The 2017 Ford Taurus FWD FFV 3.5L 6-cyl gets 21 MPG combined. This isn’t a fuel-sipping car, but it’s also not unexpected for a large sedan built for space and a smooth ride over extreme efficiency. This car appeals to those who like traditional American cars: a spacious interior, a large trunk, and a powerful engine. The fuel economy isn’t ideal, but it’s a trade-off for those qualities.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Taurus achieves 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the Taurus’s size and weight; stopping and starting a car this large requires fuel. The highway MPG is better, suggesting the Taurus is a decent long-distance car, easily covering miles. However, even the highway number looks dated compared to newer vehicles using more advanced engines and transmissions.

The six-speed automatic, while adequate, is older than the eight, nine, and ten-speed automatics found in its competitors, which help improve fuel efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Ford Taurus FWD FFV 3.5L 6-cyl is $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving, the type of driving (city vs. highway), and local gas prices. Aggressive driving, idling, and premium fuel will increase your annual fuel bill.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Many drivers report numbers close to the EPA estimates in mixed driving. Expect the city MPG to drop if you drive mostly in stop-and-go traffic. Alternatively, you might see slightly better than 27 MPG on long highway trips, especially if you maintain a steady speed and avoid quick acceleration. Drive smoothly and avoid unnecessary idling to maximize fuel economy in a Taurus.

How it compares

The 2017 Taurus isn’t a top pick for fuel economy. The Toyota Avalon, for example, gets a combined MPG of 24 with its standard V6 engine, making it more efficient. The Chrysler 300, another large sedan, posts similar numbers to the Avalon, depending on the trim and engine. You can view all Ford fuel economy data on our site. This comparison is helpful for buyers looking at large sedans. If lower fuel costs are a priority, the Taurus isn’t as good as some of its rivals. However, the Taurus is often cheaper, which can offset the higher fuel costs. Check TAURUS MPG across all years to see if a different model year has better numbers.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Because the Taurus uses more gas, fuel-efficient driving habits are important. Avoid quick starts and hard braking. Accelerate smoothly and gradually, and anticipate traffic to minimize braking.

Maintaining a steady speed on the highway is critical for the best possible MPG.

Tire pressure is surprisingly important. Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially when the temperature changes.

Reduce idling. Idling consumes fuel without going anywhere. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. This is important in city driving, where you may be stopped at red lights or in traffic jams. The Taurus does not have an automatic start/stop feature, so you must manually turn off the engine.

Consider your cargo. Extra weight in the trunk or on the roof rack hurts fuel economy. Remove any unneeded items to reduce the load. The Taurus has a large trunk, so it’s easy to carry extra items without realizing how much weight you’re carrying.