The 2016 Ford Taurus AWD FFV 3.5L gets 19 MPG combined. It’s not a fuel sipper, and Ford never intended it to be. This generation Taurus, especially with all-wheel drive and the 3.5L V6, exists for a very specific buyer: someone who prioritizes interior space, trunk capacity, and confident all-weather traction over outright fuel efficiency. It’s a vehicle for long highway trips and snowy commutes, not winning any hypermiling contests. Think of it as a comfortable, capable sedan, not an economy car, and the fuel consumption makes a lot more sense.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates pinpoint the Taurus’s strengths and weaknesses. The 17 MPG city rating reflects the inherent limitations of a large, relatively heavy car navigating stop-and-go traffic. The all-wheel-drive system adds weight and rotational inertia, further impacting urban fuel consumption. On the open road, however, the 24 MPG highway figure becomes more palatable. It suggests that the Taurus can achieve reasonably efficient cruising speeds, particularly when the engine isn’t under heavy load. This spread between city and highway MPG underscores the importance of understanding your driving habits when considering this car. If your daily commute primarily involves congested urban environments, the Taurus’s fuel economy will be a significant consideration, but if you spend a substantial portion of your time on highways, the overall impact will be less severe.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Ford Taurus AWD FFV 3.5L will be $2,300. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using then-current national average fuel prices. The calculation provides a standardized benchmark for comparing the Taurus’s fuel costs with those of other vehicles. Of course, this number will fluctuate based on your personal driving habits and where you live. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and prolonged idling will all contribute to higher fuel expenses.

Variations in gasoline prices across different regions can significantly impact your actual annual fuel bill.

Real-world expectations

While EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy often deviates. Factors such as driving style, weather conditions, and vehicle maintenance all play a role. Some owners of the 2016 Taurus AWD FFV 3.5L report numbers close to the EPA estimates, while others fall significantly short. Expect poorer economy in winter, as colder temperatures affect engine efficiency and all-wheel-drive systems are engaged more frequently. Consistent acceleration and higher speeds on the highway will also reduce fuel economy. Conversely, gentle acceleration, steady speeds, and proper tire inflation can help you get closer to the EPA’s projections. Monitoring your fuel consumption over several tanks of gas is the best way to determine your car’s actual MPG in your specific driving conditions. You can find TAURUS MPG across all years and specific trim levels.

How it compares

Within the full-size sedan segment, the 2016 Taurus’s fuel economy is not its strongest selling point. The Toyota Avalon, for example, achieves a combined 24 MPG with its V6 engine, a significant improvement. Even the Chrysler 300, despite its imposing size, manages a combined 23 MPG in its rear-wheel-drive V6 configuration. Stepping outside the traditional sedan segment, a crossover like the Ford Edge with its 2.0L EcoBoost engine manages nearly 24 MPG combined. These comparisons matter because they highlight the trade-offs inherent in choosing the Taurus.

Its spacious interior and all-wheel drive come at the expense of fuel efficiency. Prospective buyers need to carefully weigh their priorities before committing to the Taurus.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regularly check and maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Refer to the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure.

Avoid excessive idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and you’ll save fuel compared to letting the car idle.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, leading to improved fuel economy. Be mindful of traffic conditions and avoid using cruise control in heavy or stop-and-go situations.

Lighten the load. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger compartment. Extra weight reduces fuel economy, particularly in city driving.

Consider the Flex Fuel (FFV) capability only in certain scenarios. The 2016 Ford Taurus AWD FFV 3.5L can run on E85 fuel, but E85 typically delivers lower MPG. Unless the price per gallon is significantly cheaper than gasoline, you’ll likely save money running regular gasoline.

These strategies can contribute to a moderate improvement in fuel economy, allowing buyers to get the most out of this platform. Be sure to check all Ford fuel economy data as you make your car buying decision, keeping in mind these tips are simply guidelines within a larger lifestyle context.