How can I get better gas mileage in my Ford Expedition?

Improving mileage on a Ford Expedition mainly comes from smart maintenance, efficient driving habits, and mindful load management. Expect modest gains—often 1 to 4 mpg depending on conditions and how you drive.

This guide lays out practical steps you can take, from everyday driving tweaks to routine maintenance and configuration choices, to help your Expedition sip less fuel without sacrificing capability.

Know Your Baseline and Set Realistic Goals

Understanding your current fuel economy is the first step toward improvement. The Expedition’s mpg varies by model year, drivetrain, and load, but most owners can measure progress by tracking miles driven versus gallons used on full refills and monitoring the on-board trip computer over a few weeks of mixed driving.

Practical Driving Habits to Stretch Every Gallon

Developing efficient driving habits can yield meaningful gains without changing the vehicle itself. The following practices target the biggest factors that affect fuel use on a large SUV.

• Smooth acceleration and braking: ease into throttle, anticipate stops, and avoid rapid throttle inputs that waste fuel.


• Use cruise control on highways when conditions allow to maintain a steady speed and reduce unnecessary bursts of acceleration and deceleration.


• Maintain a moderate, steady speed on the highway; higher speeds generally raise aerodynamic drag and reduce efficiency.


• Limit idling: if you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, shut the engine off to save fuel.


• Reduce aerodynamic drag: remove roof racks or cargo boxes when you don’t need them; roof accessories can significantly affect highway mpg.


• Lighten the load: remove unnecessary gear and cargo; extra weight directly lowers efficiency.


• Keep tires properly inflated and aligned: check tire pressure monthly and set to the vehicle’s recommended specification; misaligned wheels or underinflated tires increase rolling resistance.


• Use climate control wisely: air conditioning reduces efficiency somewhat; in hot weather, use A/C selectively and consider recirculation mode when appropriate; in cooler weather, using the heater adds load on the engine—balance comfort with economy.


• If your model has Eco mode, engage it for daily driving to dampen throttle response and optimize fuel use; switch to Normal or Tow/Haul when you need more power or braking stability.


• Plan trips to combine errands and avoid multiple short trips, which can waste more fuel while the engine warms up.

Small, consistent changes add up over time, especially on mixed driving that includes city starts and highway cruising.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Keeping the Expedition’s powertrain in optimal shape is essential for maximizing efficiency. The following routine tasks help ensure the engine and drivetrain perform with minimal wasted fuel.

Key maintenance tasks

• Replace or clean air filter as recommended by Ford to ensure proper airflow and combustion efficiency.


• Inspect spark plugs and ignition components; worn plugs or coils can reduce combustion efficiency and mpg.


• Ensure sensors that monitor air and exhaust (such as the MAF sensor and oxygen sensors) are functioning correctly; faulty sensors can cause the engine to run rich or lean, hurting mpg.


• Keep transmission fluid fresh and at the proper level; a well-serviced transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently.


• Use the recommended engine oil grade and follow the manufacturer’s change intervals; lighter, properly specified oil reduces internal friction.


• Maintain proper tire pressure, rotate tires as recommended, and check for uneven wear that can increase rolling resistance.


• If you notice noticeable drops in mpg or performance, have a professional diagnose potential issues (e.g., misfires, clogged injectors, or exhaust restrictions).

Regular maintenance reduces fuel-economy losses caused by wear, improves overall performance, and helps keep your Expedition operating efficiently across its lifetime.

Configuration, Load, and Accessibility Choices

Vehicle setup and how you carry gear can have a meaningful impact on efficiency. The following considerations help you balance capability with economy.

Aero, weight, and drivetrain choices

• Operate in 2WD when you don’t require four-wheel drive; 4WD systems add weight and mechanical drag that can lower mpg on steady-road trips.


• Limit roof-top cargo and aerodynamic add-ons when not needed; if you must carry gear, choose the most aerodynamic options and remove unused items promptly.


• Consider tires with low-rolling-resistance ratings if they suit your typical driving conditions; consult Ford’s recommendations for the best match to your trim and wheel size.


• Keep vehicle weight within a reasonable range; avoid carrying unnecessary payload that increases energy required for propulsion.


• Tow and haul when needed, but be aware that towing reduces fuel economy; use Tow/Haul mode as recommended by Ford to balance power and efficiency during towing.

Smart setup and prudent payload management help you preserve miles per gallon without sacrificing the Expedition’s utility.

Seasonal and Environmental Considerations

Weather, temperature, and road conditions affect fuel economy. Being aware of these factors helps you adjust expectations and tactics accordingly.

• Cold weather can lower mpg until the engine reaches operating temperature; allow a few extra minutes for a more gradual warm-up and consider engine block heaters if your climate and vehicle support them.


• Winter tires can alter rolling resistance and mpg; if you use dedicated winter tires, monitor mpg changes and adjust driving habits accordingly.


• Aggressive winter driving (heavy throttle, rapid acceleration on slick roads) can dramatically reduce efficiency; smooth driving remains the best approach year-round.

Seasonal adjustments, combined with the habits and maintenance steps above, help you stay within a practical mpg range regardless of climate.

Track the Results and Stay Informed

Keep a simple log of fill-ups, miles driven, and gallons used to quantify your progress. Use the Expedition’s trip computer as a guide, but verify with actual fuel receipts for accuracy. Small, steady improvements are easier to sustain over the long term.

Summary

To boost gas mileage in a Ford Expedition, prioritize regular maintenance, practical driving habits, and mindful load management. Start by knowing your baseline mpg, then apply efficient driving techniques, keep components in good condition, and adjust load and aero factors as needed. Seasonal considerations and careful monitoring will help you sustain improvement over time while preserving the vehicle’s capability.

What trick gives the best gas mileage?

► Slow down and drive the speed limit. On the highway, aerodynamic drag causes fuel economy to drop off significantly as speeds increase above 50 mph. ► Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard acceleration. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.

Does Ford recommend fuel additives?

Ford does not recommend the routine use of aftermarket fuel additives, stating that modern fuels already contain sufficient detergents. However, some Ford-branded additives, like the Motorcraft 44K fuel system cleaner, are recommended for use at specific intervals, according to some sources. The use of unapproved additives can be harmful and may void your warranty, so it is best to follow the manufacturer's guidelines. 
Ford's general stance

• Ford generally advises against the regular use of aftermarket fuel additives because modern gasoline already contains detergents to keep the engine clean. 
• Using unapproved additives can potentially cause damage to your fuel system and may not be covered by your warranty. 

Specific recommendations (as reported by some sources)

• Motorcraft 44K Fuel System Cleaner: Some sources suggest this product is recommended by Ford for use at every oil change (approximately every 7,500-10,000 miles). 
• Motorcraft Air Intake & Valve Cleaner: This cleaner is reportedly recommended by Ford for use every other oil change (approximately every 15,000-20,000 miles). 
• Motorcraft Anti-Gel Diesel treatment: This is a specific product recommended for diesel engines to help with cold-weather performance and fuel line protection. 

Key considerations

• Always check your vehicle's owner's manual for official recommendations on fuel and additives. 
• If you have concerns or your engine has a specific issue, consult a qualified Ford technician for guidance. 
• Using additives as directed and using only those that are explicitly approved by Ford can help prevent damage and maintain your warranty. 

How to get better gas mileage on a Ford Expedition?

To improve gas mileage, start by checking the air filter and replacing it if dirty to ensure optimal airflow. Inspect spark plugs for wear and replace them to maintain efficient combustion. Use a fuel system cleaner to remove deposits from injectors.

Does a Ford Expedition get good gas mileage?

No, the Ford Expedition is not considered good on gas, but it offers relatively good fuel efficiency for a full-size SUV, with EPA-estimated ratings around 16-17 MPG city and 22-23 MPG highway. Its efficiency is better than some rivals and depends on the specific model, with 2WD versions and standard-length models typically being slightly more efficient than their 4WD and MAX counterparts.
 
Fuel economy by model

• Standard length, 2WD: Around 17 city / 23 highway MPG.
• Standard length, 4WD: Around 16 city / 22 highway MPG.
• Expedition MAX, 2WD: Around 16 city / 23 highway MPG.
• Expedition MAX, 4WD: Around 16 city / 21 highway MPG. 

Factors that affect fuel economy

• Engine: The Expedition uses a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, which is designed to offer a balance of power and efficiency for its class. 
• Drivetrain: 2WD models generally get better mileage than 4WD models. 
• Model size: The standard-length Expedition is slightly more fuel-efficient than the extended-length MAX version. 
• Driving conditions: City driving will result in lower MPG than highway driving. 
• Features: Features like auto start-stop technology can help improve fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic.