The 2016 Ford Escape FWD with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine gets 24 MPG combined. This Escape isn’t aiming for Prius-level efficiency. Instead, it balances practical cargo space, decent performance, and reasonable running costs for young families and urban dwellers. These customers need a versatile vehicle that can handle daily commutes and weekend adventures. For them, fuel economy is just one piece of the puzzle, not the only thing that matters.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates are 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The highway number shows the 2.0L EcoBoost’s strength. This engine offers enough torque at lower RPMs. The standard 6-speed automatic transmission can then settle into higher gears on the open road. This reduces engine strain and improves fuel efficiency during long cruises. City driving, with its stop-and-go, naturally uses more gas, but 21 MPG is still competitive within the compact SUV segment when equipped with a more powerful engine option. The 2.0L EcoBoost paired with the six-speed automatic yields a smooth and responsive driving experience, which the base engine can’t match.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for this 2016 Ford Escape configuration at $1,800 per year. This is based on driving 15,000 miles annually, using a mix of city and highway driving, and using national average fuel prices when it was calculated. Individual fuel costs will change depending on local gas prices and personal driving habits. This $1,800 figure is a standardized baseline for comparing running costs against other vehicles in its class.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates offer a benchmark, but real-world MPG will vary. Drivers who drive mostly in congested urban areas with frequent stops may see slightly lower fuel economy than the 21 MPG city rating. Drivers who primarily drive on highways, at consistent speeds, could see numbers closer to, or exceeding, the 29 MPG highway estimate.

Aggressive driving, like rapid acceleration and hard braking, will hurt fuel economy. The same is true for carrying heavy loads or towing. Tire pressure is also important. Make sure tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. This optimizes rolling resistance and boosts MPG.

How it compares

The Ford Escape’s FWD 2.0L EcoBoost has strong competition. The 2016 Honda CR-V with front-wheel drive gets an EPA-estimated 29 MPG combined, a real advantage. The Toyota RAV4 achieves a similar combined figure of 26 MPG in its standard front-wheel drive configuration. The Mazda CX-5, gets 29 MPG combined with its 2.5L engine. These differences matter to buyers who value low fuel costs. The Escape has more power than some competitors, but that performance costs more at the pump. Buyers willing to trade horsepower for better fuel economy have other alternatives. See ESCAPE MPG across all years to compare different engine options.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Minimize idling. The 2.0L EcoBoost, like any turbocharged engine, uses fuel even when stopped. Avoid long idling, especially in cold weather. If you expect to wait more than a minute, turn off the engine and restart it when you’re ready to move. This saves fuel and reduces emissions.

Carefully use cruise control. On relatively flat highways, cruise control can maintain a consistent speed, optimizing fuel economy. On hilly terrain, the system may downshift to maintain speed, removing any benefit. In such cases, manually controlling the throttle can give better results.

Check tire pressure often. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Check tire pressure at least once a month and inflate tires to the pressure recommended on the tire placard, located on the driver’s side doorjamb. Correct tire pressure helps fuel efficiency and extends tire life.

Service the vehicle according to Ford’s maintenance schedule. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance keep the engine running its best. A well-maintained engine uses less fuel and performs better. See the owner’s manual for maintenance intervals.

Lighten the load. Removing extra cargo helps fuel economy. A heavier vehicle requires more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Only carry what you need and remove unneeded items from the trunk or cargo area. Explore all Ford fuel economy data to compare model efficiency.