How many miles per gallon does a 2002 Ford F-350 get?
There isn’t a single miles-per-gallon figure for the 2002 Ford F-350; fuel economy depends on engine and drivetrain. Expect roughly 12–18 miles per gallon combined across the lineup, with diesel models tending to deliver better highway efficiency and gasoline engines generally lower, especially when towing or carrying heavy payload.
Understanding the question and key variables
In 2002, Ford offered several powerplants for the F-350: a gasoline 5.4L V8, a gasoline 6.8L V10, and a turbodiesel 7.3L Power Stroke. Transmission was typically a 4-speed automatic, and buyers could choose 2WD or 4WD as well as different axle ratios. These choices drive the MPG outcome far more than body style or bed length alone.
Here are the typical mileage ranges you could expect for the main engines, based on historical estimates and owner reports. Note that actual mileage varies with payload, towing, terrain, maintenance, and tire size.
- 7.3L Power Stroke diesel (2WD or 4WD, automatic): roughly 15–17 miles per gallon combined, with highway figures commonly around the high teens to low 20s and city figures in the low to mid-teens. Four-wheel drive or heavy payload can pull these numbers down by a mile or two per gallon.
- 5.4L Triton V8 gasoline (2WD or 4WD, automatic): roughly 15–18 miles per gallon combined, with highway typically in the high teens to around 20 mpg and city in the low to mid-teens. As with the diesel, 4WD can reduce highway efficiency by about 1–2 mpg.
- 6.8L Triton V10 gasoline (2WD or 4WD, automatic): roughly 12–14 miles per gallon combined, with highway in the mid-teens and city around 9–12 mpg. The larger displacement generally yields the lowest overall efficiency, especially under load.
These figures reflect typical configurations from that era and common driving conditions. Real-world fuel economy can differ notably based on payload, towing, driving style, terrain, and vehicle maintenance.
Additional factors that influence efficiency
Beyond engine choice, several factors can swing MPG in the F-350. These include drivetrain (2WD vs 4WD), payload or towing demands, axle ratio and gearing, cab/bed configuration, and overall vehicle condition. Heavier towing or frequent payloads markedly reduce fuel economy, while steady highway cruising at moderate speeds tends to maximize it, particularly for the diesel variant.
- Drivetrain: 4x4 versions typically see a modest drop in efficiency versus 2x4 models, especially when the transfer case is engaged.
- Payload and towing: Extra weight uses more fuel; large payloads can lower mpg by several miles per gallon under load.
- Maintenance and condition: Properly tuned engines, clean fuel systems, and correct tire inflation help preserve fuel economy on an older truck.
Understanding these factors helps explain why two 2002 F-350s with the same engine can display noticeably different mileage in everyday driving.
Summary
In short, the 2002 Ford F-350 does not have a single, universal mpg figure. Depending on engine and drivetrain, typical ranges fall roughly between 12–18 mpg combined, with diesel models usually delivering better highway mileage and gasoline versions showing lower overall efficiency, especially when towing or carrying heavy loads. To estimate fuel costs accurately, identify the exact engine and configuration of the truck and consider real-world owner reports for that build.
