18 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but it’s the reality for the 2020 Ford Expedition MAX 4WD with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. This isn’t a Prius, it’s a body-on-frame behemoth designed to haul a tribe of kids, all their gear, and tow a boat if needed. Its buyers aren’t prioritizing fuel sippage, they need serious capability and space, and they understand the trade-offs.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 16 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The difference reflects the Expedition MAX’s weight and the stop-and-go nature of urban driving. That turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost requires more fuel to get moving from a standstill, especially with four-wheel drive engaged or in Auto mode, which biases toward 4WD. On the open road, with the cruise control set, the Expedition MAX’s 10-speed automatic transmission helps it settle into a more efficient groove. But keep in mind that these are best-case scenario numbers. Pile in the passengers and cargo, and expect those figures to dip.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2020 Ford Expedition MAX 4WD is $2,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Of course, your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the price of gasoline in your area, and how often you use four-wheel drive. Someone using this Expedition MAX primarily for short trips and heavy towing could easily exceed that figure. Always check all Ford fuel economy data to explore alternatives within this class.

Real-world expectations

EPA numbers are useful for comparison, but evidence from Expedition MAX owners reveals a wide range of real-world results. Many report achieving the EPA highway estimate on longer road trips, while others struggle to break into the double digits in city driving. Factors like driving style, tire pressure, and even the type of fuel used can all affect fuel economy. Don’t be surprised if your MPG fluctuates significantly from week to week, depending on your usage patterns. Understanding EXPEDITION MPG across all years can provide further context.

How it compares

The Expedition MAX’s fuel economy is generally competitive within its class, but there are some differences. A 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 4WD with the 5.3L V8 typically posts EPA numbers around 16 MPG combined, making it very close. The Nissan Armada 4WD, with its naturally aspirated 5.6L V8, tends to lag behind, often achieving around 15 MPG combined. The Toyota Sequoia 4WD is similar. These differences matter to anyone cross-shopping. Even a single MPG difference can translate to hundreds of dollars spent on fuel annually, especially when covering lots of miles.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The Expedition MAX is a heavy vehicle, and sudden bursts of speed or harsh braking require significant energy, impacting fuel consumption. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady pace whenever possible. Drive smoothly and let the 10-speed automatic transmission do its job.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Check the tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended PSI, which will be listed on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Regular tire rotation can also improve efficiency.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. This is especially important in city driving, where you may encounter frequent stops at traffic lights or in congested areas.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, which can improve fuel economy on long highway drives. However, be mindful of hills and terrain changes, as the cruise control may downshift aggressively, negating some of the efficiency gains. Adaptive cruise control can be even more efficient in certain conditions.

Lighten the load whenever possible. Extra weight increases fuel consumption. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle, especially heavy objects. Also, consider removing roof racks or cargo carriers when not in use, as they can increase aerodynamic drag.