The 2016 Ford Expedition, a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and robust capabilities, presents a crucial question for potential buyers: gas mileage. This guide dives deep into the fuel economy specifics of the 2016 Expedition, helping you understand what to expect and how to maximize your MPG.
Understanding the 2016 Ford Expedition's Fuel Efficiency
The 2016 Ford Expedition came equipped with a single engine option: a 5.4L V8. This powerful engine, while offering impressive towing capacity and acceleration, doesn't exactly boast stellar fuel economy numbers. The official EPA estimates varied slightly depending on the specific trim level and configuration (2WD vs. 4WD), but generally fell within a specific range.
EPA Estimates: City vs. Highway
Expect to see EPA-estimated fuel economy figures around 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway for the 2WD model. The 4WD version typically showed slightly lower numbers, often in the range of 12 mpg city and 16 mpg highway. These figures are averages and your actual mileage will depend on several factors.
Factors Affecting Gas Mileage
Several factors influence the real-world gas mileage you achieve in your 2016 Ford Expedition:
- Driving style: Aggressive acceleration and frequent braking significantly reduce fuel efficiency. Smooth, consistent driving is key to maximizing MPG.
- Terrain: Hilly or mountainous terrain puts more strain on the engine, resulting in lower fuel economy.
- Vehicle weight: A heavier Expedition (due to passengers, cargo, or towing) will consume more fuel.
- Tire pressure: Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance.
- Regular maintenance: Regular servicing, including timely oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures optimal engine performance and fuel economy.
- Climate control: Using the air conditioning heavily can impact fuel consumption, especially in hot climates.
Tips for Improving Gas Mileage in your 2016 Ford Expedition
While you can't drastically change the inherent fuel economy of the vehicle, you can employ several strategies to improve your gas mileage:
- Drive smoothly: Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking.
- Maintain proper tire pressure: Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate to the recommended PSI.
- Reduce weight: Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle.
- Plan your routes: Avoid unnecessary idling and traffic congestion.
- Use cruise control: On the highway, cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed, improving fuel efficiency.
- Regular maintenance: Keep up with scheduled maintenance to ensure optimal engine performance.
Comparing the 2016 Ford Expedition to Competitors
The 2016 Ford Expedition competed with other full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, as well as the GMC Yukon. While all these vehicles offer similar capabilities, their fuel economy figures are relatively comparable. If fuel efficiency is a top priority, it's worth researching the fuel economy of these competitors and considering smaller SUVs as an alternative.
Conclusion
The 2016 Ford Expedition's gas mileage isn't its strongest selling point. However, understanding the factors that influence fuel economy and implementing fuel-saving driving techniques can help you maximize your MPG and minimize your fuel costs. Remember to consult your owner's manual for specific recommendations and maintenance schedules. By following these tips, you can get the most out of your 2016 Ford Expedition while still enjoying its spaciousness and power.
