How many miles per gallon does a F350 7.3 V-8 get?
The mileage you get from a Ford F-350 powered by a 7.3-liter engine depends on which version you have and how you drive. In general, the gasoline 7.3L V8 sits in the low-to-mid teens for combined driving, while the widely used 7.3L Power Stroke diesel typically lands in the mid-teens to high teens on average, with highway figures often higher than city numbers.
More detail: The F-350 has featured both a gasoline 7.3L V8 and the well-known 7.3L Power Stroke diesel in different generations. Payload, towing, terrain, transmission, axle ratio, tire choice, and maintenance all play a major role in actual mpg. The ranges below reflect typical real-world results across common configurations, not guarantees for every truck.
Engine options and typical mpg ranges
Gasoline 7.3L V8
Before listing typical figures, note that mpg varies widely by year, drivetrain, and how the truck is used. The ranges provided reflect common experiences for a gasoline 7.3L V8 in standard F-350 configurations.
- City driving mpg: 9–12 mpg
- Highway driving mpg: 12–18 mpg
- Combined mpg (typical everyday use): 11–15 mpg
In practice, the gas V8 version tends to average lower in stop-and-go urban use and can improve on open highways, especially with light payloads and steady speeds.
7.3L Power Stroke diesel
Before the list, consider that diesel shows more favorable highway efficiency and better torque for towing, but payload and terrain still matter. The figures below reflect common experiences for the diesel variant in many F-350 configurations.
- City driving mpg: 12–15 mpg
- Highway driving mpg: 17–20 mpg
- Combined mpg (typical mixed use): 15–18 mpg
Diesel variants often perform better on highways and with steady-speed cruising, though heavy towing or elevation changes can reduce mpg.
Real-world factors that affect mpg
Several variables can swing mpg by several miles per gallon. The following factors are among the most influential for the F-350 in both engine variants.
- Payload and towing loads
- Terrain and elevation (hills and mountains reduce efficiency)
- Drivetrain and gearing (2WD vs 4x4, axle ratio)
- Transmission type and condition
- Tire size and pressure
- Maintenance (air filter, spark plugs, fuel system cleanliness)
- Driving style (aggressive acceleration, frequent idling)
Keeping the truck well-maintained and optimizing load can help you approach the upper ends of the listed ranges.
Tips to improve mpg
Small changes can yield noticeable improvements, especially on a heavy-duty rig. Consider these practical steps.
- Maintain proper tire inflation and alignment
- Reduce unnecessary idling and limit aggressive acceleration
- Use light-weight, aerodynamic accessories; keep bed payload reasonable
- Schedule regular maintenance (air filter, fuel system, spark plugs if applicable)
- Choose the right gear ratios and, if possible, optimize load distribution for towing
While you can't turn a heavy-duty workhorse into a compact car, disciplined driving and maintenance can help you approach the upper end of the typical mpg ranges above.
Summary
In short, a Ford F-350 with a gasoline 7.3L V8 generally delivers around 11–15 mpg combined, with highway peaks near 18 mpg under favorable conditions. The 7.3L Power Stroke diesel typically achieves about 15–18 mpg combined, with highway efficiency often in the 17–20 mpg range. Real-world results depend heavily on payload, towing, terrain, and maintenance. For the most accurate estimate, consult the vehicle’s specific year, configuration, and your own driving patterns.
