The Ford Expedition, a popular choice for people wanting a luxury, full-size SUV. It offers a blend of space, power, and utility.
For its standard trim models (XL, STX, XLT, and Timberline) the For Expedition offers a 23.2 gallon gas tank size. For it’s MAX trim models, the tank is bumped up to 27.8 gallons.
Just how far can this large gas tank get you. Down below I’ll be jumping into the various models (by year) gas tank sizes and just how economical these large SUV’s are when it comes to gas mileage.
Gas Tank Capacity by Model Year
2018-2024 Models
- Standard (XL STX, XLT, Timberline) Models: Approximately 23.2 gallons
- MAX Models: Around 27.8 gallons
Fuel Tank Size by Year
| Year | Models | Tank Capacity (gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Standard/MAX | 23.3 / 27.8 |
| 2021 | Standard/MAX | 23.3 / 27.8 |
| 2020 | Standard/MAX | 23.3 / 27.8 |
| 2019 | Standard/MAX | 23.3 / 27.8 |
| 2018 | Standard/MAX | 23.3 / 27.8 |
Fuel Efficiency and Range
2022-2024 Models
- Standard: Around 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
- MAX: Approximately 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.
2018-2021 Models
- Similar to the 2022-2024 models, with slight variations due to engine and design updates.
2015-2017 Models
- Estimated 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.
Impact on Driving and Planning
It’s no surprise that filling up the Expeditions tank will cost a big chunk of cash, even more so for the MAX trim models. For a lot of people, the cost of the fuel is minor since you’ve already dished out a decent amount of money for the vehicle…but class and luxury comes at a price.
- Larger Tanks in MAX Models: These provide longer driving range, reducing frequent stops for refueling on long trips.
- Budget Considerations: Larger tanks mean higher fill-up costs but less frequent visits to the gas station.
- Maintenance: Regular tank checks and maintenance are vital for optimal performance.
MAX Models
Expedition MAX trim levels stand out for their extended size and larger gas tanks, catering to drivers who prioritize space and longer driving range.
Design and Capacity
- Extended Length: The MAX models are designed with a longer wheelbase, providing more interior space.
- Increased Fuel Capacity: They feature larger gas tanks, typically around 27.8 gallons, compared to the standard models’ 23.3 gallons.
Benefits of Larger Tanks
- Extended Driving Range: The larger tank size in MAX trims allows for longer distances between refueling, ideal for long road trips or frequent long-distance travels.
- Convenience for Larger Families or Groups: With more space and a longer range, the MAX is well-suited for family vacations or group travel, reducing the need for frequent stops.
Efficiency Considerations
While offering the advantage of a longer range, the larger gas tanks do mean a higher fill–up cost.
The Trade-off of higher-fill up cost is the need for fewer fill-ups. Less time gassing up = more time on the road.
Older Models
2010-2017
During this period, Expedition models typically had uniform tank sizes across different trims.
| Year | Trims | Tank Capacity (gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | XLT, Limited, King Ranch, Platinum | 28 |
| 2016 | XLT, Limited, King Ranch, Platinum | 28 |
| 2015 | XLT, Limited, King Ranch, Platinum | 28 |
| 2014 | XLT, Limited, King Ranch, Platinum | 28 |
| 2013 | XLT, Limited, King Ranch, Platinum | 28 |
| 2012 | XLT, Limited, King Ranch, Platinum | 28 |
| 2011 | XLT, Limited, King Ranch, Platinum | 28 |
| 2010 | XLT, Limited, King Ranch, Platinum | 28 |
2000-2009
Ford Expedition Gas Tank Sizes (2000-2009): Trims Comparison
The first two years of this decade saw the Expedition with a 26 gallon tank. In 2002, Ford bumped the size up to 28 gallons.
| Year | Trims (XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited, King Ranch, etc.) | Tank Capacity (gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | All Trims | 28 |
| 2008 | All Trims | 28 |
| 2007 | All Trims | 28 |
| 2006 | All Trims | 28 |
| 2005 | All Trims | 28 |
| 2004 | All Trims | 28 |
| 2003 | All Trims | 28 |
| 2002 | All Trims | 28 |
| 2001 | All Trims | 26 |
| 2000 | All Trims | 26 |
1997-1999
For the first few years of the Expeditions life, it came with a large, 30 gallon gas tank. A few years later they’d drop the size quite a bit to 26 gallons before settling in at 28 gallons for a fair bit of the 2010’s.
| Year | Trims (XLT, Eddie Bauer, etc.) | Tank Capacity (gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | All Trims | 30 |
| 1998 | All Trims | 30 |
| 1997 | All Trims | 30 |
Towing and Fuel Economy
Towing capacity is a significant feature of the Ford Expedition, particularly in terms of how it affects fuel economy.
The difference in performance between Standard and MAX models when towing various weights is noteworthy.
Fuel Economy Variations with Weight
Light to Moderate Towing (up to 3,000 lbs)
- Minimal impact on fuel economy for both Standard and MAX models.
- Slight reduction in miles per gallon (mpg), but generally manageable.
Moderate to Heavy Towing (3,000 to 6,000 lbs)
- Noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency.
- The Standard model may require more frequent fuel stops compared to the MAX due to its smaller tank.
Heavy Towing (above 6,000 lbs)
- Significant drop in mpg for both models.
- MAX models maintain a slight advantage due to larger fuel capacity, offering longer range before needing to refuel.
Engine Load and Fuel Consumption
Towing puts additional load on the engine, which in turn increases fuel consumption. The extent of this increase depends on the weight of the tow and the terrain.
The Expedition’s engine works harder to maintain speed and performance under towing conditions, leading to a higher rate of fuel consumption.
Practical Implications
For drivers who frequently tow heavy loads, the MAX model might be a more practical choice due to its larger tank and extended range. This reduces the inconvenience of frequent stops for fuel.
It’s important to plan fuel stops and budget accordingly when towing, especially on long trips.
The added weight significantly impacts fuel economy, and this effect is more pronounced in the Standard models due to their smaller tank size.
Both the Standard and MAX models of the Ford Expedition experience reduced fuel efficiency when towing, with the impact becoming more significant as the weight increases.
The MAX models offer a slight advantage due to their larger tanks, providing a longer range before needing to refuel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to refuel my Ford Expedition?
It depends on your driving habits and model. The larger MAX models have longer intervals between refuels.
Does tank size affect overall vehicle performance?
Larger tanks can add weight, slightly affecting performance and efficiency.
Are there significant differences in tank sizes across different trims?
The primary difference is between the Standard and MAX models, with the latter having larger tanks.
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