19 MPG combined won’t lead the fuel economy charts, and the 2019 Ford Taurus AWD with the 3.5L V6 doesn’t pretend otherwise. This car isn’t for hypermilers. The Taurus, especially with AWD, is for drivers who want space, comfort, and all-weather security more than saving every last drop of gas. It’s a big, solid sedan for long trips, and its gas mileage shows it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Taurus AWD at 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. Many drivers will notice the 16 MPG in city driving. Stop-and-go traffic shows the engine’s thirst, especially with the added weight and drag of all-wheel drive. The 24 MPG highway rating is better, but still behind many newer, more efficient sedans. On long trips, the Taurus offers a comfortable and stable ride that makes up for some of the fuel economy issues.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2019 Ford Taurus AWD is $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average gas prices. This is only an estimate. What you actually spend will change depending on how you drive, the gas you buy, and local gas prices. If you mostly drive in the city or accelerate quickly, expect to spend more than $2,300 per year. If you drive mostly on the highway and drive efficiently, you might spend a little less.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a starting point, but your actual fuel economy with the 2019 Taurus AWD will likely change. Owners often report around 17-21 MPG in mixed driving. Speeding, frequent short trips, and skipping maintenance will all hurt gas mileage. Tire pressure, vehicle weight, and even the weather can also affect it. Don’t be surprised if you see numbers a little higher or lower than the EPA estimates. Check TAURUS MPG across all years to see owner-reported data.

How it compares

The 2019 Taurus AWD isn’t the most fuel-efficient in its class. The Toyota Avalon gets a combined 26 MPG with its standard V6. Even an Avalon with AWD beats the Taurus. The Chrysler 300, another big sedan, gets around 22 MPG combined with its V6 engine. These cars have a better mix of power and fuel economy. A smaller crossover like the Honda CR-V gets much better gas mileage (around 28 MPG combined) while still offering plenty of room for passengers and cargo, but it has less interior space and road presence than the Taurus. If you’re thinking about the Taurus, you need to weigh the size, comfort, all-weather ability, and fuel costs, you might find more fuel-efficient options if you are willing to explore other types of vehicles. See all Ford fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One easy way to improve your Taurus’s gas mileage is to check your tire pressure often. Low tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more gas. Check your tires every month and inflate them to the pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Avoid speeding and braking hard. The Taurus is heavy, and sudden speed requires a lot of energy. Accelerating smoothly and watching traffic can make a difference in gas mileage. Keeping a steady speed on the highway also helps.

Remove extra weight from the car. Unnecessary cargo in the trunk can hurt fuel economy. Take out anything you don’t need to lighten the car and improve efficiency. Extra weight adds up, so be careful what you carry.

Follow your car’s maintenance schedule. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance keep the engine running well. A well-maintained engine is more efficient. Following the factory service schedule will improve the life of your vehicle.

Don’t idle too long. Idling wastes gas. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern cars don’t need a long warm-up, so idling isn’t needed and hurts fuel economy.