Choosing the 2020 Ford Expedition MAX 2WD means accepting 19 MPG combined. It’s not a fuel-sipping vehicle, but one bought to haul large families, tow loads, and carry cargo. Expedition MAX buyers trade fuel efficiency for space and capability, understanding the compromise.

City and highway performance

The official EPA split provides more details. 17 MPG in the city reflects the engine working harder and battling stop-and-go traffic with its mass. The 23 MPG highway rating is better. Owners who spend much of their driving time on the open road at consistent speeds will see numbers closer to this. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6, while powerful, works to overcome the Expedition MAX’s weight and less aerodynamic profile.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Ford Expedition MAX 2WD at $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and assumes national average fuel prices. It’s a useful comparison, though individual expenses will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel costs, and driving type. The $2,300 offers a realistic preview of ownership costs, and buyers should factor this into their budget.

Real-world expectations

While EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world driving matters. Towing, frequent short trips with cold starts, and aggressive driving will significantly lower the observed MPG. Careful driving, proper tire inflation, and regular maintenance can help achieve numbers closer to the EPA estimates. Owners report a range of 15-21 MPG in mixed driving, highlighting individual driving styles and use cases. The difference between ideal and actual fuel economy is larger here than in a smaller, lighter car.

How it compares

The Expedition MAX’s direct competitors show how it stacks up. The Chevrolet Suburban, similarly configured in 2WD, offers comparable fuel economy, often within 1-2 MPG. Luxury SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade ESV typically get slightly lower fuel economy due to larger engines and additional weight. A Toyota Sequoia, with its older V8 powertrain, is less fuel-efficient and struggles to reach the Expedition MAX’s numbers. Ford’s EcoBoost engine provides power and relative efficiency for the full-size SUV class. Checking EXPEDITION MPG across all years can provide further context.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key. The EcoBoost engine delivers torque low in the rev range, making aggressive throttle unnecessary. Anticipating traffic flow and avoiding sudden braking or acceleration will conserve fuel in city driving. This large SUV responds well to a smooth driving style.

Tire pressure is important. Ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and decrease fuel economy. Regularly checking and maintaining proper tire inflation is a simple and effective way to improve efficiency.

Reduce weight. Extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s weight, forcing the engine to work harder. Remove any items you don’t need, particularly when not using the Expedition for hauling. A lighter load will translate to better fuel economy.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed on long trips can help optimize fuel consumption. Cruise control minimizes speed fluctuations that waste fuel. While adaptive cruise control can be helpful, it can sometimes lead to slightly lower fuel economy compared to standard cruise control on flat roads.

Monitor fuel consumption through the vehicle’s trip computer. Understanding your average MPG for different journeys will help you identify trends and adjust your driving. Use the trip computer to track your MPG and experiment with different driving techniques to see what works best for you. Learn more by browsing all all Ford fuel economy data.