16 MPG combined won’t win any awards, but for the 2017 Ford Expedition EL 4WD with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, it’s simply what it is. This vehicle isn’t designed for maximizing miles per gallon. It’s built for hauling families, cargo, and trailers over long distances, often in challenging weather conditions. Fuel efficiency is secondary to capability, and that’s a trade-off its target demographic readily accepts.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 Expedition EL 4WD break down to 15 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. The slightly better highway number is fairly typical for large vehicles like this. The EcoBoost engine, while turbocharged, still needs to work hard to move over 6,000 pounds of truck and passengers. On the open road with less stop-and-go, it can settle into a more efficient cruising range. The six-speed automatic transmission, while proven and reliable, is also a factor here. More modern 8-speed or 10-speed transmissions would undoubtedly improve both city and highway figures.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Ford Expedition EL 4WD at exactly $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Keep in mind that this is only an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of gas you buy, and prevailing gas prices in your area.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy for the 2017 Expedition EL 4WD can vary significantly. Drivers who primarily use the vehicle for short city trips with frequent stops and starts are likely to see numbers below 15 MPG. Conversely, those who do mostly highway driving, especially at consistent speeds, might achieve closer to 20 MPG. Towing a trailer will have a dramatic impact, potentially dropping fuel economy into the single digits. Careful driving habits, proper tire inflation, and regular maintenance are critical to achieving the best possible fuel economy.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2017 Expedition EL 4WD’s fuel economy is generally in line with other full-size, body-on-frame SUVs. A 2017 Chevrolet Suburban 4WD, for instance, with its 5.3L V8, is EPA-rated at 16 MPG combined as well. A 2017 Toyota Sequoia 4WD, powered by a 5.7L V8, achieves an EPA-estimated 14 MPG combined. The Nissan Armada, similarly equipped, mirrors the Sequoia’s numbers. These comparisons highlight the inherent trade-offs in this vehicle class. Buyers prioritize space, towing capacity, and durability over fuel efficiency. Someone cross-shopping an Expedition with a minivan might be concerned about these numbers, but someone only considering full-size SUVs will find the Expedition’s fuel economy competitive. For those seeking significantly better fuel economy in a large SUV, a more modern hybrid or diesel option is generally required, but those weren’t available in this class in 2017. Be sure to check EXPEDITION MPG across all years to see if newer models meet your fuel economy targets. The Ford Expedition is of course from all Ford fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The EcoBoost engine in the 2017 Expedition EL 4WD responds well to smooth acceleration and consistent throttle inputs. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these actions waste fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Every sudden burst of power uses more fuel than a gradual increase in speed.

Tire pressure plays a critical role in fuel economy. Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the pressure recommended on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during changes in temperature, as pressure can fluctuate significantly.

Minimize the amount of weight you carry in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds to the overall load, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Remove any unnecessary items from the Expedition, especially when you’re not using them. Even a few hundred pounds of extra weight can impact fuel economy.

Wind resistance also plays a large role in the fuel economy of a big vehicle like this. Avoid using roof racks and cargo carriers unless absolutely necessary. When not in use, remove them to reduce aerodynamic drag. Even small changes to the vehicle’s profile can improve its fuel efficiency at highway speeds.

Consider using cruise control on long highway trips. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy compared to manually controlling the throttle. However, be mindful of terrain. On hilly roads, cruise control might downshift aggressively, negating some of the fuel-saving benefits. Adapt your cruise control settings to the road conditions for optimal efficiency.