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What is the mpg on a 2006 Ford Freestyle SEL?

The 2006 Ford Freestyle SEL with the 3.0-liter V6 typically achieves about 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway in 2WD form; all-wheel-drive versions are a bit lower. Real-world numbers vary with driving style and conditions.

Overview of mpg by drivetrain

EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2006 Freestyle SEL are broken out by whether the vehicle is front-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

2WD (front-wheel drive): EPA-estimated about 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

AWD (all-wheel drive): EPA-estimated about 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

These figures are official EPA estimates used for comparison and may differ in real-world use depending on condition, terrain, and driving habits.

Real-world performance

In everyday driving, actual mpg often falls short of the EPA numbers due to traffic, cargo load, and terrain. Typical experiences reported by owners include:

2WD: roughly 22–25 mpg combined in mixed driving.

AWD: roughly 19–23 mpg combined in mixed driving.

Variability is common; maintenance, tire size, aerodynamics, and climate can all influence results.

Maximizing mpg on the Freestyle

To maximize fuel efficiency in a 2006 Freestyle SEL, consider these practices:

Keep tires inflated to recommended pressures and rotate regularly.

Drive smoothly with gradual acceleration and maintain steady speeds; minimize idling and aggressive braking.

Remove excess weight and roof cargo when not in use to reduce drag and load.

Perform routine maintenance: replace the air filter as needed, use recommended spark plugs, and follow a regular oil-change schedule.

Even with careful driving, the Freestyle’s mpg remains modest compared with newer crossovers, largely due to its size and V6 engine.

Summary

The 2006 Ford Freestyle SEL’s mpg varies by drivetrain: roughly 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway for 2WD and about 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway for AWD, according to EPA estimates. Real-world combined mpg typically fall in the low- to mid-20s for 2WD and the high teens to low 20s for AWD, with many factors influencing the final figure.

Is a 2006 Ford Freestyle a good car?

A 2006 Ford Freestyle is considered a good car for families due to its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and high safety ratings, though potential buyers should be aware of reports of transmission issues. It offers a good value, versatile seating for up to seven passengers, and decent gas mileage, with many owners praising its all-wheel-drive capability and overall family-friendliness.
You can watch this video to learn more about the 2006 Ford Freestyle's features and performance: 55sShooting CarsYouTube · Oct 8, 2025
Pros

Spacious and versatile: The vehicle has three rows of seating and a large cargo area, making it ideal for families who need to transport both people and stuff.
High safety ratings: It earned a perfect five-star rating in government crash tests for both frontal and side impacts and received a "Good" rating in IIHS frontal offset testing.
Comfortable ride: Many owners report that the ride is smooth, comfortable, and quiet.
Good value: It offers a lot of space and features for its price point, and many reviewers find it to be a great value.
Decent fuel economy: It has reasonably good estimated gas mileage for its size.
All-wheel drive: The all-wheel-drive models are praised for their performance in various conditions.

Cons

Transmission issues: Some owners have reported significant transmission problems that required expensive repairs.
Expensive repairs: Beyond the transmission, some owners mention that other repairs can be costly.
Less stylish: While not a major issue for many, the exterior styling is not as modern as some other SUVs.

Conclusion
The 2006 Ford Freestyle can be a good choice for a budget-friendly, family-oriented vehicle, especially if you prioritize space and safety. However, given the reported transmission problems, it is strongly recommended to have a pre-purchase inspection and consider checking for any service history related to the transmission.

How many miles can a 2006 Ford Freestyle last?

The 2006 Ford Freestyle has an average life expectancy of about 133,000 miles, though many owners have reported much higher mileage with proper care. With consistent maintenance, it's possible to get over 200,000 miles, and many owners have successfully done so. Common issues to watch for include potential transmission problems and rear brake wear, according to RepairPal and JustAnswer users.
Factors affecting life expectancy

Average lifespan: The average lifespan is around 133,476 miles, based on analysis of over 300 million data points.
Potential for higher mileage: With diligent maintenance, many owners have surpassed 200,000 miles.
Maintenance: Regular oil changes, transmission fluid flushes, and brake inspections are crucial for longevity.

Common issues

Transmission: The transmission is a known weak point, especially after 200,000 miles. Some models may experience a "limp mode" or other internal faults, says a JustAnswer user.
Brakes: Rear brakes may wear out more quickly than on other vehicles, notes RepairPal.
Other problems: Some owners have reported issues like a failing blower motor (which only works on high) and coolant leaks from the heater core.

Tips for maximizing your Freestyle's life

Perform all recommended service intervals, especially for the transmission fluid.
Regularly inspect and replace brake pads as needed.
Address the "Check Engine" or "Wrench" lights promptly, as they can indicate issues with the throttle response or other engine and emissions components.

How many miles per gallon does a 2006 Ford Freestyle get?

The 2006 Ford Freestyle's MPG varies by drivetrain: it gets 20 MPG combined for the front-wheel-drive (FWD) model (18 city/25 highway) and 19 MPG combined for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) model (17 city/22 highway). The FWD models have an estimated driving range of about 342 miles in the city and 475 on the highway, while the AWD models have a combined range of approximately 323 miles.

You can watch this video to learn more about the 2006 Ford Freestyle SEL, including its MPG: 57sFisher AutoYouTube · Oct 2, 2014
MPG by drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD):
- Combined: 20 MPG
- City: 18 MPG
- Highway: 25 MPG
- Combined Range: Approx. 342 miles city / 475 miles highway
All-Wheel Drive (AWD):
- Combined: 19 MPG
- City: 17 MPG
- Highway: 22 MPG
- Combined Range: Approx. 323 miles

How much is a 2006 Ford Freestyle worth?

The value of a 2006 Ford Freestyle varies significantly, but estimates for trade-in are generally in the $800 to $1,300 range, while private party or retail values can be higher, between $2,500 and $7,500 depending on condition, trim, mileage, and options. To get a more precise valuation, you'll need to consider the vehicle's specific details and use an online appraisal tool.

Value breakdown

Trade-in: Typically between $815 and $1,346, with the exact amount depending on the trim level and condition (e.g., Rough, Average, Clean, Outstanding).
Private Party: Can range from $800 to $1,200 in good condition, but may be higher.
Dealer Retail: Often falls between $2,500 and $7,500 for a vehicle in good condition with typical mileage.
Factors influencing value:
- Mileage: Higher mileage will significantly decrease the value.
- Condition: A vehicle's overall condition is a major factor.
- Trim: Different trims like SE, SEL, and Limited have different values.
- Options: Features like All-Wheel Drive (AWD) can affect the price.
- Location: Prices can vary by region.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.