Compare Ford MPG for the Maverick, F-150, Escape, Bronco, Explorer, Ranger, Mustang and More
Fuel economy probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you picture a Ford F-150 pulling a trailer or a Bronco heading down a muddy trail. But with today's mix of EcoBoost engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, Ford MPG varies dramatically from one model to another.
In fact, some of the most fuel-efficient Fords aren't cars at all.
The Maverick Hybrid can deliver EPA-estimated fuel economy in the 40-mpg range around town, while the Escape Hybrid offers impressive efficiency for SUV shoppers. On the other end of the spectrum, vehicles such as the Bronco and F-150 prioritize capability, towing and off-road performance.
So, which Ford gets the best gas mileage?
At Butler Ford in Milledgeville, we've put together this Ford MPG guide to help drivers from Milledgeville, Eatonton, Lake Oconee, Lake Sinclair and throughout Central Georgia compare fuel economy before choosing their next Ford.
Ford MPG Comparison by Model
Because engines, drivetrains, trim levels, tires and equipment can change fuel economy considerably, there isn't always one MPG number for an entire model line. These figures are best used as a shopping guide, and you should check the window sticker for the EPA rating of the exact vehicle you're considering.
*EPA estimates vary by powertrain, drivetrain, trim and equipment. Always verify the exact vehicle's Monroney label.
That table also reveals something important: the Ford with the best MPG depends heavily on what you need the vehicle to do.
Ford Maverick
For someone commuting around Milledgeville but still wanting a bed for home-improvement supplies, outdoor equipment or weekend projects, the Maverick Hybrid offers an unusual combination of truck utility and small-car-like fuel economy. Check out the full lineup of Maverick trucks here.
Ford Escape MPG: Up to 42 MPG in the City
The Escape gives SUV buyers several different ways to approach efficiency.
Ford lists these EPA estimates:
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1.5L EcoBoost FWD: 27 city/34 highway/30 combined
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1.5L EcoBoost AWD: 26 city/32 highway/28 combined
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2.0L EcoBoost AWD: 23 city/31 highway/26 combined
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2.5L Hybrid AWD: 42 city/36 highway/39 combined
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Plug-In Hybrid: 101 MPGe combined with an EPA-estimated 37 miles of electric range
That makes the Escape Hybrid particularly compelling for drivers who want traditional SUV versatility but spend a lot of time in stop-and-go driving.
Interestingly, hybrids often turn the usual city-versus-highway MPG relationship upside down. The Escape Hybrid is rated higher in the city than on the highway because its electrified powertrain can take greater advantage of regenerative braking and electric assistance at lower speeds.
Ford Bronco Sport MPG
The Bronco Sport gives shoppers some of the Bronco family's rugged personality in a smaller, more fuel-efficient package. When choosing a trim, tires and off-road equipment matter.
If you're primarily commuting between Eatonton and Milledgeville, a standard Bronco Sport may make more sense. If your weekends regularly involve dirt, mud and trails, giving up a few MPG for the additional capability of a Badlands or Sasquatch-equipped model may be an easy trade.
Ford Explorer MPG
Need three rows? The Explorer delivers surprisingly reasonable fuel economy for a midsize SUV with substantial power.
The most efficient Explorer configurations reach about 24 mpg combined, while more powerful V6/AWD configurations can fall to approximately 20 combined.
The Explorer therefore occupies an attractive middle ground for families who need more room than an Escape or Bronco Sport but don't necessarily require the size and towing capability of an Expedition.
Ford Bronco MPG: Capability Comes First
The full-size Bronco is different. You don't buy a Bronco on 35-inch tires because you're trying to win a hypermiling contest.
Bronco fuel economy varies substantially based on engine, number of doors, transmission, axle ratio, tires and off-road equipment. More aggressive configurations trade efficiency for ground clearance, traction and capability. For many Bronco shoppers, that's exactly the point.
If MPG is a major consideration but you love the Bronco look and outdoor personality, compare less aggressively equipped Bronco configurations and also consider the smaller Bronco Sport.
Ford Ranger MPG: A Practical Midsize-Truck Compromise
The Ranger sits between the compact Maverick and full-size F-150, both physically and in its approach to fuel economy. A 2.3-liter EcoBoost Ranger can deliver fuel economy in the low-20-mpg range in typical mixed driving, while engine choice, four-wheel drive and the Raptor's performance-oriented hardware can reduce efficiency.
For someone who needs more towing and hauling ability than a Maverick provides but doesn't need a full-size truck every day, that compromise can make a lot of sense.
Ford F-150 MPG: Which Engine Is Most Efficient?
Few vehicles demonstrate the capability-versus-fuel-economy equation better than the F-150.
Ford offers multiple powertrains, including EcoBoost V6 engines, the 5.0-liter V8 and PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6. Fuel economy varies by engine, drivetrain, cab, axle ratio and equipment.
Ford Mustang MPG: Performance Without Giving Up Everyday Efficiency
The Mustang illustrates another interesting side of Ford fuel economy. Choose the turbocharged Mustang EcoBoost, and you can have a genuinely quick sports coupe while still seeing highway fuel economy in roughly the low-30-mpg range depending on configuration.
Move into the V8-powered Mustang GT or Dark Horse, and MPG drops as horsepower and performance increase.
Nobody buys a Mustang GT because it uses less gasoline than an Escape Hybrid. But the EcoBoost demonstrates that wanting a fun car doesn't automatically mean accepting full-time V8 fuel consumption.
Ford Expedition MPG
The Expedition is built for a different mission. It's a large, body-on-frame SUV designed to carry families, cargo and trailers. Consequently, fuel economy generally lands in the high-teens combined depending on drivetrain and configuration.
For Expedition shoppers, I would evaluate MPG alongside passenger capacity, cargo room and towing capability rather than considering fuel economy in isolation.
If you regularly need the Expedition's capabilities, downsizing purely to save fuel may not make sense.
Which Ford Gets the Best Gas Mileage?
If we're limiting the comparison to vehicles that use gasoline, the answer becomes fairly straightforward. For many shoppers, the Maverick Hybrid and Escape Hybrid are Ford's fuel-economy standouts.
The Maverick is especially interesting because it combines excellent city MPG with something you don't usually associate with a fuel-economy leader: a pickup bed.
The Escape Hybrid is the better fit for shoppers who want an enclosed cargo area and SUV body style.
And if you're ready to stop buying gasoline entirely, the Mustang Mach-E changes the conversation from MPG to electricity consumption and driving range.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ford MPG
What Is the Best Ford for Eco-Conscious Drivers on a Budget?
For shoppers who aren't ready for an EV, the Ford Maverick Hybrid is arguably Ford's sweet spot for value and fuel economy. Ford's current showroom lists the Maverick with a starting MSRP of $28,145 before destination and other charges, and hybrid XL and XLT configurations can achieve approximately 42 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
That's a compelling combination for someone who wants affordable transportation but doesn't want to give up the versatility of a truck.
The Escape Hybrid is another strong choice if you prefer an SUV.
How Does Transmission Type Affect Ford Fuel Economy?
Transmission design can affect fuel economy by changing how efficiently the engine stays within its optimal operating range. Most current Ford vehicles use automatic transmissions or electrified transmissions. Traditional manual transmissions have become uncommon in the Ford lineup, although the Bronco and Mustang remain notable examples where a manual is available in certain configurations.
Don't assume a manual automatically gets better MPG. Modern automatic transmissions can use numerous gear ratios and sophisticated programming to keep an engine operating efficiently.
On today's Fords, engine, drivetrain, axle ratio and vehicle configuration frequently have a greater effect on fuel economy than simply choosing manual versus automatic.
Ford Towing Capacity vs. Fuel Economy: How Do You Find the Right Balance?
Start by determining how much you genuinely need to tow. If your trailer weighs 3,000 pounds, buying a truck configured for extreme towing capacity may give you capability you'll rarely use while potentially increasing operating costs.
Conversely, choosing the most fuel-efficient vehicle possible doesn't help if it can't safely tow your trailer. Ford's towing guide shows just how broad the company's capability range is, from smaller SUVs and pickups through F-150 and Super Duty trucks.
The best choice is a vehicle with enough towing headroom for your actual trailer while still delivering acceptable unloaded fuel economy for the other 90% of your driving. And remember: towing can dramatically reduce real-world MPG, regardless of the vehicle's EPA rating.
How Does Tire Pressure Affect Your Ford's Fuel Economy?
Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, meaning your engine has to work harder to move the vehicle. Check tire pressure when the tires are cold and use the pressure specified for your vehicle, generally found on the driver's-side door-jamb label. Don't simply inflate the tire to the maximum pressure printed on its sidewall.
Proper inflation can also improve tire wear and handling, making tire-pressure checks one of the easiest things you can do to help your Ford operate efficiently.
What Is the Ford Ranger's Real-World MPG?
For a 2.3-liter EcoBoost Ranger, owner reports commonly land around the low 20s in mixed driving, with some owners reporting mid-to-upper 20s under favorable highway conditions. Recent owner reports include approximately 21.5 mpg overall for a 4x4 and 26-28 mpg during steady highway driving around 65-70 mph.
Your results can be substantially different depending on tires, speed, terrain, payload, towing and driving habits.
Why Is My Ford Getting Worse MPG Than the EPA Rating?
EPA estimates are designed to make vehicles comparable under standardized testing conditions. Real-world fuel economy varies.
Common causes of lower MPG include aggressive acceleration, high highway speeds, short trips, cold weather, extended idling, low tire pressure, towing, carrying heavy cargo, off-road tires and four-wheel-drive equipment. Even two people driving identical F-150s can get noticeably different MPG.
Does Highway Driving Get Better MPG Than City Driving?
Usually, but not always.
A conventional gasoline vehicle generally gets better fuel economy during steady highway driving because it spends less time accelerating from a stop.
For example, the Escape with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost and FWD is rated 27 mpg city and 34 highway.
Hybrids can reverse that pattern. The Escape Hybrid AWD is rated 42 city and 36 highway, while the Maverick Hybrid can reach 42 city and 35 highway in certain configurations. Regenerative braking and greater opportunities for electric assistance make hybrids particularly effective in lower-speed city driving.
Highway speed matters, too. Driving 75 or 80 mph requires considerably more energy than maintaining a moderate cruising speed, so "highway driving" doesn't automatically guarantee maximum MPG.
Does Eco Mode Really Save Gas in a Ford?
Eco mode can help encourage more efficient driving by modifying vehicle responses such as throttle and transmission behavior on equipped models. Ford specifically notes that the Escape's Eco drive mode adjusts engine and transmission performance to help increase efficiency.
It can't overcome aggressive driving, excessive speed or heavy towing, but it can help drivers who want to prioritize efficiency.
Which Ford Truck Gets the Best MPG?
For most buyers, the Maverick Hybrid is the clear Ford truck fuel-economy leader, with certain configurations rated at 42 city/35 highway/38 combined.
If you need greater towing, payload or bed capability, the Ranger and F-150 provide significant steps up in capability but use more fuel.
Find the Right Fuel-Efficient Ford in Milledgeville, GA
The most fuel-efficient Ford isn't necessarily the best Ford for you.
A driver commuting around Milledgeville may love the MPG and easy maneuverability of a Maverick Hybrid. A family traveling between Eatonton and Lake Oconee may prefer an Escape Hybrid or Explorer. Someone towing a boat to Lake Sinclair may willingly trade a few MPG for the capability of a Ranger or F-150.
That's why MPG should be part of the buying decision rather than the entire decision.
At Butler Ford in Milledgeville, shoppers can compare Ford trucks, SUVs, hybrids and performance vehicles based on fuel economy, towing capacity, passenger space, cargo room, drivetrain and real-world needs.
For drivers throughout Milledgeville, Eatonton, Lake Sinclair, Lake Oconee and Central Georgia, that makes it easier to find a Ford that doesn't just look good on an EPA label. It needs to work for the way you actually drive.