How many miles per gallon does a 2003 Ford F350 diesel get?
Most 2003 Ford F-350 diesels average roughly 15–18 miles per gallon overall, with highway runs typically in the upper teens to low 20s and city driving lower. Exact figures depend on engine, drivetrain, payload, and whether you're towing.
The 2003 F-350 could have one of two diesel engines: the widely used 7.3-liter Power Stroke, and the newer 6.0-liter Power Stroke introduced in 2003. Transmission choice, 4x4 vs 2WD, tire size, and how hard the truck is loaded all affect real-world mpg. The following ranges reflect typical observed figures from owners and independent tests for each engine configuration.
Engine options and typical MPG ranges
Here is how the two diesel engines commonly perform in real-world driving, with ranges that reflect variation across configurations.
7.3L Power Stroke (roughly 1994–2003 era)
- Typical no-tow fuel economy: roughly 12–15 mpg city, 17–21 mpg highway; combined around 15–18 mpg.
- With towing or heavy payload: 8–12 mpg city, 12–15 mpg highway; combined around 11–14 mpg.
6.0L Power Stroke (introduced in 2003)
- Typical no-tow fuel economy: roughly 11–14 mpg city, 15–19 mpg highway; combined around 13–17 mpg.
- With towing or heavy payload: 8–12 mpg city, 12–15 mpg highway; combined around 11–14 mpg.
Note that these ranges are approximate and based on common configurations. Real-world results vary with drivetrain, gear ratios, tire size, and driving style.
Other factors that affect mpg on a 2003 F-350 diesel
The following elements can significantly shift miles-per-gallon performance, sometimes by several mpg depending on conditions.
- Drivetrain: 4x4 models typically get fewer mpg than 2WD variants due to added drag and weight.
- Wheel/tire setup and load: Larger tires and heavier payload reduce efficiency; keeping tires properly inflated helps.
- Vehicle condition and maintenance: clogged fuel filters, dirty injectors, and air leaks can decrease efficiency.
- Aerodynamics and accessories: heavy bed loads, roof racks, or bed covers can raise drag and reduce mpg.
- Driving habits and terrain: steady highway speeds improve mpg more than frequent acceleration or hilly terrain.
Understanding these factors helps explain why two similar trucks can show different fuel economy results in real-world use.
Bottom line for buyers and owners
When shopping or operating a 2003 F-350 diesel, plan around a range rather than a single figure. Expect roughly 13–18 mpg combined on average, with highway runs often in the upper teens to low 20s for the 7.3L and somewhat lower for the 6.0L. Towing, heavy payloads, and equipment add-ons will pull the numbers down further.
Summary
The 2003 Ford F-350 diesel's fuel economy depends heavily on the engine and configuration. The 7.3L Power Stroke generally yields higher highway efficiency, while the 6.0L can be less efficient, particularly when towing. In practical terms, most owners see roughly 12–15 mpg in city driving and 17–21 mpg on the highway, with combined figures often in the mid-teens to low-twenties, depending on load and driving conditions. For the most accurate picture, assess the specific truck's maintenance history, configuration, and typical use.
