The 2018 Ford Edge FWD with its 3.5L V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 20 MPG combined. It’s not the most fuel-efficient choice in its class, but this model focuses on a smooth, responsive driving experience, a trade-off that buyers often accept. They want enough power for merging and passing, which the V6 delivers. Fuel efficiency is secondary, but still reasonable considering the Edge’s size and purpose.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 Ford Edge FWD 3.5L are 17 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects the engine working harder in stop-and-go traffic. The highway MPG benefits from consistent speeds and less acceleration. The six-speed automatic transmission helps optimize efficiency, but ultimately, the engine’s size and the vehicle’s weight determine the gas mileage. Drivers who primarily drive on the highway will likely see numbers closer to 26 MPG, while those in urban areas should expect around 17 MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this 2018 Ford Edge configuration at $2,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, a mix of city and highway driving, and national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Your actual fuel costs can vary based on driving habits, fuel type, and gasoline prices. This $2,200 figure is a good budgeting point, but expect some fluctuation.

Real-world expectations

While EPA estimates provide a standard comparison, real-world MPG can differ significantly. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, heavy loads, and even tire pressure can affect your fuel economy. Don’t be surprised by figures slightly above or below the EPA numbers. Tracking your mileage over several tanks of gas will give you a more accurate understanding of your Edge’s fuel consumption in your typical driving conditions. You can see EDGE MPG across all years here.

How it compares

The 20 MPG combined for the 2018 Ford Edge FWD 3.5L is a mid-range figure compared to its competitors. The Nissan Murano with its 3.5L V6 gets around 24 MPG combined, providing slightly better fuel economy. The Hyundai Santa Fe with its available 2.0L turbo engine can reach around 22 MPG combined. Some V6-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee models average around 19 MPG combined. The Edge’s buyer, who wants a strong V6 engine and a comfortable ride, might accept slightly worse fuel economy than the Murano or Santa Fe, but will want to ensure they aren’t paying a lot more at the pump than a Grand Cherokee driver. More information, like all Ford fuel economy data, can help you decide.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and wasting fuel. Regularly check your tire pressure and inflate them to the levels on the sticker inside your driver’s side door. A simple check can lead to noticeable improvements.

Avoid fast acceleration and hard braking. The 3.5L V6 is responsive, but don’t constantly floor the gas pedal. Accelerate gradually and anticipate traffic to avoid hard braking, which can significantly improve fuel economy. Smooth, deliberate driving is important for maximizing miles per gallon.

Reduce extra weight. Extra cargo adds weight, increasing fuel consumption. Remove items you don’t need from your vehicle, such as sporting equipment, tools, or other unnecessary baggage. A lighter vehicle is more efficient.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a steady speed on the highway helps optimize fuel efficiency. Cruise control helps the engine operate more consistently, reducing variations in fuel consumption. Remember to disengage cruise control in heavy traffic or bad weather.

Consider a fuel additive. Some fuel additives claim to improve fuel economy by cleaning fuel injectors and optimizing engine performance. Results can vary, but some drivers have reported small MPG improvements after using them. Research different products and choose one specifically designed for your engine type.