With gas prices constantly fluctuating and our daily commutes becoming longer and longer, fuel efficiency is something that’s on everyone’s mind. In fact, many automotive manufacturers––including perennial American manufacturer Ford––have pledged to release a plethora of electric-only vehicles in the coming decade. But for some of us, the transition to electric vehicles isn’t quite so simple. For a myriad of reasons, many of us are looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle, not an electric vehicle. So what are the most fuel-efficient models you can find at a Ford dealer that don’t require a plug?
Ford has been working on fine-tuning fuel efficiency for many years, making engineering and technology changes across its lineup that allow drivers to get more and more miles in before they need to stop at a gas station. EcoBoost engines, start/stop technology, and changes in how features like all-wheel drive perform have helped Ford increase the gas mileage of nearly all of its lineup of trucks, SUVs, and cars. Let’s take a look at three of the 2022 Ford models with the highest fuel economy.
Ford’s Most Fuel-Efficient Truck: 2022 Ford Maverick
It’s true that the 2022 Ford Maverick comes with a standard hybrid setup, but that’s not the only option you have. Drivers can also opt for a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine, as well as choose between standard front-wheel drive or optional intelligent all-wheel drive.
Those who select the hybrid iteration can enjoy up to 42 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway for a combined fuel economy of 37 MPG. Adding the EcoBoost engine to the mix does decrease the fuel economy, but just by a smidge. Turbocharged Mavericks with front-wheel drive can get up to 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway, resulting in a combined fuel economy of 26 MPG. Opting for all-wheel drive drops that figure slightly to 25 MPG combined.
The 2022 Ford Maverick is known for its impressive versatility. Not only is it sensible at the gas pump, but it has a lot to offer in terms of performance. Outfitted with Ford’s Multi-Position Tailgate and FLEXBED system, the bed of the truck can be reconfigured in a variety of ways to accommodate up to 1,500 lbs of payload. When outfitted with the 4K Tow Package, the Maverick can tow up to 4,000 lbs, making it an ideal companion for a variety of adventures in the city or out in the wild. Just select the ideal drive mode––Normal, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Eco, or Sport––and go. Or, if the mud and sand beckon you, add the FX4 Off-Road Package to unlock features that help you navigate through the muck and the mire.
Ford’s Most Fuel-Efficient SUV: 2022 Ford Escape
It’s amazing how far SUVs have come in the past few decades. Once upon a time, the Sport Utility Vehicle was known as big, clunky, hard to drive, and a relentless consumer of fuel. Those times have changed. While Ford now offers electric SUVs, those who prefer a gasoline-powered model need look no further than the 2022 Ford Escape.
The 2022 Escape comes equipped with a standard turbocharged 1.5L inline-3 engine. Good for 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque, it has plenty of power to handle daily driving duties. But more importantly, it plays nicely with your wallet, too. Front-wheel drive models manage 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, while all-wheel drive versions get 26 MPG on city streets and 31 MPG while cruising the highway.
For those who want even greater efficiency without sacrificing performance, the available 2.5L hybrid powertrain still provides 200 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. And despite being more powerful, the 2022 Escape Hybrid is rated for 44 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. This is even more impressive when you discover this engine option is available with all-wheel drive, which only reduces fuel economy by 1 MPG in the city.
With 65.4 cu.ft. of potential cargo space and sporty good looks, the Escape has a lot to offer. In fact, Ford provides drivers with four trims: S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. This allows drivers to select all of the creature comforts that they need to make the daily drive a little more enjoyable, from Ford CoPilot360 safety and driver assistance features to heated steering wheels and the Panoramic Vista sunroof, which allows for an open-air feel like a convertible.
Ford’s Most Fuel-Efficient Car: 2022 Ford Mustang
This feels a little bit like cheating since the 2022 Mustang is Ford’s only car. However, the numbers speak for themselves––the Mustang isn’t too bad when it comes to fuel consumption. Bear in mind that this doesn’t mean you can purchase a fully decked-out Shelby GT500 and expect the 760 hp and 625 lb-ft of torque to not have an impact on fuel economy.
Instead, we look at the base EcoBoost engine, which not only manages a respectable 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque from the factory but doesn’t require a major contribution from your wallet to stay on the road. This turbocharged 2.3L inline-4 allows drivers to enjoy 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway when the manual transmission is selected. This increases to 22 MPG city and 32 MPG highway when the 10-speed automatic transmission is chosen.
Bear in mind that making a variety of important Mustang selections, such as choosing a convertible over a hardtop or adding the High Performance Package to amp things up with 330 hp, can make a dent in overall fuel economy. However, it’s completely understandable to select a Ford Mustang based on the thrill factor rather than how responsible of a choice it is. Still, those who equip their Mustang with the base engine get the best of both worlds: high-speed thrills and lower bills.
Coping With Today’s Gas Prices, the Ford Way
While the electric future of vehicles is here today, there are many who aren’t entirely ready to make the switch. As technology continues to develop over the coming years, it is likely that we will see many updates and iterations of electric technology come and go, just as we did with the gasoline-powered vehicle we know today.
In the meantime, Ford is doing its best to provide the American driving public with a wholesome variety of vehicles that are fuel-efficient and a joy to drive. With the staunch position that drivers deserve to drive a vehicle that is just as agreeable as it is dependable, Ford has allowed drivers more customization options than many other competitors over the past few years. Included in this proposition is the idea that no two budgets are alike.
Whether you need the extra capability that comes with driving a pickup truck that offers a sturdy bed and towing capacity, you’re looking for a comfortable SUV to help you roam the country at your own leisure, or want something a little peppier and exciting, Ford has just the vehicle for you. For those looking for fuel economy without leaving behind the traditional gasoline-powered engine, consider the Ford Maverick, Escape, and Mustang.
