How many miles per gallon does a 6.8 L V10 Excursion get?

In typical use, a Ford Excursion with the 6.8-liter V10 engine gets about 9–12 mpg in city driving and around 14–18 mpg on the highway, depending on drivetrain, payload, and towing. These numbers reflect EPA-era estimates and real-world variation.

Understanding the engine's mpg profile

Answering how efficiently a heavy SUV like the Excursion can travel requires looking at EPA estimates by drivetrain, as well as how driving conditions affect real-world mileage.

Below are the typical EPA-style ranges reported for 2000–2005 Excursion models with the 6.8L V10, noting that drivetrain configuration (2WD vs 4x4) influences efficiency.

• 2WD: City roughly 9–11 mpg; highway roughly 15–18 mpg.


• 4x4: City roughly 9–12 mpg; highway roughly 14–17 mpg.

These ranges indicate that, while highway cruising may approach the upper teens, city driving and payload-heavy use can pull numbers down into the single digits to low teens.

Real-world factors that affect mileage

Actual fuel economy depends on several variables beyond the drivetrain, including payload, towing, terrain, and maintenance. Owner reports vary widely and conditions can swing mpg by several miles per gallon.

• Payload and towing: Carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer can drop mpg by 2–4 mpg or more, depending on weight and speed.


• Terrain and altitude: Hills, mountains, and high altitude reduce efficiency more than flat highways.


• Maintenance and operating conditions: Proper spark plugs, air filter, tire pressure, and consistent maintenance help preserve MPG; aggressive driving lowers it.

In practice, many owners report highway fuel economy in the mid-teens under steady, light-towing conditions, with city driving more often in the 9–12 mpg range.

Notes on towing and ownership costs

Because the Excursion is a large, heavy vehicle, owners considering mpg must weigh fuel costs against its hauling and passenger-carrying capabilities. For those prioritizing efficiency, alternatives with smaller engines or newer, more efficient powertrains may offer significant savings.

Summary

The Ford Excursion with a 6.8L V10 typically achieves about 9–12 mpg in city driving and 14–18 mpg on the highway, with real-world numbers influenced by drivetrain (2WD vs 4x4), payload, towing, terrain, and maintenance. Expect a wide range depending on how the vehicle is used and maintained, and plan accordingly for fuel costs in ownership.

How many miles per gallon does a 2004 Ford Excursion 6.8 L V10 get?

The V10 Triton is smooth and bullet proof, more reliable and much less to maintain than the diesel. It's thirsty, 8 mpg around town and … about 11 hwy.

How many miles per gallon does a 6.8 V10 Ford Excursion get?

The Ford Excursion with a 6.8L V10 typically gets 8 to 13 MPG, depending on driving conditions and towing. Expect 12-14 MPG on the highway when empty, but this can drop to around 6-8 MPG when towing a heavy load. Factors like rear axle gearing, tire size, and driving habits significantly affect real-world fuel economy.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the V10's fuel economy: 1mJohn Drives AnythingYouTube · Feb 25, 2020
Typical mileage

• Highway (unloaded): 12-14 MPG
• City/Mixed (unloaded): 10-12 MPG
• Towing (heavy load): 6-8 MPG 

Factors that influence MPG

• Towing and load: Hauling a trailer significantly reduces fuel economy, with mileage dropping to 6-8 MPG. 
• Gearing: The rear axle ratio plays a large role. Lower gears (higher number, like 4.304.304.30) can improve towing performance but may decrease highway MPG compared to stock 3.733.733.73 gears. 
• Tire size: Larger tires increase rotational mass and can negatively impact fuel efficiency. 
• Driving habits: Aggressive driving, like flooring the accelerator, will decrease MPG, while consistent, moderate speeds on the highway will yield better results. 
• Vehicle maintenance: Proper maintenance, including spark plug and coil replacement, can help the engine run more efficiently. 

What year is 6.8 V10 to avoid?

For spark plug issues, avoid 1997-2002 and 2004-2008
Or, thanks to thermal expansion differences between the aluminum head and the steel plugs, they essentially become welded in place. Fortunately, 2003 and later V10s don't have these Napoleon-complex plugs.

Is the Ford 6.8 gas engine good?

Yes, the Ford 6.8L engine is considered good, particularly the newer V8 version found in the Super Duty trucks, which is praised for its low-end torque, smooth power delivery, and reliability. It is a durable, naturally aspirated V8 that is easy to maintain and serves as a strong base engine, offering more power and torque than its predecessor, the 6.2L V8, while also being a more cost-effective alternative to the 7.3L V8. The older 6.8L V10 was also considered reliable, especially in RV applications. 
6.8L V8 (Super Duty)

• Performance: Delivers 405 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque, with a focus on low-end torque for a strong, responsive feel. It pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission for smooth shifts. 
• Reliability: As a modern, naturally aspirated V8, it uses proven technology and is designed for durability and low-stress operation, which contributes to its longevity. 
• Maintenance: The engine's simple, pushrod design makes it easier to work on and service. 
• Value: It serves as a strong base engine for heavy-duty trucks, offering a good balance of performance and cost compared to the larger 7.3L V8. 

6.8L V10 (older models) 

• Performance: While not a drag racer, this engine was known for its ability to move heavy loads, making it a popular choice for applications like RVs. 
• Reliability: It proved to be a very reliable powerplant in the long run, particularly in the Ford F-53 chassis used for many motorhomes. 

You can watch this video to see the 6.8L V8 engine in action in the Ford Super Duty truck: 51sBen HardyYouTube · Jul 19, 2025