2017 Ford Expedition Gas Mileage – Real-World Efficiency
The 2017 Ford Expedition offers a balanced blend of twin-turbocharged power and full-size utility, typically averaging between 15 and 21 miles per gallon. This guide explores the factors influencing these numbers and provides actionable maintenance steps to help you optimize your SUV’s fuel consumption.
Owning a full-size SUV often feels like a trade-off between massive capability and frequent stops at the gas station. If you find yourself watching the fuel needle on your instrument cluster drop faster than expected, you are certainly not alone in that frustration.
I promise to break down the technical realities of the 2017 Ford Expedition gas mileage and show you how to claw back some of those lost MPGs. We will look at everything from drivetrain configurations to specific DIY maintenance tasks that keep your EcoBoost engine running at peak efficiency.
By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of what your vehicle should be achieving and a checklist of professional-grade tips to improve your range. Let’s dive into the mechanics of why this heavy-hauler consumes fuel the way it does.
2017 Ford Expedition gas mileage by Drivetrain and Model
The 2017 model year was the final run for the third-generation Expedition, and it relied solely on the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. While this engine provides excellent torque, the vehicle’s weight and aerodynamic profile play a massive role in its efficiency.
For the standard rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models, the EPA estimates sit at 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. This results in a combined rating of 18 MPG, which is respectable for a vehicle of this stature and power output.
If you opted for the four-wheel-drive (4WD) variant, the added weight of the transfer case and front differential drops those numbers slightly. You can expect roughly 15 MPG city and 20 MPG highway, bringing the combined average down to 17 MPG for most daily driving scenarios.
The Extended Length (EL) models present another variable due to their increased curb weight and longer wheelbase. These versions typically mirror the 4WD fuel economy ratings, even in RWD configurations, because the engine has to work harder to move the extra sheet metal and frame.
The Role of the 3.5L EcoBoost V6
The 3.5L EcoBoost is a twin-turbocharged powerhouse designed to replace the old 5.4L V8. While it offers better fuel economy on paper, it is very sensitive to how you use the throttle.
When the turbochargers engage to provide boost, the engine requires more fuel to maintain the correct air-fuel ratio. This means that a “lead foot” can quickly tank your fuel economy, turning your V6 into a thirsty engine very quickly.
Maximizing the 2017 Ford Expedition gas mileage through DIY Maintenance
One of the best ways to ensure your 2017 Ford Expedition gas mileage stays within the factory specifications is through proactive maintenance. A neglected engine has to work harder, which directly translates to higher fuel consumption and more frequent fill-ups.
Start by checking your air filter every 10,000 miles, especially if you drive in dusty environments or go off-road. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing the engine to adjust its fuel mapping and often resulting in a “rich” condition that wastes gasoline.
Replacing a dirty air filter is a five-minute job that requires no tools on this specific vehicle. Simply unclip the air box housing located on the driver’s side of the engine bay, swap the filter, and ensure the seal is tight before re-clipping.
Spark Plug Gap and Carbon Buildup
The EcoBoost engine is known for being hard on spark plugs due to the high cylinder pressures created by the turbochargers. Over time, the gap between the electrodes can widen, leading to inefficient combustion or even minor misfires.
I recommend pulling your plugs every 30,000 to 40,000 miles to check their condition, even if the manual suggests a longer interval. Ensuring a crisp, strong spark helps the engine burn fuel more completely, which preserves your fuel economy over the long haul.
Additionally, because this is a direct-injection engine, carbon can build up on the intake valves over time. Using a high-quality fuel system cleaner or performing an intake tract cleaning can help maintain the airflow necessary for efficient operation.
Cleaning the MAF and MAP Sensors
Your Expedition uses Mass Air Flow (MAF) and Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensors to tell the computer how much air is entering the engine. If these sensors get coated in oil or dust, they provide inaccurate data.
Buy a specialized can of electronic cleaner or MAF sensor cleaner from your local parts store. Gently spraying these sensors can restore their accuracy, allowing the ECU to trim fuel delivery more precisely and potentially saving you money at the pump.
The Impact of Tires and Suspension on Efficiency
Many Expedition owners enjoy upgrading to larger, more aggressive tires for off-road adventures or a better aesthetic. However, increasing the rolling resistance and weight of your wheel assembly is a guaranteed way to hurt your fuel economy.
If you are running heavy All-Terrain (A/T) or Mud-Terrain (M/T) tires, your engine has to expend more energy just to get the vehicle moving. For the best fuel economy, stick to a highway-terrain tire with a lower rolling resistance coefficient.
Proper tire pressure is perhaps the simplest and most overlooked factor in gas mileage. Running even 5 PSI low can increase the tire’s contact patch and friction, causing the engine to work harder at highway speeds.
- Check tire pressure monthly using a reliable digital gauge.
- Follow the recommended PSI found on the driver-side door jamb sticker.
- Rotate your tires every 5,000 miles to ensure even wear and consistent traction.
Alignment and Drag
If your Expedition is pulling to one side, your alignment is likely out of spec. This means your tires are essentially “scrubbing” against the road rather than rolling freely, which creates significant parasitic drag.
A professional alignment once a year can pay for itself in fuel savings and tire longevity. This is especially important for those who frequent forest service roads or uneven terrain where suspension components can be bumped out of place.
How Towing and Cargo Affect Your Fuel Economy
The 2017 Expedition is a towing beast, rated for up to 9,200 pounds when properly equipped. However, when you hook up a heavy trailer, expect your 2017 Ford Expedition gas mileage to drop into the single digits.
Towing creates two major hurdles: weight and wind resistance. A large travel trailer acts like a parachute behind your SUV, requiring the twin turbos to stay in a “boosted” state almost constantly to maintain highway speeds.
To mitigate this, try to keep your speed around 60-65 MPH when towing. The aerodynamic drag increases exponentially with speed, so slowing down just a few miles per hour can result in a noticeable improvement in your range.
Managing Internal Cargo and Roof Racks
It is easy to treat the cavernous interior of the Expedition as a permanent storage unit. However, carrying an extra 200 pounds of gear that you don’t need for your daily commute is like driving with a permanent passenger.
Empty the cargo area of heavy tools, camping gear, or spare parts when they aren’t in use. Similarly, remove roof rack crossbars or cargo boxes if you aren’t using them, as they disrupt the airflow over the vehicle and increase drag.
Even small changes in the vehicle’s profile can make a difference at 70 MPH. If you must carry gear on the roof, try to use an aerodynamic “bullet” style carrier rather than strapping loose items directly to the rails.
Advanced Driving Techniques for the EcoBoost Owner
The way you interact with the SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission can influence your fuel consumption. While the computer is generally smart, understanding how to manage your momentum is key to efficiency.
Use the “Instant Fuel Economy” display on your productivity screen to monitor your habits in real-time. This feedback loop is one of the most effective tools for training yourself to drive with a “light” foot.
Avoid rapid acceleration from stoplights, as this is when the engine is under the most load. Instead, aim for a smooth, gradual increase in speed that allows the transmission to shift into higher gears as early as possible.
Utilizing Cruise Control
On flat highways, cruise control is your best friend for maintaining a steady fuel flow. It prevents the micro-accelerations that happen when your foot fluctuates on the pedal, which can keep the turbos from spooling unnecessarily.
However, in hilly or mountainous terrain, you might be better off taking manual control. Sometimes it is more efficient to lose a little speed on the climb and regain it on the descent rather than forcing the transmission to downshift and the engine to rev high to maintain a set speed.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you have performed basic maintenance and your fuel economy is still significantly below the 15-17 MPG range, there may be an underlying mechanical issue. Modern vehicles are complex, and some problems require specialized diagnostic tools.
A failing oxygen sensor can cause the engine to miscalculate the air-fuel mixture without necessarily triggering a Check Engine Light immediately. A technician can use a scan tool to look at “fuel trims” and see if the engine is adding more gas than it should be.
Dragging brake calipers are another hidden culprit. If a caliper slide pin is stuck, the brake pad may stay in contact with the rotor, creating constant friction that the engine has to overcome. If you notice a “hot” smell or excessive dust on one wheel, call a professional mechanic.
- Check for “Pending” trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner.
- Inspect the fuel injectors for leaks or clogs if the idle feels rough.
- Verify that the thermostat is working correctly; an engine that runs too cold will stay in “open loop” mode and consume more fuel.
The Importance of High-Quality Fuel
While the 2017 Expedition is designed to run on 87-octane regular gasoline, using premium fuel (91 octane or higher) can actually improve efficiency in some conditions. The EcoBoost engine can advance its timing more aggressively with higher-octane fuel.
This is particularly true in hot weather or when towing. The extra cost of premium might be offset by the slight increase in MPG and the better engine protection against “knock” or pre-ignition under heavy loads.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2017 Ford Expedition gas mileage
Does the 2017 Ford Expedition require premium gas to get good mileage?
No, it is tuned to run on 87 octane. However, Ford notes that for “best overall performance,” premium fuel is recommended, especially during hot weather or when towing, which can slightly improve your efficiency under load.
How does the 4WD system affect my fuel economy?
The 4WD system adds weight and internal friction to the drivetrain. Even when in 2H (two-wheel drive), the front hubs and CV axles may still create a small amount of drag compared to a dedicated RWD model.
Can a tuner or “chip” improve my 2017 Ford Expedition gas mileage?
While some aftermarket tuners claim to improve MPG, they often do so by leaning out the fuel mixture or changing shift points. Be cautious, as these can sometimes void warranties or put extra stress on engine components if not programmed correctly.
Why is my gas mileage so much lower in the winter?
Winter blends of gasoline have lower energy content, and engines take longer to reach operating temperature in the cold. Additionally, cold air is denser, increasing aerodynamic drag, and you likely spend more time idling to warm up the cabin.
Does the “Tow/Haul” mode help with gas mileage?
Tow/Haul mode is designed for safety and transmission longevity, not fuel economy. It holds gears longer and provides engine braking, which actually increases fuel consumption. Only use it when you are actually carrying a heavy load or towing.
Final Thoughts on Optimizing Your Expedition
The 2017 Ford Expedition gas mileage is a reflection of its massive capability. While you may never see hybrid-like numbers, maintaining your SUV with precision and driving with awareness can save you hundreds of dollars at the pump every year.
Keep your sensors clean, your tires aired up, and your cargo light. These small, consistent actions ensure that your EcoBoost engine remains a reliable partner for your family road trips and off-road excursions alike. By taking care of the mechanical details today, you ensure a smoother, more efficient ride for the miles ahead.
Stay safe on the road, keep those filters clean, and enjoy the power of your Expedition responsibly!
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