2018 Ford Transit T150 Wagon FFV 3.7L: Understanding the Fuel Economy

16 MPG combined might sound dismal, but for the 2018 Ford Transit T150 Wagon FFV 3.7L, it’s the cost of doing business. This isn’t a vehicle purchased for leisurely Sunday drives, it’s a workhorse, a mobile office, a band’s tour bus, or a shuttle for a large family. Buyers understand that moving a substantial amount of people and cargo requires a substantial amount of fuel. This particular Transit, with its 3.7L V6 and flexible fuel capability, is chosen more for its versatility and interior volume than for its efficiency.

city and highway performance

The EPA estimates suggest 14 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway. The difference between city and highway figures isn’t as dramatic as you might see in a smaller, more aerodynamic vehicle. The Transit’s boxy shape makes it sensitive to wind resistance at higher speeds, meaning that the engine works harder to maintain momentum on the open road. Stop-and-go city driving, while inefficient, doesn’t represent as significant a penalty relative to highway cruising. Given that many Transits spend their lives navigating urban environments or ferrying passengers on short trips, the 14 MPG city rating is a critical number for potential buyers to consider.

annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,750 for the 2018 Ford Transit T150 Wagon FFV 3.7L. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s important to understand this is just an estimate, as your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use (especially if using its Flex Fuel capability), and the prevailing gasoline prices in your area. If you primarily drive in congested city traffic or tow heavy loads frequently, your annual fuel expenditure could easily exceed this amount. Scrutinizing current fuel costs is critical for accurate forecasting.

real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a benchmark, real-world fuel economy often deviates. Factors like driving style, load weight, tire pressure, and even weather conditions can significantly impact fuel consumption. Owners report that achieving the EPA’s 18 MPG highway rating is possible when driving conservatively on relatively flat terrain, but aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, or hilly routes can easily drop that number. Likewise, the 14 MPG city rating can fluctuate wildly depending on the severity of traffic congestion. Drivers using the Transit for commercial purposes, such as delivery services, should realistically expect to see numbers closer to the lower end of the EPA range or slightly below. The TRANSIT MPG across all years can vary considerably based on configuration.

how it compares

The Ford Transit’s primary competitors include the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and the Ram ProMaster. The Sprinter, depending on the configuration and engine (diesel or gasoline), can offer slightly better fuel economy, but typically comes at a higher purchase price. The Ram ProMaster, with its standard 3.6L V6, offers comparable fuel economy to the Transit. For example, a similarly equipped 2018 Ram ProMaster 1500 Wagon achieves around 15 MPG combined. Specific use is vital, as these vans often compete based on interior dimensions, payload capacity, and customization options. These practical factors will always be more important than marginal gains in fuel economy for most buyers in this segment. Looking at all Ford fuel economy data can provide a broader perspective.

tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The 3.7L V6 has ample power for merging and climbing hills, but using that power excessively will drain fuel quickly. Smooth, gradual acceleration is key to maximizing efficiency, particularly in city driving.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended specification, which can typically be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The more weight you carry, the more fuel you’ll consume. Remove any unnecessary tools, equipment, or cargo from the van to minimize the load on the engine. This is especially important for those using the Transit for commercial purposes, where payload can fluctuate significantly.

Plan your routes strategically. Avoid congested areas and peak traffic times whenever possible. Idling in traffic consumes fuel without covering any distance, so optimizing your routes to minimize stop-and-go driving can make a noticeable difference. Consider using GPS navigation to find the most efficient routes.