19 MPG combined won’t lead the fuel economy charts, but that’s part of the deal with the 2017 Ford Edge AWD with the 3.5L V6. This generation of Edge, especially with all-wheel drive and the larger engine, is for buyers who want confident acceleration, comfortable cruising, and all-weather security instead of maximizing every mile per gallon. They understand the trade-off and find it acceptable for the vehicle’s overall capabilities.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Ford Edge AWD 3.5L at 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. This difference shows its strengths and weaknesses. Urban driving, with its constant stop-and-go, strains the V6 engine and lowers efficiency. The all-wheel-drive system, while helpful in bad weather, adds weight and driveline friction, making the city MPG worse. However, on the open road, the Edge runs more efficiently. The six-speed automatic transmission finds the best points at cruising speeds, helping the V6 deliver acceptable highway fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Ford Edge AWD 3.5L to be $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Spending on fuel will vary based on driving habits, local fuel costs, and how much city versus highway driving is done. Someone who mainly drives on the highway will likely spend less than $2,300, while aggressive city drivers will almost certainly spend more.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard estimate, but real-world MPG changes. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and carrying heavy loads will all decrease fuel economy. On the other hand, gentle acceleration, consistent speeds on the highway, and proper tire inflation can help you get closer to the EPA estimates. Some owners report slightly exceeding the highway estimate on long road trips, but matching or surpassing the combined 19 MPG requires effort.

How it compares

The 2017 Ford Edge AWD 3.5L is competitive, but there are differences. For example, the Nissan Murano with AWD, known for comfort, gets around 24 MPG combined. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, also with a V6 and 4WD, gets around 21 MPG combined. A four-cylinder Honda CR-V offers much better economy, close to 28 MPG combined, but has less power and towing capability. The Edge buyer probably isn’t comparing it to the CR-V; they are willing to give up some MPG for the extra power and strong feel of the V6 and AWD. For all related models and years, you can find EDGE MPG across all years. Those looking for a more fuel-efficient Ford crossover should consult all Ford fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate moderately. The 3.5L V6 loves to rev, but don’t push the accelerator too hard. Gentle acceleration lets the engine work more efficiently, especially in city driving.

Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and inflate to the recommended level (found on the sticker inside the driver’s side door).

Avoid excessive idling. Letting the engine idle for a long time uses fuel and lowers MPG. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, consider turning off the engine.

Plan your routes. Combine errands into one trip and avoid peak traffic to lower stop-and-go driving. This is important in cities where the Edge’s fuel economy is worst.

Use cruise control on the highway when you can. Keeping a consistent speed removes extra acceleration and deceleration, which can greatly improve fuel efficiency, especially on longer trips.