While the 2018 Ford Escape AWD 1.5L 4-cyl gets 24 MPG combined, it’s not the most fuel-efficient SUV. However, it’s a reasonable choice for buyers who want all-weather capability and a versatile, compact SUV. This setup is good for people in colder areas or places with a lot of rain, where all-wheel drive gives you more confidence. For these drivers, the added security is often more important than saving on gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates show how fuel economy changes on different roads. The 22 MPG city rating shows that stop-and-go traffic uses more fuel because the engine is often idling and accelerating. The 28 MPG highway number shows that the engine runs more efficiently at consistent speeds. The 1.5L EcoBoost engine, with a six-speed automatic transmission, balances power and fuel economy, but the smaller engine can use more fuel when you accelerate hard, especially in the heavier, all-wheel-drive models.

Annual Fuel Cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Ford Escape AWD 1.5L at $1,800. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This number is just an estimate. How you drive, the roads you drive on, and local fuel prices will change that number. Driving fast, idling a lot, and using all-wheel drive often will increase fuel consumption, which could make your annual fuel bill higher than the EPA estimate.

Real-World Expectations

The EPA numbers are a standard, but real-world fuel economy varies. Driving style is a big factor. If you accelerate and brake hard, you’ll probably see lower numbers than the EPA estimates. If you drive conservatively, you might get close to, or even better than, the stated figures. A fully loaded Escape with passengers and cargo can strain the 1.5L engine, which also lowers fuel efficiency. Hilly or mountainous areas usually result in lower MPG than flat, open highways.

How It Compares

The 2018 Ford Escape AWD 1.5L is in the middle of its class. The front-wheel-drive Mazda CX-5 with its 2.5L engine gets a combined 28 MPG, which is much better. The Toyota RAV4 LE AWD gets a combined 25 MPG, which is a little better. A Jeep Compass 4×4 gets about the same combined MPG, around 24 MPG. These comparisons are important for buyers who are looking at fuel economy and capability. An Escape buyer might be ok with a little less gas mileage than a CX-5 to have the confidence of all-wheel drive. For more information, explore ESCAPE MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerating and braking gently is important for getting the best fuel economy in the 2018 Escape. Don’t speed up quickly, and watch the traffic so you don’t have to brake hard. The 1.5L EcoBoost engine uses turbocharging to make enough power, so smooth, consistent driving will save you gas.

Regular maintenance, especially checking tire pressure, is essential. If your tires are low, the engine has to work harder, which uses more fuel. Check your tire pressure at least once a month, or before long trips, and make sure it’s at the recommended level on the driver’s side door.

Avoid idling when you can. If you’re going to stop for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines start quickly and efficiently, and saving fuel by not idling adds up. Idling wastes a lot of fuel in city driving, which is why the MPG rating is lower.

Take out extra weight from the car. Extra cargo makes the engine work harder, which lowers fuel economy. Take out anything you don’t need, especially heavy things in the trunk. Every pound matters, and a lighter car is more efficient.

Think about using premium fuel. The 2018 Ford Escape doesn’t require premium fuel, but some drivers say they see a slight improvement in performance and fuel economy when they use it. Try a few tanks of premium to see if it helps in your driving conditions. For more information, consult all Ford fuel economy data.