How many mpg does a Ford F250 diesel get?

In general, a Ford F-250 powered by the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel delivers roughly 16–20 mpg in combined driving under typical conditions, with higher highway mileage and lower results when towing or carrying heavy payload. The exact figures depend on year, cab/bed configuration, drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD), and how the truck is used.

How the mpg numbers break down

The following ranges reflect common, non-towing EPA-style estimates for current-generation F-250 configurations, noting that real-world results vary by year and option package.

• 2WD, no towing: combined approximately 17–18 mpg (city around 15–16 mpg, highway around 19–20 mpg).


• 4WD, no towing: combined approximately 16–17 mpg (city around 14–15 mpg, highway around 18–19 mpg).


• With towing or heavy payload: typically in the mid-teens or lower (roughly 12–15 mpg, depending on trailer weight and terrain).

These figures provide a baseline for planning, but actual performance will vary based on model year, cab/bed choice, axle ratio, and how much weight you’re carrying or towing.

Real-world factors that influence fuel economy

Fuel economy is affected by more than just drivetrain. Here are common variables owners cite when discussing their actual mileage.

• Payload and trailer weight, including hitch setup and accessories.


• Terrain and driving conditions, such as hills, wind, and stop-and-go traffic.


• Driving style, including speed, acceleration, and use of cruise control.


• Tire type, size, and inflation pressure—over- or under-inflated tires hurt efficiency.


• Aerodynamics from aftermarket equipment, bed loads, or cargo placement.


• Maintenance factors, like air filters, engine tune, and fuel quality.

In practice, even the same truck can swing a few miles per gallon based on these variables, so owners should expect a range rather than a single fixed number.

Tips to maximize mpg on a Ford F-250 diesel

To improve fuel economy, consider these practical steps that apply to most power-stroke-equipped heavy-duty pickups.

• Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure and align wheels as needed.


• Use cruise control on highways to maintain steady, efficient speeds.


• Limit idle time; turn off the engine during extended stops.


• Plan routes to minimize unnecessary stops, heavy traffic, and steep grades when possible.


• Perform regular maintenance: replace air and fuel filters as recommended, and ensure the engine is properly tuned.


• When possible, avoid heavy payloads or oversized tires that raise rolling resistance and weight.

Following these practices can help you extract more efficiency from the Power Stroke without compromising capability.

Model-year and configuration notes

EPA fuel economy figures can vary slightly from year to year due to changes in gearing, tires, and optional equipment. Always check the EPA ratings for your exact configuration on FuelEconomy.gov or Ford’s official spec sheets for the most precise numbers. Additionally, if you regularly tow or work with heavy loads, real-world mpg will likely fall toward the lower end of the ranges listed above.

Summary

The Ford F-250 diesel with the 6.7L Power Stroke typically delivers mid-teens to low-20s mpg under standard, non-towing use, with highway figures higher than city numbers. Towing, payload, and configuration significantly influence actual results, and fuel economy will vary by model year and setup. For planning purposes, expect roughly 16–18 mpg combined in regular driving, dipping into the teens with heavier trailers or payloads, and occasionally climbing toward the upper 20s on long highway cruises with minimal load.

If you want the exact mpg for your specific truck, the best approach is to review the EPA window sticker for your year and configuration and track your real-world fuel economy over several fill-ups using a consistent method.

What 2500 diesel gets the best MPG?

Best MPG 3/4 Ton Diesel Truck
In that world, the frontrunners are the Chevrolet/GMC 2500 Duramax (6.6L), Ford F-250 Power Stroke (6.7L), and Ram 2500 Cummins (6.7L). Unloaded highway results often sit in the 17–20 mpg window, with mixed driving around 15–18 mpg.

How many miles per gallon does a 6.7 Ford F250 diesel get?

A Ford F-250 with the 6.7L diesel engine typically gets 18-20 mpg on the highway and 15-18 mpg in mixed city/highway driving when unloaded. Fuel economy drops significantly when towing, with estimates ranging from 8.9 to 12-15 mpg depending on the load. Real-world mileage is affected by driving style, speed, terrain, and other factors. 
Unloaded driving

• Highway: Expect around 18-20 mpg on the highway under optimal conditions. Some drivers report getting as high as 24 mpg on highways, particularly with the high-output (HO) engine and gentle driving. 
• Mixed/City: You can expect a combined average of 15-18 mpg. 
• Factors: Driving speed has a significant impact. Driving at 80 mph can reduce fuel economy compared to driving at 60-65 mph, where you might see higher mileage. 

This video shows a real-world fuel economy test of a Ford F-250 diesel truck: 40sSkinner’s DOSEYouTube · Nov 11, 2025
Towing

• Towing MPG: When towing, fuel economy can drop to 12-15 mpg. 
• Heavier loads: With very heavy loads (e.g., a 17,000 lb 5th wheel), mileage can drop to under 9 mpg. 

This video demonstrates a fuel economy test of a Ford F-250 diesel while towing a trailer: 59sTFLnowYouTube · Apr 9, 2025
Other considerations

• High-output (HO) engine: The high-output version of the 6.7L engine offers more power with little to no difference in fuel consumption compared to the standard engine under normal conditions. 
• Engine break-in: New engines may have lower fuel economy until they are broken in. 
• DPF delete: Aftermarket modifications like a DPF delete may increase MPG, but this is not recommended for street use. 

Is the F250 6.7 better than the 7.3 gas?

The primary difference is that the 6.7L diesel excels in towing and torque, while the 7.3L gas is cheaper to buy and maintain, and has better high-end horsepower. For heavy-duty towing needs, the diesel is the superior choice. For lighter towing, daily driving, and overall cost savings on maintenance and purchase price, the 7.3L gas engine is the better option. 
You can watch this video to learn how the 7.3L gas engine compares to the 6.7L diesel engine in towing: 58sT & T Landscape & MasonryYouTube · Dec 10, 2022
6.7L Diesel

• Pros:
  • Superior towing capacity: It has significantly higher towing capacity, especially for heavy loads like 5th wheels. 
  • Higher torque: It delivers more torque at lower RPMs, making it better for hauling heavy loads up hills. 
  • Durability: Diesel engines are generally built to last longer with proper maintenance. 
• Cons:
  • Higher upfront cost: The diesel engine option is more expensive to purchase. 
  • Higher maintenance costs: Diesel trucks have more complex emissions systems (like DPF and DEF fluid) and can have more expensive repairs. 
  • Heavier weight: The heavier engine reduces the truck's payload capacity. 

7.3L Gas

• Pros:
  • Lower initial and maintenance cost: It is cheaper to purchase and has simpler maintenance requirements with no complex emissions systems. 
  • Higher horsepower: It produces more horsepower at higher RPMs. 
  • Lighter weight: It is a lighter engine, which increases the truck's payload capacity. 
• Cons:
  • Lower towing capacity: While capable, it is not designed for the heaviest towing jobs compared to the diesel. 
  • Lower torque: It has significantly less torque than the diesel engine. 
  • Lower fuel economy: It generally gets lower gas mileage, though highway fuel economy can be acceptable. 

This video discusses the cost and maintenance differences between the 7.3L gas and 6.7L diesel engines: 59sSalty TripsYouTube · Apr 6, 2025
Which is right for you?

• Choose the 6.7L Diesel if you regularly tow heavy loads (e.g., large 5th wheels, heavy equipment) and want the best performance for those tasks. 
• Choose the 7.3L Gas if you tow less frequently, are on a tighter budget, and want a truck with lower maintenance costs and higher payload capacity for daily use. 

What is the fuel mileage on a 6.7 PowerStroke vs 6.7 Cummins?

The Ford 6.7L Powerstroke generally gets better highway mileage, typically between 19–20 MPG when unloaded, while the 6.7L Cummins averages around 16–18 MPG. However, the Cummins often performs better under heavy towing loads due to its high low-end torque. Real-world fuel economy can vary significantly depending on factors like model year, vehicle condition, payload, and driving habits. 
This video compares the performance of a 6.7L Powerstroke and a 6.7L Cummins in a pulling competition: 57sMann Family FarmsYouTube · Jul 3, 2021
6.7L Cummins

• Highway MPG (unloaded): 16–18 MPG
• City MPG: Around 12 MPG
• Towing: Stronger under heavy towing loads due to high low-end torque. 

This video shows a MPG challenge comparing a 6.7L Duramax, 6.7L Cummins, and a 6.7L Powerstroke: 56sThe Fast Lane TruckYouTube · Jun 19, 2018
6.7L Powerstroke

• Highway MPG (unloaded): Up to 20 MPG
• City MPG: Around 14–15 MPG
• Towing: Often slightly less fuel-efficient when towing heavy loads compared to the Cummins. 

Key considerations

• Load: The 6.7L Powerstroke tends to have an advantage in fuel economy when unloaded, but this gap narrows significantly or reverses when towing heavy loads, where the Cummins' torque becomes a benefit. 
• Model Year: Fuel economy can vary between different model years for both engines due to design updates. 
• Driving Conditions: Urban vs. highway driving, speed, and driving habits will all affect the final MPG. 
• Towing/Payload: When a truck is fully loaded, fuel economy drops for both engines. Some drivers report a full load can bring the MPG down to around 11.2 MPG for either engine, though this is highly variable.