The 2016 Ford Escape FWD with the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine gets 25 MPG combined, offering a reasonable option for buyers who prioritize affordability and practicality. It’s not a hybrid. This Escape is for budget-conscious individuals and families needing a versatile compact SUV for daily use, errands, and some road trips. They will trade some fuel efficiency for a lower price and acceptable performance.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Ford Escape FWD 2.5L show different results in city and highway driving. The city MPG is 22, showing the inefficiency of stop-and-go driving with frequent idling and acceleration. The Escape does better on the open road, reaching 30 MPG on the highway. Driving habits and route are important. Drivers with mostly highway commutes will see fuel economy closer to 30 MPG, while those in urban areas will more consistently see the lower 22 MPG. Using cruise control on the highway will help reduce fuel use.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Ford Escape FWD 2.5L at $1,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, gas prices in your area, and the type of driving you do. Someone mainly driving short distances in the city will likely spend more than this, while a driver with mostly highway miles might spend less.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standard, real-world fuel economy often varies. Tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and cargo weight affect efficiency. Aggressive acceleration and hard braking will reduce MPG below the EPA estimates. and using accessories like air conditioning, especially in hot climates, can also decrease fuel economy. Drivers who maintain their vehicle and drive efficiently should find the EPA numbers are a reasonable estimate.

How it compares

The 2016 Ford Escape FWD 2.5L is in the middle of its class. For example, the Mazda CX-5 with its SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine gets a slightly better 29 MPG combined, appealing to buyers who want better fuel economy and handling. The Honda CR-V, a popular compact SUV, achieves an EPA-estimated 29 MPG combined, proving a strong competitor. Some older versions of the Nissan Rogue achieved upwards of 28 MPG combined. The Escape’s fuel economy is lower than these rivals, but buyers might prefer the Escape’s styling, features, or price. For more Ford fuel economy data, see our Ford brand page. You can also find an ESCAPE MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Anticipate traffic and avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking. Smooth acceleration uses less fuel than rapidly accelerating.

Maintain a safe following distance to avoid sudden braking, which wastes gas.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, causing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle. This is especially true in city driving.

Reduce aerodynamic drag. Remove unnecessary items from the roof rack, as these create drag and decrease fuel economy, especially at highway speeds.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed reduces speed fluctuations, saving fuel. The Escape’s automatic transmission will also operate more efficiently, selecting the optimal gear for highway cruising.