What is the gas mileage on a Ford Excursion?
The Ford Excursion — a monumental full-size SUV from the early 2000s — isn't known for fuel economy. For gasoline-powered models, most drivers could expect roughly 9–12 miles per gallon in city driving, about 12–15 mpg on highways, and a combined figure around 11–13 mpg, with actual results depending on engine, drivetrain, load, and driving conditions.
Engine options and their impact on fuel economy
Fuel economy hinges largely on the engine choice and whether the vehicle was equipped with two- or four-wheel drive. Here are the gasoline options most commonly found in Excursions along with typical EPA ranges.
Gasoline engines
- 6.8L V10 Triton (gasoline) — Approximate EPA: city 9–10 mpg, highway 12–15 mpg; combined about 11–13 mpg. 4x4 versions tend to be a touch lower.
- 5.4L V8 (gasoline) — Approximate EPA: city 11–12 mpg, highway 15–16 mpg; combined about 13–14 mpg. Generally slightly more efficient than the V10, especially on the highway.
These figures reflect original EPA estimates for the early 2000s Excursions and real-world numbers that owners report can vary widely with payload and terrain.
Diesel option (for context)
Some Excursion models were available with a 6.0L Power Stroke diesel. Diesel versions typically offer better highway efficiency and higher torque for towing, with real-world highway mileage often in the mid-to-high teens and potential combined numbers around the upper teens to low 20s. Exact figures depend on year, configuration, and tuning, and diesel maintenance can impact mpg over time.
Note: The focus here is on gasoline-powered Excursions, but the diesel variant is included for context and comparison.
Real-world performance and considerations
Owners and reviewers emphasize that mileage is heavily influenced by payload, terrain, and driving style. In daily use, many drivers report mileage in the low teens, especially when the vehicle carries passengers or cargo. On long highway trips with lighter loads, highway fuel economy can approach the mid-teens for the V8 options, while the V10 typically remains at the lower end of the range. Regular maintenance—such as proper tire inflation, a clean air filter, and up-to-date spark plugs—can marginally affect mpg for these heavy vehicles.
Summary
In short, gasoline-powered Ford Excursions typically deliver around 9–12 mpg in city driving, 12–15 mpg on highways, and a combined figure around 11–13 mpg, with variation based on engine choice, drivetrain, load, and maintenance. Diesel variants, if present, can offer noticeably different fuel economy, particularly on the highway. For buyers and owners, the engine and drivetrain configuration are the strongest predictors of fuel efficiency.
