If you’re shopping for a full-size SUV and fuel economy is on your mind, the Ford Expedition delivers more efficiency than you might expect.
The 2026 Ford Expedition earns EPA-estimated ratings of up to 16 mpg city and 24 mpg hwy on the Active trim with rear-wheel drive, making it a solid choice for both daily driving and long road trips out of Tomball.
The secret is under the hood. Every Expedition runs on a turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and that combo does a great job of balancing power with fuel efficiency across all trim levels.
What Powers the 2026 Ford Expedition?
The standard 3.5L EcoBoost engine produces 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. If you want more muscle, the high-output engine bumps output to 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Both versions use the same smooth 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift capability.
Here’s a quick look at what you’re getting in the powertrain:
- Engine: Turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic with SelectShift
- Drivetrain options: Rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
- Standard output: 400 hp / 480 lb-ft of torque
- High-output: 440 hp / 510 lb-ft of torque
That’s a lot of capability packed into one powertrain and it doesn’t sacrifice fuel economy to get there.
Ford Expedition MPG Ratings by Drivetrain
Your mpg ratings will shift a bit depending on which drivetrain and trim you choose. Here’s what the EPA-estimated numbers look like:
Active Trim, Rear-Wheel Drive:
- 16 mpg city
- 24 mpg hwy
- 19 mpg combined
All Other Trims (4WD standard):
- 15 mpg city
- 22 mpg hwy
- 18 mpg combined
Highway driving is where the Expedition really shines. If you do a lot of cruising on 290 or I-45, those highway mpg numbers go a long way between fill-ups.
Expedition Fuel Economy Across Trim Levels
The expedition fuel economy stays consistent across the lineup, so you’re choosing features and capability, not trading gas mileage to get there. Here’s a look at the 2026 trim levels available:
- Active: The entry-level trim with great everyday specs, solid fuel efficiency, and RWD standard
- Platinum: Adds luxury features like heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and available high-output engine
- Tremor: Serious off-road capability with stealth performance and the high-output engine standard
- King Ranch: The top-of-the-line trim with premium leather, a 22-speaker B&O audio system, and bold styling
Four-wheel drive is standard on the Platinum, Tremor, and King Ranch trims. If you want the best gas mileage in the lineup, the Active with rear-wheel drive is your pick.
Ford Expedition Max: More Room, Same Efficiency
If your family needs more space, the Ford Expedition Max is worth a look. It features a longer wheelbase, stretched 9 inches, and significantly more cargo room behind the third row.
The Expedition Max gets the same EPA-estimated mpg ratings as the standard model by drivetrain. You’re gaining interior functionality and cargo space without giving up efficiency. That’s a win if you’re hauling the whole crew around Tomball or heading out on a road trip to the Hill Country.
Built for Road Trips and Long Hauls
The Expedition is purpose-built for highway driving. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go comes standard, and the 10-speed automatic transmission keeps the engine in its sweet spot at highway speeds.
Here’s why it holds up well on long drives:
- Cruise control helps maintain steady speeds for better fuel efficiency
- The 3.5L EcoBoost uses direct injection and turbocharging to squeeze more out of every gallon
- The 10-speed transmission reduces engine strain by keeping RPMs low on the highway
- Available four-wheel drive lets you head off the beaten path without a second vehicle
Planning a trip to San Antonio or heading toward Houston for the weekend? The Expedition handles it without drama.
Towing Capacity + Fuel Economy: Can You Have Both?
Yes, and the Expedition proves it. Towing capacity tops out at up to 9,600 lbs when properly equipped, which puts it ahead of a lot of full-size SUV competitors.
You’ll see a drop in gas mileage while towing, but that’s expected with any vehicle. For everyday driving without a trailer, you’ll stay right in that 15–24 mpg range depending on your drivetrain and trim.
- Max towing: up to 9,600 lbs
- Engine: turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Available: rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations
If you need to tow a boat to Lake Conroe or a trailer to a job site, this SUV doesn’t make you choose between power and efficiency.
Why Buy at Tomball Ford?
At Tomball Ford, we carry a strong inventory of new vehicles including the full lineup of 2026 Ford Expedition models. Our team knows these trucks inside and out, and we’re happy to walk you through all the specs, trim levels, and MSRP options in person.
We’re proud to serve the Tomball community and the surrounding areas, including Spring, Cypress, and Conroe. Stop by and see what we have on the lot, or give us a call and we’ll help you find the right Expedition for your budget and lifestyle.
Our dealership also offers:
- Competitive financing options
- Ford warranty coverage on all new vehicles
- A no-pressure team that actually listens
- Test drive availability on all models in stock
We make the process easy so you can focus on enjoying your new SUV.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ford Expedition mpg?
The 2026 Ford Expedition gets EPA-estimated ratings of 16 mpg city and 24 mpg hwy on the Active trim with rear-wheel drive. Most other trims with four-wheel drive come in at 15 city and 22 highway.
Does the Ford Expedition Max get the same fuel economy?
Yes. The Expedition Max carries the same EPA-estimated mpg ratings as the standard model. You’re getting more cargo space and a longer wheelbase without a fuel economy penalty.
What engine does the 2026 Ford Expedition use?
All 2026 Expedition models use a turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6. You can get a standard version (400 hp / 480 lb-ft of torque) or a high-output version (440 hp / 510 lb-ft of torque) depending on the trim.
Is the Ford Expedition good for road trips?
Yes. Standard adaptive cruise control, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and strong highway mpg ratings make it a great road trip vehicle. It’s also big enough to carry passengers and cargo comfortably.
What trim levels does the 2026 Ford Expedition come in?
The 2026 lineup includes the Active, Platinum, Tremor, and King Ranch. Each trim builds on the last with more features, and fuel economy stays consistent across all of them.
Does four-wheel drive affect fuel economy?
Yes, slightly. The Active trim with rear-wheel drive earns 16 city / 24 hwy. Trims with four-wheel drive standard come in at 15 city / 22 hwy, still competitive for a full-size SUV.
Can I test drive the Ford Expedition at Tomball Ford?
Absolutely. We have new Expedition models in stock and ready to drive. Come visit us at our Tomball dealership or call to set up an appointment.
Schedule Your Test Drive at Tomball Ford
Ready to get behind the wheel? Come test drive the 2026 Ford Expedition at Tomball Ford. We’ll help you compare trim levels, talk through expedition fuel economy, and find the powerfold third-row seating and features that matter most to your family.
Stop by our dealership, browse our new vehicles online, and contact us today. We’re here to help you drive home in the right vehicle at the right price.
