How many miles per gallon does a 2009 Ford F350 6.4 diesel get?
The 2009 Ford F-350 Super Duty equipped with the 6.4-liter Power Stroke diesel typically delivers mid‑teens miles per gallon overall. In practice, two-wheel drive models tend to be closer to the higher end of that range, while four-wheel drive variants run lower due to the added drivetrain drag.
Official estimates by drivetrain
EPA estimates provide a baseline for what you might expect in mixed driving, but real-world results vary with load, towing, and driving style. For the 2009 F-350 with the 6.4L Power Stroke, the approximate figures are:
- 2WD (two-wheel drive): about 12 mpg city and 17 mpg highway, with a combined figure in the mid‑teens.
- 4x4: about 11–12 mpg city and 16–17 mpg highway, with a combined figure in the low‑to‑mid teens.
These figures reflect manufacturer estimates and can vary by equipment and conditions. Real-world mileage often falls short of the EPA numbers, especially under heavy towing or payload.
Notes on EPA figures and variability
EPA ratings for older heavy-duty diesels can differ slightly by model year and measurement method. Factors such as towing, exhaust after-treatment systems, fuel quality, and ambient temperature can have a noticeable impact on actual mpg.
Real‑world mpg and factors that influence it
Owners frequently report that actual fuel economy depends heavily on how the truck is used. Below are the main elements that tend to influence mpg in daily driving and when towing heavy loads.
- Payload and towing: Carrying heavy cargo or towing a trailer significantly increases fuel consumption compared with cruising without a load.
- Terrain and driving style: Hilly or windy terrain and aggressive acceleration reduce efficiency; steady, moderate speeds help maximize mpg.
- Maintenance and components: A clean air filter, properly functioning glow plugs and fuel system, and a healthy exhaust after-treatment system (DPF/SCR) support better efficiency.
- Tire size and inflation: Larger or underinflated tires raise rolling resistance and can lower mpg noticeably.
- Climate and electrical loads: Air conditioning use, cold starts, and other electrical loads can suppress fuel economy, especially in winter.
- Engine condition and software: The 6.4L diesel relied on a complex emissions system; proper maintenance and software updates can influence efficiency and performance.
In real driving, expect mileage to vary widely. Highway cruising with a light load tends to yield the best results, while towing or operating in extremities of temperature and terrain can push mpg downward.
Summary
The 2009 Ford F-350 with the 6.4L diesel typically sits in the mid‑teens for combined fuel economy. Two‑wheel-drive models often achieve about 12 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway, while four‑wheel-drive versions run a bit lower overall (roughly 11–12 mpg city and 16–17 mpg highway). Real-world mileage is highly dependent on payload, towing, driving conditions, and maintenance. For planning purposes, many owners expect around 13–15 mpg in mixed use, with better efficiency on long highway trips under light load.
