Owners of the 2016 Ford Taurus FWD with the 3.5L V6 get around 21 MPG combined. While this isn’t the best in its class, it’s understandable for a large sedan that focuses on space, comfort, and a smooth ride. Taurus buyers typically prioritize a spacious, dependable car at a reasonable price, and they are okay with slightly lower MPG to get it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway, giving a more detailed understanding of the Taurus’ fuel consumption. Stop-and-go traffic will decrease fuel economy due to the engine’s size and the car’s weight. But on the open road, the 27 MPG offers the potential for some savings on longer trips. The six-speed automatic transmission is important here, allowing the engine to run at lower RPMs at cruising speeds, which maximizes efficiency when wind resistance is the main factor.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Ford Taurus FWD 3.5L is $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using national average fuel prices at the time of testing. Remember that this is just an estimate. Driving habits, local fuel costs, and the amount of city versus highway driving will change your total expenses.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a guideline, real-world fuel economy can change. If you accelerate quickly, brake hard often, and let the engine idle often, your MPG will suffer. However, if you drive smoothly, use cruise control on the highway, and keep your tires properly inflated, you can get closer to, or even slightly better than, the EPA estimates. Many owners say that getting 27 MPG on the highway is possible when cruising at a steady speed. Driving in busy cities will likely lead to lower numbers, closer to the 18 MPG city rating.

How it compares

The 2016 Taurus is in a class where fuel economy matters, but it’s not the most important thing for most buyers. The Toyota Avalon gets a combined 24 MPG with its V6 engine, making the Taurus slightly less efficient. Also, a Nissan Maxima from the same year gets a combined 25 MPG. Looking at other Ford models, you can see all Ford fuel economy data. While these competitors are slightly more fuel efficient, the Taurus often has a lower price or more interior space. Consider that older V8 models of Dodge Charger achieved only 19 MPG combined, making this Taurus a more efficient, if less powerful, option. For those looking at other years of this vehicle, you can review TAURUS MPG across all years. The decision often comes down to a trade-off between fuel costs and other factors such as the price of the car and the overall vehicle.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Because of the Taurus’ size and engine, smooth and gradual acceleration is important for getting the best fuel economy. Avoid pressing the gas pedal hard, especially from a stop. Let the engine gain speed gradually. This minimizes fuel consumption and reduces stress on the car.

Tire pressure is important for fuel efficiency. Keep your tires at the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. Tires with low pressure create more rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel.

Minimize idling when you can. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s usually better to turn off the engine and restart it when you’re ready to go. Idling wastes fuel.

Regular maintenance is critical for keeping your Taurus efficient. Make sure the engine air filter is clean and the spark plugs are in good condition. A dirty air filter limits airflow, and worn spark plugs can cause incomplete burning of fuel. Both of these affect fuel economy.

Using cruise control on the highway can help keep a steady speed and improve fuel consumption. This works best on flat roads, where the system can control the throttle and avoid unnecessary acceleration or slowing down.