How many miles can you get out of a Ford F-250?

On a full tank, a Ford F-250 typically offers a practical range of roughly 340–520 miles with gasoline engines and about 500–700 miles with the diesel, depending on configuration and driving conditions.

Understanding this range requires looking at the truck’s fuel-tank capacity, the specific engine and drivetrain, and how you drive—factors that vary across the F-250 lineup and year.

Fuel tank capacity and engine options

This section explains the common fuel-tank size and the main engine choices that influence range across typical F-250 configurations.

• Fuel tank capacity: Most 2024–2025 Ford F-250 Super Duty variants use a 34-gallon tank (about 128 liters).


• Gasoline engines: The line-up includes V8 options such as the 6.2L and 7.3L, which tend to yield lower miles per gallon compared with diesel, affecting range on a full tank.


• Diesel option: The 6.7L Power Stroke turbo-diesel generally delivers better highway fuel economy, extending the potential range per tank relative to gasoline engines.

In practice, tank size is a constant around 34 gallons for many configurations, while engine choice and drivetrain (2WD vs. 4x4) influence how far you can go between fills.

Estimated driving range by configuration

Below are representative ranges for common 34-gallon configurations in recent F-250 Super Duty models, assuming a full tank and mixed driving. Real-world range will vary based on speed, payload, and conditions.

• Gasoline 6.2L V8, 2WD: approximately 340–420 miles per tank


• Gasoline 6.2L V8, 4x4: approximately 300–380 miles per tank


• Gasoline 7.3L V8, 2WD/4x4: approximately 320–380 miles per tank


• Diesel 6.7L Power Stroke, 2WD: approximately 500–560 miles per tank


• Diesel 6.7L Power Stroke, 4x4: approximately 450–520 miles per tank

These ranges reflect typical mixed driving (a blend of highway and city use) and a full tank; actual numbers will vary with load, terrain, and driving style.

Real-world factors that affect range

Theoretical range is just one piece of the puzzle. Several real-world factors can push your actual mileage higher or lower than the figures above.

• Towing and payload: Heavy loads dramatically increase fuel use, reducing range.


• Terrain and elevation: Hills, mountains, and rough terrain raise fuel consumption.


• Driving habits: Higher speeds and rapid acceleration lower mileage, especially in city driving.


• Weather: Extreme temperatures can affect engine efficiency and battery-assisted systems; idling in cold weather also reduces mpg.


• Maintenance and fuel quality: Proper maintenance and clean fuel help sustain efficiency; issues can degrade range.


• Aftermarket modifications: Modifications that increase drag or reduce efficiency can lower range.

For planning trips, expect diesel-equipped F-250s to deliver the best highway-range potential, while heavy towing or off-road work will shorten the per-tank distance for any configuration.

Summary

The Ford F-250’s range on a full tank varies primarily with engine choice and drivetrain. A typical 34-gallon tank yields roughly 340–420 miles with gasoline engines under mixed driving, while the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel can push toward 500–560 miles (2WD) or about 450–520 miles (4x4). Real-world range is influenced by towing, payload, terrain, speed, and weather. If you frequently tow or work off-road, plan for lower per-tank mileage; if you mostly drive on highways with a diesel, you’ll see the best range per fill. Always consider your typical use case when estimating refueling needs.

How many miles will a Ford F-250 diesel last?

A Ford F-250 diesel can last for hundreds of thousands of miles, with a well-maintained engine often reaching 200,000 to over 400,000 miles. While some specific engines like the 7.3L Powerstroke have been known to exceed 500,000 miles, the lifespan ultimately depends on factors such as regular maintenance, driving style, and the specific engine model. 
Factors that influence longevity

• Engine model: Older, well-built engines like the 7.3L Powerstroke are known for their durability and longevity, with many reaching 400,000 miles or more. Newer engines have their own strengths, but a well-maintained 6.7L can also last for hundreds of thousands of miles. 
• Maintenance: Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, including regular oil changes and fuel filter replacements, is crucial for maximizing engine life. 
• Driving habits: How the truck is driven plays a big role. Heavy towing, constant starting and stopping, and short trips can cause more wear and tear than highway driving. 
• Modifications: Engine modifications, such as tuning or deleting emissions systems, can reduce the lifespan of the engine. 
• Environmental factors: A truck that has been used as a plow truck or driven in salty road conditions will likely experience more wear than one that has not. 

How to maximize your F-250's life

• Get a pre-purchase inspection: This is essential when buying a used diesel truck to identify any potential issues before you purchase. 
• Prioritize maintenance: Adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, fuel filter replacements, and other services. 
• Avoid heavy modifications: If you want the engine to last as long as possible, it's best to avoid engine tunes or emissions system deletions. 
• Drive mindfully: While the F-250 is built for work, being mindful of how you drive can extend its life. For example, avoid excessive idling and take longer trips when possible. 

What is considered high mileage for a Ford F-250?

For a gasoline F-250, high mileage starts around 200,000 miles, while for a diesel F-250, it's generally considered to be over 300,000 miles. A well-maintained diesel engine can last significantly longer, potentially exceeding 500,000 miles, but other components like the transmission and steering may require replacement sooner than the engine itself. 
Gasoline F-250

• Generally considered high mileage: Over 200,000 miles. 
• These engines can last over 100,000 miles before major repairs, but they are not built for the same longevity as diesels. 
• Other components may also be wearing out, regardless of engine condition. 

Diesel F-250

• Generally considered high mileage: Over 300,000 miles. 
• Longevity: With proper maintenance, these engines can last 500,000 miles or more. 
• Other components: Transmission, steering, and other parts may have a shorter lifespan than the engine and could require replacement at high mileage. 
• Factors to consider: Maintenance records, idle hours, and overall usage history are more important than the odometer reading alone for diesels. 

What truck will last 300,000 miles?

According to longevity data, the Silverado 1500 has about an 18.8% chance of reaching 250k miles (and the Sierra 1500 around 16.1%). This puts them well above average for all vehicles, and in practice, many owners report their Silverados and Sierras comfortably crossing 200-300k with original drivetrains.

What year F-250 should I stay away from?

Years to avoid for the Ford F-250 include 2002, 2006, and 2017 due to major issues like steering problems, engine failures, and the "death wobble". Other problematic years are 2008 and 2011, which also have significant reports of death wobble, and 2005, which had a high number of recalls. The 2017 model year is frequently cited as the worst due to a high volume of complaints. 
Specific years to avoid

• 2002: Dangerous steering failures and spark plugs ejecting from the engine. 
• 2005: Has a high number of recalls. 
• 2006: Unexpected stalling, steering issues, and potential throttle body problems. 
• 2008: Known for brake failure and the "death wobble". 
• 2011: Suffers from the "death wobble" and transmission issues with abrupt shifts. 
• 2017: Widely considered one of the worst years, with numerous complaints about steering and suspension, including the "death wobble". 
• 2018: Also part of the 2017-2022 generation with issues related to steering and suspension. 

Other years to be cautious about

• 2019: While often cited as a good year for the F-350, the F-250 in this year had reported issues with its 10-speed transmission. 
• 2020: Had problems with its 10-speed transmission. 
• 2015-2017: Had issues with the first-year aluminum body and the 10-speed transmission. 

Important note

• Be aware of which engines are in the model years you are considering. For example, the 5.4-liter Triton engine from 2002-2008 is particularly problematic.