The 2018 Ford Taurus FWD FFV 3.5L gets 21 MPG combined. That figure won’t impress hybrid shoppers, but the Taurus isn’t about squeezing every last mile from a gallon. It’s about delivering big-car comfort, a cavernous trunk, and ample power to those who still value traditional American cars. This fuel economy is a compromise that many loyal Taurus owners accept.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Taurus at 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the engine’s thirst and the stop-and-go driving of daily commutes. The highway number, while better, isn’t class-leading. This is where the six-speed automatic transmission shows its limitations. Newer transmissions with eight, nine, or ten speeds in competing vehicles can keep the engine in its best operating range more effectively, leading to better efficiency at cruising speeds. However, the Taurus’s transmission is known for its reliability, and some buyers may prioritize that over fuel savings.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates that the average owner of a 2018 Ford Taurus FWD FFV 3.5L will spend about $2,100 per year on fuel. This is based on driving 15,000 miles annually and using the national average fuel price at the time of the EPA’s testing. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits and local fuel prices. Aggressive driving and significant time spent in city traffic will raise that number, while primarily highway commutes and a gentle foot on the accelerator could lower it.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized benchmark, but real-world fuel economy for the 2018 Taurus often differs. Some drivers report achieving figures close to the EPA estimates. Factors like weather, tire condition, and cargo weight can all influence observed MPG. Owners who want better fuel economy tend to drive conservatively, using cruise control on the highway and avoiding excessive idling. Drivers who enjoy the engine’s power may see their fuel economy drop below the EPA’s projections. To see all Ford fuel economy data, check the Ford hub site.

How it compares

The Taurus faces tough competition, especially from more modern sedans. The Toyota Avalon, for example, gets 22 MPG combined, offering similar space and comfort with slightly better fuel efficiency. Even the Nissan Maxima, with its sporty style, achieves 25 MPG combined. The Chevrolet Impala, another large sedan competitor, gets around 22 MPG combined. For those who want better fuel efficiency within Ford’s lineup, the Fusion offers significantly better mileage, though it has less rear seat and trunk space than the Taurus. For a broader view, check the TAURUS MPG across all years. This comparison is important because Taurus buyers often consider practical matters. They need a large, comfortable, and reliable vehicle, and fuel economy is just one factor.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 3.5L V6 in the Taurus responds well to a gentle driving style. Avoid aggressive acceleration and try to anticipate traffic flow to minimize unnecessary braking. Regular maintenance, including tire inflation and oil changes, also helps fuel economy. Proper tire pressure minimizes rolling resistance, while fresh oil ensures the engine operates efficiently. Some drivers report slight MPG increases when using premium fuel under extreme weather conditions.

Keep the vehicle’s weight down. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk, as extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s load and reduces fuel efficiency. The Taurus has a very large trunk, so it’s easy to accumulate extra junk without noticing. Reducing the load, even by a small amount, can help the vehicle’s fuel consumption, especially in city driving.

Use cruise control on the highway when possible. Maintaining a consistent speed can greatly improve fuel economy compared to constantly changing speeds. Be mindful of your speed as well; higher speeds require more power to overcome wind resistance, leading to lower fuel efficiency. Try to stay within the speed limits and maintain a steady pace.

Limit idling. While modern engines are more efficient at idling than older ones, prolonged idling still burns fuel and reduces overall MPG. If you expect to be stationary for more than a minute or two, it’s usually more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine and restart it when you’re ready to move. Excessive starting and stopping can cause wear on certain components, although the fuel cost is still higher than constant idling.