Curious what kind of MPG everyone’s getting and if you have any tips to improve it. I’ve been trying to get mine higher but I’m stuck.
I’m averaging around 25 MPG lifetime, but I usually hit 26.5–27 with mixed city and highway driving.
I’ve got a Badlands with slightly bigger tires and an extra skid plate. I’ve also switched to 89 octane fuel, and it’s bumped up my MPG just enough to make up for the extra cost.
@Dakota
I can’t seem to get above 22 in my Badlands.
Logan said:
@Dakota
I can’t seem to get above 22 in my Badlands.
Try using higher-octane fuel, like 89 or 91.
Logan said:
@Dakota
I can’t seem to get above 22 in my Badlands.
Try using higher-octane fuel, like 89 or 91.
I’ve been using 91 already.
Dakota said:
Logan said:
@Dakota
I can’t seem to get above 22 in my Badlands.
Try using higher-octane fuel, like 89 or 91.
I’ve been using 91 already.
Maybe it’s a driving style thing? I stick to Eco mode and try not to accelerate too hard.
I’d be running 91 too, but here the options are 87-89-93, and the manual mentions not to go over 91.
@Dakota
The manual doesn’t say to avoid fuel above 91. It actually says, ‘For best engine performance, premium fuel with 91 or higher is recommended.’
@Dakota
I already drive in Eco mode and I’m super light on the gas pedal. I even avoid the fast lane now.
The only thing in my car is a yoga mat and a couple of empty bags, so it’s not weight either.
Logan said:
@Dakota
I already drive in Eco mode and I’m super light on the gas pedal. I even avoid the fast lane now.
The only thing in my car is a yoga mat and a couple of empty bags, so it’s not weight either.
Weird! I literally treat the live MPG estimate like a game. I think the Bronco made me a calmer driver because I’m always aiming to get better numbers.
That said, my current tank is showing under 24 MPG, so maybe it’s just city driving taking a toll?
@Dakota
Yeah, I think it’s because most of my driving is in the city.
@Dakota
The manual clearly recommends 91 or higher.
Logan said:
@Dakota
I can’t seem to get above 22 in my Badlands.
It’s probably the type of driving you’re doing. I once got 31 MPG on a 400-mile road trip when my Badlands was brand new. Now I get around 25 on the highway and 19 in the city.
@Hayden
That makes sense. Most of my driving is in the city. Thanks!
I’ve got a 2021 Outer Banks, and I average between 26.4 and 27 MPG. I drive pretty calmly and stick to Normal mode almost all the time. I’ve got a few extras like a trailer hitch, running boards, and crossbars, but they haven’t impacted it much.
Driving habits make the biggest difference. I have a 2021 Badlands, and I consistently get 26.5–27 MPG with a mix of highway and city.
I start slow, coast up to red lights, and keep my speed close to the limit. I just use regular fuel.
Don’t trust the onboard display for MPG—it’s always higher than the real number when you calculate it manually.
Skyler said:
Don’t trust the onboard display for MPG—it’s always higher than the real number when you calculate it manually.
For real, it always reads high.
I’m taking a 700-mile trip soon. I’ll try Normal mode on the way there and Eco on the way back and do the math myself. I doubt there will be a big difference since it’s all steady highway driving.
Sport mode isn’t worth trying for fuel savings—it doesn’t even use 8th gear.
What’s 91 fuel?
2022 Outer Banks. My lifetime average is 28.6 MPG over 15,000 miles. I mostly drive in Normal mode.
I’m averaging around 30 MPG in my Big Bend, and over half my driving is in the city. On long road trips, I can hit 35–37.
Some tips:
- Use cruise control on highways
- Keep your tires at 33 PSI
- Avoid hard acceleration
- Coast to stops when you can
- Don’t idle for too long