How many miles per gallon does a 5.0 L v8 Ford engine get?
There isn’t a single universal miles-per-gallon figure for Ford’s 5.0 L V8. In common, real-world configurations, you can expect roughly 18–20 mpg combined in the Mustang GT and about 19–21 mpg combined in the F-150, with exact numbers shifting based on drivetrain, transmission, and payload.
The 5.0 L V8 Ford uses—best known as the Coyote in the Mustang GT and also used in the F-150—spans performance cars and full-size pickups. Because the engine powers different kinds of vehicles, its fuel economy varies by model year, drivetrain (two- vs. four-wheel drive), transmission choice, and how the vehicle is configured for towing or payload. The figures below are representative ranges for recent configurations to help you compare typical outcomes.
Representative MPG ranges for popular 5.0 L V8 configurations
Below are representative EPA estimates for common 5.0 L V8 configurations in recent model years. Actual numbers vary by year, trim, equipment, and how the vehicle is driven, so check the official window sticker or fueleconomy.gov for your exact setup.
- Mustang GT with 5.0 L V8 (manual transmission): about 15 mpg city / 24 mpg highway; roughly 18–19 mpg combined.
- Mustang GT with 5.0 L V8 (10-speed automatic): about 15–16 mpg city / 24–25 mpg highway; roughly 19 mpg combined.
- F-150 with 5.0 L V8 (2WD, 10-speed automatic): around 17–19 mpg city / 22–23 mpg highway; roughly 19–21 mpg combined.
- F-150 with 5.0 L V8 (4WD, 10-speed automatic): around 16–17 mpg city / 21–22 mpg highway; roughly 18–20 mpg combined.
These figures illustrate the typical spread you’ll see between sports-oriented and work-oriented configurations, as well as the impact of drivetrain and gearing. For any specific vehicle, the exact EPA rating will appear on the window sticker and can be looked up on fueleconomy.gov.
What factors influence mpg with a 5.0L V8
Fuel economy for a 5.0 L V8 is not determined by the engine alone. Several factors can push numbers higher or lower than the ranges above, including how the car is equipped and driven.
- Vehicle weight and aerodynamics
- Drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD) and final-drive gearing
- Transmission type and gear ratios
- Tire size, tread, and inflation
- Towing or payload loads
- Engine state of tune and fuel quality
Understanding these factors helps explain why two 5.0 L V8s can yield noticeably different miles-per-gallon in practice, even within the same model year.
How to estimate MPG for your specific vehicle
To get the most accurate estimate for your configuration, use the following steps:
- Check the EPA ratings for your exact model year, trim, drivetrain, and transmission on fueleconomy.gov.
- Consult the vehicle’s window sticker when you’re shopping or after a purchase.
- Monitor real-world fuel economy over several fill-ups to account for driving conditions and load.
In short, while the 5.0 L V8 is celebrated for performance, its MPG is highly contextual and varies with how Ford configures the engine in different vehicles.
Summary
Ford’s 5.0 L V8 does not have a single universally applicable MPG figure. For recent Mustang GTs, expect roughly 18–20 mpg combined depending on transmission and driving style; for the F-150, ranges typically fall around 19–21 mpg combined, with 4WD and heavier payloads pushing numbers lower. Always consult the official EPA numbers for your exact vehicle configuration and driving conditions to get an accurate estimate.
Is the Ford 5.0 Coyote engine any good?
Yes, the 5.0L Coyote engine is considered a good engine due to its high-revving power, reliability, and potential for modifications. It features modern technology like Ti-VCT and a lightweight aluminum block, which contribute to its performance and fuel efficiency. While earlier models had some issues, many have been resolved in newer generations, making it a strong choice for many applications.
This video discusses the Coyote engine's reliability and performance compared to other V8 engines: 57sFlying WrenchesYouTube · Jan 13, 2025
Strengths
- Power and performance: The dual-overhead cam (DOHC) design allows the engine to achieve higher RPMs, delivering more horsepower.
- Reliability: Modern versions are generally reliable, with many owners reporting success exceeding 200,000 miles when properly maintained. The lack of a turbo or complex emissions systems contributes to its durability compared to some competitors.
- Modifiability: The engine is a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts and can be easily modified to increase horsepower.
- Fuel efficiency: Features like Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing) help to improve fuel economy and lower emissions.
Potential issues
- Earlier model issues: The 2011-2014 models had some issues, such as connecting rod bearing problems and oil leaks from head gaskets, which have been addressed in later generations.
- Oil consumption: Some models from 2018-2020 had oil consumption issues, though Ford states this was resolved in the 2021 model year.
- Cam phaser problems: A known issue in some versions of the engine is cam phaser failure.
This video explains the potential issues and recalls associated with the Ford F-150 5.0L Coyote engine: 57sGetty's GarageYouTube · Apr 21, 2023
Overall
The 5.0L Coyote is a well-regarded engine, especially in its later generations, that offers a good balance of performance and reliability. It's a great choice for those seeking a powerful and versatile V8 engine for a variety of vehicles, from sports cars to trucks.
This video compares the 5.0L Coyote engine's performance and features to those of the Ford F-150's EcoBoost engine: 1mGetty's GarageYouTube · Nov 5, 2023
Is the Ford F150 V-8 good on gas?
Is the 5.0-liter V-8 better than the 3.5 V-6 EcoBoost? In many ways the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 is better than the 5.0-liter V-8, such as the Ford F-150 MPG ratings. The EcoBoost V-6 delivers up to an EPA-estimated 17/25 MPG (City/Highway) 1 while the V-8 delivers an EPA-estimated 16/24 MPG (City/Highway).
What is the gas mileage on a 2018 Ford f150 engine 5.0 L V-8?
Fuel & MPG
| Cost to Drive | $312/mo |
|---|---|
| Fuel type | Regular unleaded |
| EPA city/highway MPG | 16/22 MPG |
How many miles per gallon does a 5.0 L V-8 get?
A 5.0L V8 engine typically gets between 16/24/19 MPG (city/highway/combined) for the Ford F-150 and 15/25/19 MPG (city/highway/combined) for a Ford Mustang, though these figures can vary depending on the specific vehicle, year, and driving conditions.
This video shows a fuel economy test of the Ford F-150 with a 5.0L V8 engine: 58sGetty's GarageYouTube · Nov 18, 2023
- Ford F-150:
- EPA-Estimated: 16 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG.
- Real-world: Owners report averages between 17 and 20 MPG, depending on driving habits, tire type, and modifications.
- Ford Mustang:
- EPA-Estimated (with automatic transmission): 15 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG.
- EPA-Estimated (with manual transmission): 15 city / 24 highway / 18 combined MPG.
