How many miles per gallon does a 1972 Ford f250 get?
A typical 1972 Ford F-250 averages roughly 12 to 15 miles per gallon in mixed driving, with inline-six configurations tending toward the higher end and big-block V8s toward the lower end.
The exact figure varies widely because the 1972 F-250 offered multiple engines, transmissions, and drivetrain options, plus payload and maintenance conditions. Historical reports from the era place real-world mpg in a broad band, generally lower than modern pickups but still influenced by engine choice and how the truck is used today.
How mpg varies by engine and drivetrain
Below are representative ranges for common configurations found in 1972 F-250 pickups. These figures reflect historical experience rather than modern standardized ratings.
- Inline-six (approximately 300 cu in) with 2WD: roughly 18–20 mpg on the highway; 14–16 mpg in typical city driving; combined around 16–18 mpg.
- Small-block V8 (360 cu in) with 2WD: roughly 16–18 mpg highway; 12–14 mpg city; combined 14–16 mpg.
- Big-block V8 (390 or 429 cu in) with 2WD: roughly 15–17 mpg highway; 11–13 mpg city; combined 13–15 mpg.
- 4x4 configurations (any engine): roughly 14–17 mpg highway; 10–13 mpg city; combined 12–15 mpg.
In practice, actual mileage depends on factors such as payload, road grade, maintenance, tire size, and how aggressively the truck is driven. The EPA testing standards of the era were not directly comparable to today’s ratings, so real-world driving remains the best reference for a vintage F-250.
Tips to maximize mpg on a 1972 F-250
Owners and restorers who want to squeeze more miles out of a vintage F-250 can focus on maintenance, load management, and conservative driving habits.
- Keep the engine properly tuned: correct ignition timing, clean carburetor or fuel-injection adjustments (if equipped), and a proper air-fuel mixture.
- Maintain tires at the recommended pressure and ensure proper wheel alignment to reduce rolling resistance.
- Limit payload and unnecessary weight; distribute load evenly to avoid dragging extra weight unnecessarily.
- Perform regular maintenance: timely oil changes, fresh air filters, spark plugs, and fuel filters; fix vacuum leaks and exhaust restrictions.
- Drive smoothly: gradual acceleration, steady cruising speed on highways, and minimizing idle time can noticeably affect efficiency.
- Be mindful of driving speed on the highway; moderate speeds typically yield better fuel economy than aggressive high-speed driving on older engines.
These steps won’t turn a 1972 F-250 into a modern compact car, but they can help you extract more miles per gallon from a venerable pickup while preserving reliability.
Summary
The 1972 Ford F-250’s fuel economy is highly dependent on the chosen engine and drivetrain. In general, expect roughly 12–15 mpg in mixed use, with inline-six models toward the higher end and big-block V8s toward the lower end, and 4x4 variants typically on the lower side. Real-world mileage varies with payload, maintenance, and driving style. By keeping the engine well-tuned, maintaining proper tire pressure, reducing payload, and driving smoothly, you can maximize efficiency for a classic truck. For precise figures, identify the exact engine and drivetrain configuration and consult period road tests or owner-maintained records.
How many miles per gallon does a Ford F250 get?
Ford F-250 MPG varies significantly by engine, but you can expect approximately 15-18 mpg for gas models and 18-20 mpg for diesel models on the highway under optimal conditions. Real-world mileage depends on factors like driving conditions, towing, axle ratio, and engine size. For example, the gas-powered 7.3L V8 can get around 14 mpg in combined city/highway driving, while the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel is often reported to achieve closer to 20 mpg on the highway.
This video compares the gas and diesel models to show their real-world fuel economy: 55sThe Fast Lane TruckYouTube · Dec 14, 2023
Gas engines
- 7.3L V8 (Gasoline): Expect around 15-18 mpg highway and 14 mpg in combined city/highway driving. MPG drops significantly when towing.
- 6.2L V8 (Gasoline): Some users report averages around 14-15 mpg in mixed driving.
This video shows the real-world MPG of a gas-powered F-250 with the 7.3L engine: 1mDaily MotorYouTube · Mar 29, 2024
Diesel engines
- 6.7L Power Stroke V8 (Diesel): Can achieve approximately 18-20 mpg on the highway. Some users report averages around 20 mpg with the HO (High Output) version.
- Towing: MPG drops significantly when towing, especially for gas models. For example, a 7.3L engine may get as low as 8.4 mpg while towing a heavy trailer. Diesel models will also see a drop, but often maintain better efficiency than their gas counterparts.
How big is the gas tank on a 1972 Ford F250?
19.5 Gallon
Fuel Tank In-Cab 19.5 Gallon Without EEC For 1961-1972 Ford F-250 Pickup Truck.
What is the gas mileage on a 1972 Ford F250?
When my 1972 F-250 two wheel drive had that exact engine, it got 13 MPG on the highway. To check the mileage I would fill it up and drive it from Lake County to a destination such as Chico or Sacramento, all highway at speeds of 60-65 miles per hour, and then refill at the destination. That was my cruising speed MPG.
What engine came in a 1972 Ford F250?
MMP Rating
| Engine Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 360 cu in (5.9 L) FE V8, 390 cu in (6.4 L) FE V8 |
| Displacement: | 360-390 cu in |
| Horsepower: | 150-170 hp |
| Torque: | 315-325 lb-ft |
