report numbers that are lower than the EPA estimates, especially in mixed driving. Hauling heavy loads or frequent towing will hurt fuel economy the most. Hard acceleration and braking can also reduce MPG. Owners who prioritize fuel efficiency and use smoother driving techniques often find themselves closer to the EPA estimates, or even slightly above in some conditions.

How it compares

Compared to other large SUVs of its time, the 2015 Expedition EL 4WD’s fuel economy is about what you’d expect. For example, the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban 4WD with the 5.3L V8 had EPA ratings of 15 MPG combined, 14 city, and 21 highway. The Nissan Armada, another competitor, gets similar numbers. The Toyota Sequoia typically delivers slightly lower fuel economy, with some models rated around 13 MPG combined. These comparisons show that the Expedition’s fuel consumption is typical, though newer SUVs with better powertrains often offer improvements. Consider the EXPEDITION MPG across all years to see how subsequent model years improved.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One of the simplest ways to improve fuel economy in your Expedition is to remove excess weight. Regularly clean out unnecessary items from the cargo area and passenger compartment. Every extra pound adds to the load the engine carries, which affects fuel consumption. Don’t use the Expedition as a mobile storage unit.

Proper tire inflation is another easy thing to do. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep the recommended levels, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which affects fuel economy. A simple tire pressure gauge can save you money.

Minimize idling time. The EcoBoost engine, like many modern engines, consumes fuel even when the vehicle is sitting still. If you expect to wait for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Idling, particularly in city traffic, hurts your MPG.

When towing, select the tow/haul mode. This mode changes the transmission’s shift points and engine output to manage the load better, preventing the engine from overworking. Towing will always reduce fuel economy, using the tow/haul mode can help. Also be mindful of your speed. Aerodynamic drag increases greatly with speed, so reducing your speed while towing can make a difference.