How many miles per gallon does a Ford box truck get?

A Ford box truck typically gets roughly 10–20 miles per gallon, with lighter Transit cargo vans often reaching the high-teens to low-20s in favorable conditions, and heavier E-Series box trucks usually in the low-teens or below depending on payload and driving conditions.

The fuel economy of Ford box trucks varies widely by platform, engine choice, payload, wheelbase, and operating conditions. Below are the most common configurations you’ll encounter in the U.S. market and their typical ranges.

Ford Transit box vans

Transit cargo vans are Ford’s current box-van platform and are used in a wide range of commercial applications. The MPG figures below reflect typical real-world ranges across common configurations.

Note: The following ranges summarize typical real-world experience and EPA estimates for standard Transit cargo vans, including gasoline and diesel options.



• Gasoline engines (such as the commonly used EcoBoost V6 variants): roughly 16–20 mpg combined, depending on wheelbase, roof height, payload, and driving conditions.


• Diesel engines (where available in the U.S., e.g., Power Stroke options in certain years): roughly 20–25 mpg combined, with better efficiency under heavy loads or highway cruising.


• Real-world results vary with payload, driving style (stop-and-go vs. highway), and whether the van is front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, if equipped.

These figures show that the Transit family generally offers better efficiency than older steel-bodied box vans, especially in lighter-duty configurations, but payload and duty cycle have a strong impact on fuel economy.

Ford E-Series box trucks (older/convertible box configurations)

Many fleets still operate E-Series cutaway and chassis-cab trucks with a box, which are heavier and often older in design. Fuel economy tends to be lower due to weight and drivetrain choices.

Note: The following ranges reflect typical experience with E-Series-based box trucks, which are heavier and may have older powertrains than modern Transits.



• Gasoline V8 configurations (common in older E-Series box trucks): roughly 9–13 mpg combined, strongly influenced by payload and route.


• Diesel or heavy-duty variants (where used): roughly 10–15 mpg combined, with variations based on engine age, weight, and payload.


• Box-truck configurations built on E-Series chassis tend to be more sensitive to weight and use-case, often yielding lower fuel economy than Transit equivalents.

In practice, if fuel efficiency is a priority, modern Transit cargo vans typically offer better real-world mileage than older E-Series box trucks, especially for lighter duties. Always check the exact EPA ratings for your model year and engine, and consider fleet-reported mileage for similar duty cycles.

Summary

Fuel economy for Ford box trucks varies widely by model and application. In general, Transit cargo vans provide higher mpg (roughly mid-teens to low-20s mpg in many cases), while older E-Series box trucks run in the low-teens or lower depending on payload and driving conditions. For anyone evaluating a Ford box truck, confirm the EPA ratings for the specific engine and wheelbase, and review real-world fleet data to account for typical payloads and routes.

Which box truck has the best mpg?

The most fuel-efficient box truck depends on its size, but generally, lighter-duty trucks like those from Isuzu or Hino are more efficient, especially for city driving. For heavy-duty and long-haul applications, models like the Freightliner Cascadia Evolution or Kenworth T680 Advantage offer competitive fuel economy in the 9–10+ MPG range due to their aerodynamic designs and advanced engines. 
Factors affecting fuel efficiency

• Truck size and weight: Smaller, lighter trucks inherently use less fuel. A 16-foot box truck might achieve 10–12 MPG, while a larger 26-foot model could get 8–10 MPG, and these figures change depending on load. 
• Engine and drivetrain: Features like an automatic manual transmission and modern, efficient engines from Cummins, Detroit, or PACCAR significantly impact MPG. 
• Aerodynamics: A truck's design, including features like bumper closures, mirrors, and other aerodynamic aids, plays a large role in reducing drag and improving fuel economy. 
• Driving habits and conditions: Consistent maintenance, proper tire inflation, and driving style all have a major effect on a truck's fuel efficiency. 

This video explains the factors affecting box truck fuel efficiency, including engine types, truck size, and intended use: 1mBuying Bigger Better AcademyYouTube · Jan 11, 2023
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This video discusses the best box truck models for 2025, including Freightliner and Hino: 1mEntre MikeYouTube · May 17, 2025

• For city and regional deliveries:
  • Isuzu FTR: Often cited for its fuel efficiency and maneuverability in urban environments, using engines like the Isuzu 5.2L turbo diesel. 
  • Hino 268/338: Known for fuel efficiency, reliability, and lower operating costs, making them popular for city routes. 
• For long-haul and heavy-duty applications:
  • Freightliner Cascadia Evolution: A strong contender with 9–10 MPG, thanks to its aerodynamic design and Detroit DD15 engine. 
  • Kenworth T680 Advantage: Achieves high mileage through a combination of engine and drivetrain gains and features like predictive cruise control. 
  • Peterbilt 579: Combines aerodynamic shaping with weight-saving features to deliver strong fuel efficiency on long hauls. 
• For medium-duty jobs:
  • Freightliner M2 106: A popular choice for its versatility and options like the Cummins B6.7 engine, known for being dependable and fuel-efficient. 
  • International MV Series: Offers a solid chassis and comfortable cab with engine options like the Cummins B6.7 or International A26, making it suitable for long-distance hauling. 

How many gallons does a Ford E350 box truck hold?

Specifications. Fuel Tank Size: 40 gal.

How many miles per gallon does a Ford 6.7 L V8 diesel get?

The diesel-powered 2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty with the 6.7L Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel engine offers an estimated 18-20 mpg on the highway under optimal conditions.

How many miles per gallon does a 26ft box truck get?

A 26ft box truck typically gets between 6 to 10 miles per gallon (MPG), but the actual mileage can vary significantly. Factors like engine type, whether the truck is loaded or empty, driving habits, and terrain all influence fuel efficiency. For example, some sources list 10 MPG as a general average, while others report real-world mileage as low as 6 MPG, especially for loaded and older trucks. 
Factors affecting MPG

• Engine type: Diesel engines often have better MPG than gasoline engines. 
• Load and towing: A heavier, loaded truck will have lower MPG than an empty one. Towing a vehicle will also decrease fuel efficiency. 
• Driving habits: Aggressive acceleration and braking lower MPG. Driving smoothly and at a consistent speed improves it. 
• Terrain and weather: Driving on hilly terrain or through strong headwinds will decrease MPG. 
• Vehicle maintenance: A well-maintained engine will run more efficiently. 
• Transmission: Manual transmissions can sometimes offer better fuel economy than automatics. 

Sample MPG estimates

• Average: 6-10 MPG
• U-Haul (unloaded): Up to 10 MPG
• Penske (loaded): Around 8 MPG
• Worst-case (loaded, older gas auto): 5-6 MPG
• Best-case (newer diesel manual): 8-9 MPG