The 2016 Ford Edge FWD 2.0L 4-cylinder gets 24 MPG combined, a reasonable compromise for buyers who want space, comfort, and a slightly elevated driving position more than high fuel efficiency. It’s not a hybrid or a compact sedan, it’s a mid-size crossover made to haul families and their things, and that inherently uses more fuel.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Ford Edge FWD 2.0L are 20 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city number is normal for vehicles this size because of frequent stop-and-go driving. The 30 MPG highway rating is more achievable if you drive at a consistent speed and don’t accelerate too fast. The 6-speed automatic transmission helps by keeping the engine in its most efficient range at cruising speeds. The engine is a turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes plenty of power, which means drivers don’t have to push the accelerator hard all the time.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Ford Edge FWD 2.0L is $1,800. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway. It also assumes gasoline costs the national average price. Your fuel costs will be different depending on your driving, local fuel prices, and how many miles you drive each year. You should consider these things to know your true cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a good starting point, but real-world fuel economy is often different. Some drivers say they get close to the EPA’s highway rating on long trips, but city driving can easily be less than 20 MPG, especially with short trips and idling. Things like weather (cold weather lowers fuel economy), tire pressure, and how much your cargo weighs matter too. If the vehicle is maintained well and driven moderately, expect to see 22-26 MPG in combined driving.

How it compares

The 2016 Ford Edge’s fuel economy is about average for its class. A 2016 Toyota Venza, another stylish mid-size crossover, also gets about 22 MPG combined with its V6 engine and front-wheel drive. The Nissan Murano, known for its upscale interior, gets around 24 MPG combined in its front-wheel-drive version. Other compact SUVs get better fuel economy, but have less interior space. For example, the Honda CR-V gets 29 MPG combined, and the Toyota RAV4 gets around 26 MPG combined. The Edge has more cargo volume. EDGE MPG across all years can vary. The choice is about whether you want to save on gas or have more space.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently to get the best fuel economy from the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. Don’t speed up suddenly and try to drive steadily, especially when starting from a stop. The turbocharger gives you a lot of torque, so you don’t need to push the engine hard to get up to speed.

Regular maintenance of your 2016 Ford Edge is important for good fuel economy. Keep your tires inflated properly, because underinflated tires create more rolling resistance and lower your MPG. Also, make sure your engine air filter is clean, because a dirty filter can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. Check all Ford fuel economy data to make sure you maintain it properly.

Don’t idle too much. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines start efficiently, so restarting the engine uses less fuel than idling.

On the highway, use cruise control when you can. Driving at a consistent speed helps lower fuel consumption. Try to anticipate traffic and avoid braking and accelerating too much. Cruise control’s smooth, steady driving can improve your fuel economy.