The 2024 Ford Expedition 4WD, equipped with its 3.5L EcoBoost V6, gets 18 MPG combined. No one expects Prius-like efficiency from an Expedition. It is a large, capable SUV designed to haul families, boats, and cargo. The fuel economy is the price you pay for the capability and space it provides. Expedition buyers prioritize passenger volume, towing capacity, and the security of four-wheel drive over saving money at the pump. They need a reliable vehicle for family adventures, and fuel economy is a secondary, though still important, consideration.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Expedition 4WD gets 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving that reduces fuel efficiency in a vehicle weighing over 5,000 pounds. Frequent acceleration and braking have a big impact. On the open road, the Expedition’s 10-speed automatic transmission helps to optimize engine speed, giving a slightly improved 22 MPG highway rating. Using cruise control on flat stretches, with minimal traffic, will give the best possible highway mileage. Expect that number to drop when towing, battling headwinds, or driving on hills. Understanding how the Expedition consumes fuel in different driving conditions is key to managing expectations and budgeting for trips.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Ford Expedition 4WD 3.5L at $2,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Individual fuel costs will vary based on driving habits and local prices, and this provides a useful benchmark. The fuel cost is a substantial sum, and a significant factor when comparing the Expedition to smaller, more fuel-efficient SUVs. For buyers who need the Expedition’s capabilities, this expense is often viewed as necessary, and is factored into the overall cost of ownership. If you want to see all Ford fuel economy data, explore additional resources on this website.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides standardized testing figures, real-world fuel economy often differs. Driving style, terrain, weather, and cargo weight all influence fuel consumption. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and high speeds will reduce MPG. Towing, especially heavy loads, can cut fuel economy by as much as 50%. Owners report city MPG from 13 to 17, and highway numbers from 19 to 24. It’s important to have realistic expectations based on your driving patterns and typical usage. Don’t be surprised if your actual MPG is slightly below the EPA estimates, especially if you frequently use the Expedition’s towing and cargo capabilities. For EXPEDITION MPG across all years, you can see how various model years compare.

How it compares

The Expedition competes in a segment of large SUVs where fuel economy is rarely a strong selling point. The Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD with its 5.3L V8 offers similar performance and gets about 16 MPG combined, according to EPA estimates. The Toyota Sequoia 4WD i-FORCE MAX offers a combined 20 MPG. The Nissan Armada, with its 5.6L V8, typically gets around 15 MPG combined, a bit less than the Expedition. The Jeep Wagoneer 4×4 gets around 17 MPG combined with its standard engine. Most large, four-wheel-drive SUVs offer comparable fuel economy. The decision between them often comes down to factors like brand preference, features, and styling. Consider this context when evaluating the Expedition’s fuel efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Expedition is heavy, and rapid acceleration uses a lot of fuel. Gentle acceleration and smooth braking can improve MPG. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed.

Check tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Inflate your tires to the recommended pressure on the driver’s side doorjamb. This can make a consistent difference.

Reduce weight. Carrying extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s weight, which impacts fuel economy. Remove unnecessary items, especially heavy ones, to reduce the load and improve MPG.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on highway drives. Avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as the vehicle may downshift frequently.

Consider your drive mode settings. The Expedition offers drive modes, some of which prioritize fuel efficiency. Experiment with different modes to see which suits your driving and helps optimize MPG. Using four-wheel drive on dry pavement will affect fuel economy negatively.