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How many miles per gallon does a 2003 Ford Excursion 7.3 diesel get?

The 2003 Ford Excursion with the 7.3-liter Power Stroke diesel typically delivers roughly 15–18 miles per gallon combined in common driving, with city driving around 12–14 mpg and highway cruising closer to 18–20 mpg. Real-world results vary widely based on drivetrain, load, and maintenance.


What affects mpg on a 7.3L Excursion


Several variables influence fuel economy for this large SUV. The following list highlights the main factors owners and reviewers consider when estimating real-world fuel economy.



  • Drivetrain configuration: 2WD models generally use less fuel than 4WD variants, especially in urban settings.

  • Payload and towing: Carrying heavy loads or towing trailers can significantly reduce mpg.

  • Vehicle condition and maintenance: Proper injector timing, air filtration, turbo/intercooler efficiency, and general upkeep matter.

  • Tire size and type: Larger or low-rolling-resistance tires can affect fuel economy.

  • Driving habits: Aggressive acceleration, high speeds, and frequent stops lower mpg.

  • Fuel quality and grade: Diesel condition and fuel system cleanliness can impact efficiency.


These factors help explain why owners report a broad range of mpg values for the same model year.


Typical mpg ranges by configuration


Because official EPA figures from the early 2000s for this model aren’t as readily cited today, the ranges below reflect what many owners and automotive sources note for the 7.3L Excursion. The SUV was offered in 2WD and 4WD with a heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmission, and payload/towing capability can shift numbers significantly.



  • 2WD (two-wheel drive), light to no towing: about 17–20 mpg highway; around 12–14 mpg city; roughly 15–17 mpg combined.

  • 4WD (four-wheel drive), light to no towing: about 16–18 mpg highway; around 12–13 mpg city; roughly 14–16 mpg combined.

  • With moderate to heavy towing or full payload: typically 10–14 mpg combined, depending on trailer weight and terrain.


In practice, real-world results will vary based on how the vehicle is used and maintained.


Notes on EPA figures and historical context


Official EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2003 Excursion 7.3L diesel are not as readily accessible as modern vehicles, due in part to the era and the vehicle’s class. Owners frequently rely on trip logs and online forums to estimate typical performance. The numbers above reflect common owner-reported ranges rather than a single published figure.


Summary


The 2003 Ford Excursion with the 7.3L diesel generally falls in the mid-teens for combined mpg, with highway efficiency higher and city driving lower. Expect roughly 12–14 mpg in city conditions, around 18–20 mpg on highway trips, and about 15–17 mpg under typical mixed-use conditions. When towing or carrying heavy payloads, mpg can drop markedly, often into the low to mid-teens or lower. For current ownership, tracking real-world fuel logs will provide the most accurate picture.


Bottom line: mpg on a 2003 Excursion 7.3 diesel varies widely, but practical ranges center around the mid-teens for combined mileage, with better highway efficiency and reduced numbers when under load or towing.

How many miles per gallon does a 7.3 Excursion get?


A Ford Excursion with a 7.3L engine typically gets between 12–14 mpg for combined city/highway driving and 14–18 mpg on the highway, though real-world results vary significantly based on factors like driving style, vehicle modifications, and towing. When towing, mileage can drop to 8–12 mpg or lower. 
Factors affecting MPG

  • Driving speed: Driving at lower, consistent speeds (55-60 mph) can result in better mileage, sometimes reaching up to 20-24 mpg on the highway, while speeds above 65 mph will cause mileage to drop significantly. 
  • Towing: Towing a trailer or heavy load will decrease fuel economy, with reported figures as low as 8-12 mpg. 
  • Tire size and type: Larger or more aggressive tires can negatively impact fuel economy. 
  • Vehicle condition and modifications: Factors like the condition of the engine, a tune, upgraded parts (like injectors or a turbo), and even maintenance issues can all affect mileage. 
  • Maintenance: Proper maintenance, such as ensuring sticky caliper pins are addressed, can help optimize fuel economy. 

This video explains how to improve fuel economy in a 7.3L Powerstroke: 56sNoHalfAssYouTube · Jul 25, 2019
Owner reported MPG
  • Average: Many owners report an average of around 14–16 mpg for daily driving. 
  • Highway: Some owners have achieved 20-24 mpg on the highway by driving efficiently, while others report an average of 16-18 mpg. 
  • Towing: Owners report an average of 11-15 mpg while towing around 6,500-7,000 pounds. 



What is the gas mileage on a 2002 Ford Excursion 7.3 diesel?


A 2002 Ford Excursion with a 7.3L diesel engine typically gets 10-12 mpg in city driving and 14-18 mpg on the highway. Real-world mileage is heavily influenced by driving style, vehicle maintenance, and factors like towing, but an average of around 13-15 mpg combined is common for many owners. 
You can watch this video to learn about real-world MPG for this truck: 32sLiving On WheelsYouTube · Jun 17, 2019
Factors affecting MPG

  • Driving conditions: City driving results in lower mileage, while highway driving yields better fuel economy. 
  • Towing and load: Towing and carrying heavy loads will significantly decrease your mpg. 
  • Vehicle maintenance: Older or poorly maintained engines can have lower mileage. 
  • Tire size: Larger tires can reduce your fuel economy. 
  • Driving habits: Aggressive driving, including speeding, can negatively impact your MPG. 

How to improve MPG
  • Maintain the vehicle: Regular oil and filter changes, as well as checking for boost and fuel leaks, can help. 
  • Drive conservatively: Avoid rapid acceleration and high speeds.
  • Consider engine tuning: Some owners report improved mileage with performance tuners. 
  • Use fuel additives: Some additives may offer a slight improvement in fuel economy, but the effect can be minor. 

This video explains how to improve MPG in this truck: 44sPowerstroke CentralYouTube · Sep 14, 2022



What is the fuel mileage on a 2003 Ford f250 7.3 diesel?


The on-board computer registered overall fuel mileage of about 17.5 miles per gallon for this 5,600-pound behemoth. Big trucks are almost the only place where you find diesels in the United States, with only Volkswagen selling diesel cars.



How many miles per gallon does a 2003 Ford Excursion diesel get?


This excursion with the 6.0L V-8 powerstroke turbo-diesel get 22 mpg highway/ 18 mpg city.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.