16 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but for the 2019 Ford Transit T150 Wagon with the 3.5L V6, a vehicle designed to haul people and cargo, it’s a reality many owners accept. This isn’t a fuel sipper; it’s a workhorse, a family shuttle of immense proportions, and a blank canvas for countless customization possibilities. The buyers in this market, large families, shuttle services, conversion companies, and anyone needing significant interior volume, prioritize space and capability over fuel efficiency. They understand they’re paying a premium at the pump for the unparalleled versatility the Transit provides.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Transit T150 Wagon at 15 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the realities of a large, boxy vehicle. The city MPG is influenced by stop-and-go traffic and the engine’s effort to get the heavy van moving from a standstill, while the highway MPG is generally attainable on long, steady cruises. Remember that the actual highway MPG will drop if you’re routinely running at 80 mph or fighting a strong headwind. Payload also plays an important role. A fully loaded Transit with passengers and gear will see a marked drop in both city and highway fuel economy compared to an empty one.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Ford Transit T150 Wagon at $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. While this provides a standardized benchmark for comparison, your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local gasoline prices. Drivers who primarily operate in congested city environments or frequently tow will likely exceed this estimate. Conversely, drivers who stick to mostly highway miles may fall slightly below it.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a consistent testing methodology, real-world fuel economy often deviates from the official numbers. Transit owners report a range of experiences, influenced by factors like driving style, load, tire pressure, and maintenance. Some drivers report consistently achieving the EPA highway figure of 19 MPG on long trips, while others find it challenging to break 17 MPG. It’s essential to approach the EPA estimates as a guideline rather than a guarantee, and to monitor your own fuel consumption to get a realistic understanding of what to expect in your specific driving conditions. See all all Ford fuel economy data here.

How it compares

Compared to other vehicles in its class, the 2019 Transit T150’s fuel economy is generally comparable. The Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van, a smaller and more premium offering, achieves around 20 MPG combined with its 2.0L turbocharged engine. The Ram ProMaster 1500, with its standard 3.6L V6, posts similar fuel economy numbers to the Transit. The Nissan NV Passenger Van, now discontinued, offered similar MPG in its final years. The key takeaway is that none of these vehicles are particularly fuel-efficient. The Transit’s competitors often trade blows back and forth, with MPG variations of one or two MPG here or there. For Transit buyers, the nuances of interior configuration and chassis layout are usually the deciding factors, not chasing after the absolute highest MPG possible. Check out the TRANSIT MPG across all years here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and smooth braking can significantly impact fuel economy, especially in a large vehicle like the Transit. Avoid aggressive starts and stops, and anticipate traffic flow to minimize unnecessary braking. The Transit has a lot of mass, and requires a lot of fuel to overcome inertia.

Regular maintenance is critical for optimal fuel efficiency. Ensure your tires are properly inflated, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce MPG. Also, keep up with scheduled oil changes and air filter replacements to ensure the engine is running efficiently. Consider using the recommended synthetic oil for optimal performance.

Minimize idling whenever possible. Letting the engine run while stationary consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s generally more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine and restart it when you’re ready to go. However, excessive starting and stopping can prematurely wear out components, so weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Consider removing unnecessary weight from the van. Every extra pound reduces fuel economy, so remove any tools, equipment, or cargo that you don’t need to carry regularly. This is particularly important for commercial users who often carry tools and equipment.

When possible, plan routes to avoid congested areas and stop-and-go traffic. Highway driving is generally more fuel-efficient than city driving, so opt for routes that minimize urban driving if feasible. Also be sure to use cruise control responsibly on the highway.