19 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but that’s the territory you’re in when you need the uncompromising space and towing capability of a 2022 Ford Expedition 2WD with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. This isn’t a vehicle for hypermilers; it’s for families who regularly haul kids, cargo, and sometimes, a boat or camper. Fuel economy is a consideration, certainly, but rarely the *primary* consideration for Expedition buyers.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2022 Ford Expedition 2WD with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 will achieve 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go realities of urban driving, showing that moving over 5,000 pounds requires lots of energy. On the open road, the Expedition fares better, thanks to its smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission (S10) that helps keep the engine in its most efficient operating range at cruising speeds. Still, remember those highway figures can drop with a fully loaded cabin and a trailer in tow. The advanced engine and transmission controls try to optimize fuel consumption, but physics ultimately dictates the outcome.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this specific Expedition configuration at $2,300. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary based on your driving habits, the type of fuel you purchase, and prevailing gas prices in your area. Drivers who drive less than 15,000 miles annually, or who are careful with the throttle, might see a lower number. Drivers who frequently tow or engage in aggressive driving should anticipate spending more. It’s an important figure to factor into your budget when evaluating the overall cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

EPA ratings are a useful benchmark, but real-world MPG often differs, sometimes significantly. The Expedition’s fuel economy is heavily influenced by driving style and load. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow are key to approaching the EPA estimates. Towing, especially at highway speeds, will drastically reduce fuel economy, often dipping into the low teens. Even seemingly minor factors, such as tire pressure and roof racks, can have a measurable impact. Keep an eye on your trip computer to get a sense of your recent MPG performance and adjust your driving accordingly. Reviewing EXPEDITION MPG across all years offers further insight.

How it compares

The Expedition’s fuel economy places it roughly in the middle of its competitive set. A Chevrolet Tahoe 2WD with the 5.3L V8, for instance, is rated at 15 MPG city and 20 MPG highway. A Toyota Sequoia 2WD, with its older powertrain, manages around 13 MPG city and 17 MPG highway. The Nissan Armada 2WD is EPA-rated at 14 MPG city and 19 MPG highway. For those seeking slightly better fuel economy while retaining three-row seating, a minivan like the Honda Odyssey (19 city/28 highway) offers a significant improvement, though with a substantial trade-off in towing capacity and overall ruggedness. The Jeep Wagoneer with the standard engine gets 16 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway. The Expedition’s numbers reflect a compromise that many buyers in this segment are apparently willing to accept, prioritizing space and capability over outright fuel efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Expedition’s EcoBoost engine is designed to deliver both power and relative efficiency, but some techniques can help coax maximum MPG. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. These actions waste fuel and put unnecessary strain on the engine. Instead, focus on smooth, gradual acceleration and anticipate traffic flow to minimize braking.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which translates directly into reduced fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications. You’ll find the recommended pressure listed on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s overall weight, requiring more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Remove any items you don’t need, especially heavy objects like tools or sports equipment. It may seem insignificant, but every little bit helps.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps to optimize fuel economy. Cruise control also helps to avoid unintentional speed increases, which can quickly eat into your MPG. This allows the engine management system to maintain the most efficient throttle position.

Consider using the Expedition’s selectable drive modes. The “Eco” mode, if equipped, can slightly improve fuel economy by adjusting throttle response and transmission shift points. It might not provide a dramatic difference, but it’s a simple way to get a bit more efficiency on longer trips. Remember to review all Ford fuel economy data to see how the Expedition compares across the brand.