What is the mileage rating of Ford Freestyle?
In brief, the Ford Freestyle’s fuel economy depends on market, engine and drivetrain. In the United States (2005–2007 model years) the EPA rating hovered around 22 mpg combined for the front‑wheel‑drive variant; in India (2018 onward) petrol variants deliver roughly 18–19 kmpl and diesel variants about 23–24 kmpl (ARAI ratings).
What follows is a country-by-country breakdown of mileage ratings and the engines that drive them, with notes on real-world variation and testing standards.
United States: Ford Freestyle (2005–2007)
The Freestyle sold in the U.S. during this period was a seven-passenger crossover wagon built on Ford’s platform family, offered with a V6 engine and front- or all-wheel drive. Fuel economy varied by drivetrain, and EPA estimates provide a general sense of typical performance.
- 3.0L Duratec V6, front-wheel drive (FWD): EPA estimates around 20 mpg city / 25 mpg highway; roughly 22 mpg combined.
- 3.0L Duratec V6, all-wheel drive (AWD): EPA estimates around 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway; roughly 21 mpg combined.
In practice, real-world mileage depends on driving style, conditions, and vehicle condition. The Freestyle’s economy tended to cluster in the low to mid‑20s mpg in mixed driving for most owners, with variations by configuration.
India: Ford Freestyle (launched 2018)
In the Indian market, the Freestyle is a compact crossover built on the Figo platform, offered with petrol and diesel engine options. The mileage figures come from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) testing and reflect typical efficiencies expected from these powertrains.
- Petrol 1.2L Ti‑VCT engine: ARAI‑rated mileage around 18–19 kmpl.
- Diesel 1.5L TDCi engine: ARAI‑rated mileage around 23–24 kmpl.
Real‑world fuel economy in India can be lower in city driving and higher on highways, depending on traffic, terrain and load. Prospective buyers are advised to consider driving conditions and maintenance when evaluating fuel economy.
Summary
There isn’t a single mileage figure for the Ford Freestyle. The rating varies by market, engine and drivetrain. In the U.S. (2005–2007), expect roughly 21–22 mpg combined for typical configurations. In India (2018 onward), petrol versions are in the high teens (kmpl) and diesel versions in the low to mid‑20s kmpl, with real‑world results influenced by driving conditions. Always check the specific model year, variant and official testing data (EPA for the U.S., ARAI for India) for the most accurate numbers.
Are Ford Freestyles good cars?
Whether the Ford Freestyle is a good car depends on your priorities, as it offers comfort and space but suffers from significant reliability issues, particularly with the CVT transmission. While many owners praise its spaciousness and smooth ride, a high number of complaints focus on the transmission, brakes, and other mechanical problems. If you are considering a purchase, especially for older models, thoroughly inspect the transmission and be prepared for potential costly repairs.
Pros
You can watch this video to learn more about the features and performance of the Ford Freestyle: 49sDirect Auto OutletYouTube · Dec 30, 2023
- Spacious and comfortable: It is praised for its three-row seating, ample legroom, and comfortable ride, making it a good family hauler.
- Good visibility: The high seating position provides good driver visibility.
- Flexible cargo space: The third-row seats can fold flat to create a large cargo area.
- Safety ratings: Some models, such as the 2007 version, received 5-star safety ratings from the NHTSA.
- Good fuel economy: Some owners reported good fuel economy for its size.
Cons
- Unreliable CVT transmission: The most significant drawback is the unreliable Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which is prone to failure, especially in certain years like the 2006 model.
- Mechanical issues: Beyond the transmission, other common problems include premature brake wear, a blower motor that only works on high, and coolant leaks.
- Lethargic acceleration: The 203-horsepower V6 engine provides adequate power for around-town driving but can feel underpowered on the highway.
- No stability control (on some models): Some models lacked stability control, which could lead to a tail-sliding tendency during sudden maneuvers.
This video reviews the performance and issues of the Ford Freestyle: 55sShooting CarsYouTube · Oct 8, 2025
Conclusion
The Ford Freestyle was a capable family vehicle with some desirable features, but its reliability issues, particularly concerning the CVT transmission, make it a risky purchase. While some owners had positive experiences, the frequent and expensive problems reported by others mean it may not be a good car for someone seeking a low-maintenance vehicle.
How long will a Ford Freestyle last?
Ford Freestyle Reliability for 2025
How reliable is the Ford Freestyle? iSeeCars analyzed over 300 million vehicles to find out, and to determine how long each model can last. The Ford Freestyle has an average lifespan of 133,476 miles or about 8.2 years.
Can a Ford last 300,000 miles?
With proper care, a Ford truck can last 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more. That's equal to 15 to 20 years of regular use. Some high-mileage Ford trucks have even passed the 400,000-mile mark, especially those with consistent maintenance and responsible driving.
What is the gas mileage on a Ford Freestyle?
The Ford Freestyle's MPG varies by year and trim, but generally ranges from 19 to 21 combined MPG. For example, a 2005 FWD model might get 21 combined MPG, while a 2007 AWD model gets 19 combined MPG.
2005 Ford Freestyle
- FWD: 21 combined MPG (20 city / 27 highway)
- AWD: 19 combined MPG (19 city / 24 highway)
2006 Ford Freestyle
- SE and SEL (FWD): 21 combined MPG (18 city / 25 highway)
- Limited (AWD): 19 combined MPG (17 city / 22 highway)
2007 Ford Freestyle
- SEL AWD: 19 combined MPG (19 city / 24 highway)
- Limited: 19 combined MPG (17 city / 22 highway)
Note: The 2005 model year had the best MPG, with the 2006 and 2007 models being slightly lower.
