jfree - Nothing short of a different vehicle is going to give any significantly better gas mileage. Unfortunately, this is just the mpg that even small SUVs deliver. You may be able to squeeze a mpg, maybe two by trying a bunch of products, but that is not likely and you could void your warranty in the process. Either live with it, or buy a small car.

 

my wife drivesa 2005 3.0 with AWD drive and comnplains too. But I told her 19 to 21 miles per gallon on the high way is great concidering
1 Its a Ford power train, unfortunately Fords along with chrysler tend to not get as good fuel economy as other makes.
2 ITS AWD
3 ITS AWD

but no complaints on how it drives in the snow

 

I think if the Tribute 3.0 V6 had a transmission that kept it in its power range more often, it would get better mileage. With this high-rpmV6 turning a snails-pace 1900 rpm at 65 mph, even the slightest hill requires the unlocking of the torque converter or a downshift to 3rd, both fuel burning moves.

 

I guess I'm not surprised to hear that it's a Ford powertrain. I've got 56000 Kms on my 2004 tribute and had the tranny go on me about 10K ago. Now it's in the shop again for:
1 cranckcase seal
2 tranny seal (I would hope this would have been installed new 8 months ago)
3 oil pan seal
My neighbour bought a new 2006 MPV and had to put a new tranny after 15000 Kms.
I guaranteed my sales guy he'd never see me in the display side of the dealership again!

 

Thats not a ford problem its a every body problem every manufactuter has cars that break down no problems on mine yet beside the weeping output shaft seal(31,000 miles). But being that they are massproduced one or two off the line is bound to have a problem, and that was just your luck.