“What kind of fuel economy does it get?” That’s becoming one of the most-asked questions at car dealerships. There was a time when drivers were interested more in the fun stuff, like heated seats, speaker systems, and smartphone compatibility. Back in the day, the amount of seating and storage alone could sell someone a vehicle, but anyone who works at a car dealership can tell you now that people want to know how much any given vehicle will cost them at the pump. In fact, take a quick peek at many dealerships’ websites today, and you’ll notice that the fuel economy ratings of a model are often advertised in big, bold letters.
If you are stopping by a Ford dealer soon, you might wonder which Ford vehicles have the best fuel economy. In fact, you may be willing to pay more upfront if you know you’ll save tons on gas in the long run. If the fuel economy is good enough, you might just come out financially on top. It’s important to remember that it’s one thing you can’t really change about a car; its fuel economy. You can change the paint color, speaker system, and steering wheel, but you’re pretty much stuck with whatever fuel economy it has for as long as you have the vehicle. To help you make an informed decision when shopping for a fuel-efficient Ford vehicle, here are five Ford models with the best fuel economy.
The Maverick Hybrid
The Maverick is a really fun addition to the Ford lineup. When people think of Ford trucks, they usually think of the F-Series, like the light-duty F-150 or the Super Duty, but people looking for a truck that drives more like a car and is more affordable than larger-size models should check out the Maverick. This four-door, compact truck is built on the same platform as Ford’s Escape and Bronco Sport, so it drives more like a compact SUV than a pickup truck. This makes it an appealing option for people who spend equal time in rugged environments like work sites and the city. The Maverick Hybrid has a 2.5L hybrid engine that enjoys a 500-mile range, getting an impressive 40 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. Considering many weekend road trips are usually in the 250 to 300-mile (one-way) range, you might get away with a full weekend getaway without pulling over to refuel in the hybrid Maverick.
The Escape Hybrid
The Ford Escape is a compact SUV with seating for five. It’s stylish and sporty, and you may already be familiar with the Escape, seeing as it’s been around for over 20 years. If you already like the look and feel of the Escape, you can opt for the hybrid version and enjoy up to 42 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. You have a nice variety to choose from in the Escape lineup if you want the hybrid option. For 2023, Ford introduced the ST-line, a sportier Escape with design and performance features that make it stand out from the rest, like an LED light bar, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and metallic painted wheels. The ST-Line Select and Elite both offer the hybrid option.
The Explorer Hybrid
If you need a little more space than the Escape offers but still want a hybrid powertrain, check out the Explorer Hybrid. It boasts seating for seven, and its Limited and Platinum trims offer a hybrid powertrain option. Drivers typically appreciate the Ford Explorer for its spacious cargo area, which offers drivers 18.2 cu.ft. of space in the truck and a massive 87.8 cu.ft. of space with both seats put down. On top of a spacious interior, the Explorer is designed with an array of thoughtful storage compartments, and an impressive suite of standard safety features. The Limited has 20-inch aluminum wheels and a 12-speaker B&O sound system by Bang and Olufsen. The Platinum gets 21-inch machined-face aluminum wheels and can tow up to 5,000 lbs. Many drivers know that a solid towing capacity traditionally means sacrificing fuel economy, but that’s not the case with the Explorer Hybrid.
The F-150 Hybrid
Pickup enthusiasts have always loved the F-150. There’s a reason it’s topped the sales charts in its vehicle category several times over and why you see F-150 models pretty much everywhere you look. There’s no denying that they’ve historically suffered from one problem: poor fuel economy. Enter the F-150 Hybrid. It fixes that with a notable 25 MPG in the city and on the highway for rear-wheel drive models and 23 MPG in the city and on the highway for four-wheel drive models.
That means you get to enjoy all of the capabilities of this popular pickup without the constant stops at the pump. The F-150 Hybrid can tow up to 12,700 lbs and gets a payload of 2,120 lbs. If you need a pickup truck for work and are tired of throwing away money on gas but not ready to go electric, the F-150 Hybrid is definitely worth checking out.
The Ford Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco Sport is like the little sibling of the Ford Bronco. It has some excellent off-roading capabilities, like the available 4X4 to improve traction in a number of settings, good ground clearance, and the same terrain management system found on the standard Ford Bronco. It’s more affordable and compact, so it’s good for city life and off-road adventures. The Ford Bronco Sport is not a hybrid, but its standard 1.5L EcoBoost Turbo gets an impressive 25 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. For drivers sticking to gas engines for now, the Ford Bronco Sport is a smart pick. Its low starting MSRP means you’ll save money on the day you buy it and throughout your ownership when you fill up on gas.
You Don’t Have to Sacrifice Power and Comfort for a Great Efficient Ford Vehicle
Everyone is tired of watching that little dollar amount sign go up and up at the gas tank. People are cutting back on other expenses just to afford the rising price of gas. Consumers are sick of it, which is why fuel economy is often a top concern when shopping for new vehicles. Ford has a number of fuel-efficient vehicles, both hybrid and gas engines, throughout their vehicle lineup; however, they tend to shine in the pickup truck and SUV categories. Ironically, these vehicles traditionally have the worst fuel economy, so Ford did well to introduce some hybrid choices to their popular Escape, Explorer, Bronco Sport, F-150, and in creating the thrilling new Maverick.
You’re stuck with your vehicle’s fuel economy. Other than keeping the tires inflated and not over-packing them, there isn’t much you can do to impact the fuel economy of your vehicle. Your best course of action is to get a vehicle with excellent fuel economy. It will sting a lot less when it’s time to fill up and leave you with a little extra money for more fun, and that’s worth a lot. Visit your local Ford dealer today to experience these exceptional Ford vehicles for yourself.
