19 MPG combined might not top fuel economy charts, but for the 2021 Ford Expedition 2WD with its 3.5L EcoBoost V6, it’s a reasonable trade-off. This vehicle isn’t bought for saving money on gas; it’s for those who need to haul families, tow boats, and move a lot of stuff. The Expedition fulfills a specific need, and fuel efficiency is one factor.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2021 Expedition 2WD at 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. This difference reflects the engine’s tuning and the transmission’s programming. In cities, stop-and-go traffic forces the EcoBoost V6 to operate less efficiently, constantly working against the vehicle’s weight. However, on the open road, the Expedition cruises more comfortably, allowing the turbochargers to work less and the 10-speed automatic transmission (S10) to select higher gears for better fuel conservation. This difference in fuel consumption is normal for large, turbocharged SUVs.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA projects the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Ford Expedition 2WD to be $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Individual spending will vary depending on driving style, local fuel costs, and actual miles driven annually. However, the $2,300 figure is a standard for comparing the Expedition’s running costs to other vehicles. It’s a significant expense, but expected for those who want the capabilities of a large SUV.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are good for comparison, real-world fuel economy often differs. Expedition drivers who frequently tow or carry heavy loads will likely see lower numbers. Similarly, aggressive driving and idling can decrease fuel efficiency. However, those who accelerate smoothly, anticipate traffic, and stick to highway speeds might achieve numbers closer to or even slightly above the EPA’s 23 MPG highway estimate. Regular maintenance, like air filter changes, can also help fuel economy. Find all Ford fuel economy data here at FuelEconomyHub.com.

How it compares

The Expedition’s fuel economy puts it among other large SUVs. The Chevrolet Tahoe 2WD with its 5.3L V8 is rated at 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. The Nissan Armada, with a 5.6L V8, gets only 14 MPG city and 19 MPG highway. Even the Toyota Sequoia, known for reliability but not efficiency, delivers 13 MPG city and 17 MPG highway. The Ford Expedition’s numbers make it a solid choice among the competition. Keep in mind, fuel economy may vary across EXPEDITION MPG across all years depending on the trim and equipment packages.

These comparisons matter to the Expedition buyer. They’ve already accepted the compromise of a large SUV, but they’re still looking for the smartest choice within that segment.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Expedition’s EcoBoost engine is sensitive to driving style. Smooth acceleration will always give better fuel economy than speeding up quickly. Watch the road and anticipate traffic to minimize braking and acceleration. This is even more important in a large, heavy vehicle like the Expedition.

Tire pressure is important for fuel efficiency. Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check and maintain tire inflation regularly, it’s one of the easiest ways to improve MPG.

Minimize idling. A running engine uses fuel even when the vehicle is stopped. If you’re stopping for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles have idle-stop technology, but turning off the engine during longer stops can still make a difference, especially in city driving.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps the engine operate more efficiently. Be aware of terrain and traffic. Avoid speed changes, as these can cancel out the benefits of cruise control. Set it and drive, watching the road.

Reduce weight. Extra cargo increases the engine’s workload. Remove items that aren’t needed, especially heavy objects. Reducing the load, even a little, can help improve fuel economy.