21 MPG combined won’t win any fuel economy awards, but the 2016 Ford Taurus FWD FFV 3.5L isn’t about winning awards. It provides spacious, comfortable, and confident transportation for those who value size and traditional American sedan sensibilities. This car targets someone who appreciates passenger volume, a large trunk, and a smooth ride, even if it means less efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 Ford Taurus FWD FFV 3.5L at 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. This difference reflects the engine and transmission pairing. The 3.5L V6 delivers adequate power for confident merging and highway cruising. In urban environments, the engine consumes more gas, as the six-speed automatic transmission manages stop-and-go traffic. The highway figure is respectable for a car of this size, suggesting that drivers who frequently undertake longer trips will benefit the most.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2016 Ford Taurus FWD FFV 3.5L is $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s a useful benchmark for comparing running costs with other vehicles in its class, but drivers should recognize that individual fuel expenses will vary based on driving habits and local fuel prices. Consistent aggressive acceleration and heavy city driving will increase this figure.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs. Owners of the 2016 Ford Taurus FWD FFV 3.5L often report figures that fall within a reasonable range of those numbers, but conditions matter. Extended idling, frequent short trips, and aggressive driving can all decrease fuel economy. Gentle acceleration, consistent highway speeds, and diligent maintenance can help drivers approach or even slightly exceed the EPA’s estimates. This is a large, heavy car, so it will always require more energy to move than a smaller, lighter alternative.

How it compares

The 2016 Taurus was in a segment with many options, so comparing fuel economy is important. A 2016 Toyota Avalon, for instance, achieved a combined 24 MPG with its standard V6, offering more space and fuel efficiency than the Taurus. A similarly equipped 2016 Chevrolet Impala achieved about 22 MPG combined. Even some SUVs and crossovers, like the 2016 Honda CR-V (around 29 MPG combined), offer better fuel economy while providing similar passenger space, although without the Taurus’s full-size sedan ride and trunk. For those seeking more sporty options, the turbocharged Ford Fusion offered a combined MPG of 26. These comparisons matter because Taurus buyers often have a diverse set of needs, weighing fuel economy against the Taurus’s size, smooth ride, and large trunk. All of this all Ford fuel economy data can make it hard to choose which is best if you value fuel consumption.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Start with tire pressure. Ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure as listed on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which directly impacts fuel consumption. This is important on a heavy car like the Taurus, where rolling resistance can be a significant factor.

Gentle acceleration and smooth braking are critical. Avoid aggressive starts and sudden stops. The 3.5L V6 responds well to a light foot, and the six-speed automatic shifts smoothly when not pushed hard. Anticipating traffic flow and maintaining a steady speed will dramatically improve your MPG.

Minimize idling. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute, turn off the engine. This simple habit can yield noticeable fuel savings, especially in urban environments.

Regular maintenance is key. Keep your engine tuned and ensure that filters (air and fuel) are clean. A well-maintained engine operates more efficiently, maximizing the energy extracted from each gallon of fuel. A quick check of the TAURUS MPG across all years can also confirm what others found with this model.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the trunk or backseat. Excess weight increases the amount of energy required to accelerate and maintain speed. Remove any items you don’t regularly need to lighten the load and improve fuel economy.