16 MPG combined is what you can expect if you’re considering a 2016 Ford Transit T150 Wagon FFV with the 3.7L V6. To be clear, most owners don’t buy a Transit expecting Prius-like gas mileage. This van is a tool, a workhorse, and a people-mover with lots of space. Its fuel consumption reflects its main job: hauling significant loads, whether it’s passengers, cargo, or both.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the 2016 Transit T150 Wagon FFV at 14 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway. These numbers show that this van is most efficient when cruising at a steady speed on the open road, though “efficient” is a relative term. Stop-and-go city driving, with its constant acceleration and braking, hurts gas mileage. The automatic transmission, while smooth, is geared for maximizing the engine’s power, not for saving every drop of fuel. Remember, this van is designed for capability first, and that costs money at the pump.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,750 for the 2016 Ford Transit T150 Wagon FFV 3.7L. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using national average fuel prices. Your driving style, local fuel costs, and the actual miles you drive can change this estimate. While that $2,750 figure might seem high, it should be considered alongside what this vehicle offers in terms of space and utility. For many Transit owners, the functionality makes the expense worth it.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standard, real-world fuel economy often varies. Transit owners report a range of numbers, affected by load weight, driving conditions, and maintenance. Expect the advertised MPG to be a high point, not a guarantee. If you often carry heavy loads or drive in congested urban areas, your fuel consumption will likely be lower. Gentle driving, regular maintenance, and minimizing extra weight can help you get closer to the EPA estimates, but don’t expect huge improvements. Exploring TRANSIT MPG across all years might give you more information from owner experiences.

How it compares

In the world of full-size vans, the Transit T150 FFV is in its own category. Comparing it to other vans shows its fuel efficiency (or lack thereof). The Ram ProMaster 1500 with its 3.6L V6 gets around 17 MPG combined, slightly better than the Transit. The Nissan NV2500 HD with its 4.0L V6 is in a similar range. The Chevrolet Express 2500 with the 6.0L V8, though an older design, offers significantly worse figures, closer to 14 MPG combined. For businesses and families that need this kind of vehicle, the fuel economy difference often isn’t enough to change their choice if they prefer a specific brand or configuration. You can find a full list of all Ford fuel economy data on this site to compare against other Ford vehicles.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2016 Transit T150 is built for work, so extreme fuel-saving measures are often not possible. But, small changes can add up over time. Drive smoothly and avoid hard braking, which applies to any vehicle. Watch traffic and maintain a steady speed when you can.

Regular maintenance is important. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, since underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and hurt fuel economy. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, including oil changes and air filter replacements, to keep the engine running efficiently.

Reduce extra weight. The heavier the load, the harder the engine works, and the more fuel it uses. Take out anything you don’t have to carry. If you have a roof rack, think about removing it when you aren’t using it, since it increases drag.

Plan your routes. Avoiding busy areas and choosing routes with fewer stops can improve your fuel economy. Use navigation apps that provide real-time traffic updates to find the best path.

Think about the type of fuel you use. Although this is a FFV (Flexible Fuel Vehicle), the 3.7L engine will get better fuel economy on gasoline than on E85. If gas prices aren’t too high, try to avoid using E85 to increase your MPG.