How many MPG does a gas F-250 get?

The gas-powered Ford F-250 typically achieves mid-teens miles per gallon, with EPA estimates usually around 14–15 mpg combined. Actual mileage depends on the engine (6.2-liter or 7.3-liter V8) and drivetrain (2WD or 4WD), as well as payload and towing.

What follows is a breakdown of the main gasoline powertrains Ford has offered in recent F-250 models and how the EPA rates them across drivetrain configurations, followed by notes on real-world performance and tips to improve efficiency.

Gas engine options and EPA ratings

EPA ratings vary by engine and drivetrain. The two gasoline engines most commonly paired with the F-250 are the 6.2-liter V8 and the 7.3-liter V8. Here are typical EPA estimates for recent models, shown for 2WD and 4WD configurations where applicable.

• 6.2L V8 gasoline (2WD): EPA estimates around city 12–13 mpg, highway 17–19 mpg, combined about 14–15 mpg.


• 6.2L V8 gasoline (4WD): EPA estimates around city 11–12 mpg, highway 17–18 mpg, combined about 14–15 mpg.


• 7.3L V8 gasoline (2WD): EPA estimates around city 12–13 mpg, highway 17–19 mpg, combined about 14–15 mpg.


• 7.3L V8 gasoline (4WD): EPA estimates around city 12 mpg, highway 16–18 mpg, combined about 14–15 mpg.

Notes: These figures reflect typical recent model-year configurations. Exact ratings can vary by year, cab configuration, axle ratio, and towing or payload equipment. Real-world mileage will differ, especially when used for heavy hauling or towing.

Bottom line: EPA estimates for gas F-250 configurations tend to cluster around the mid-teens for combined mpg, with modest differences between the 6.2L and 7.3L engines and between 2WD and 4WD setups.

Real-world performance and factors affecting fuel economy

While EPA numbers provide a baseline, actual fuel economy often falls short when the truck is used for heavy towing or payload. The following factors commonly influence fuel efficiency:

• Payload and towing weight


• Terrain and driving speed (city vs. highway)


• Drivetrain and axle gearing (2WD vs 4WD)


• Vehicle maintenance, tire pressure, and engine condition


• Use of air conditioning and exterior cargo


• Aerodynamics and overall weight of cargo

Understanding these factors helps set realistic expectations for MPG in day-to-day use.

Tips to maximize MPG on a gas F-250

Owners can take practical steps to improve efficiency, though gains are limited by the vehicle’s size and purpose.

• Keep tires properly inflated and wheel alignment in check.


• Minimize payload and towing weight when not needed.


• Drive with smooth acceleration and steady speeds; avoid excessive idling.


• Reduce aerodynamic drag by removing unnecessary racks or cargo on the roof.


• Perform regular maintenance: clean air filters, spark plugs, and timely oil changes.

In summary, gas F-250 pickups typically record mid-teens MPG, with EPA estimates around 14–15 mpg combined, and real-world figures influenced heavily by towing, payload, and driving habits.

Summary

Gas-powered Ford F-250s generally deliver mid-teens fuel economy, with EPA combined ratings around 14–15 mpg depending on the engine (6.2L or 7.3L) and drivetrain (2WD or 4WD). Real-world mileage varies based on towing, payload, terrain, and driving style. For buyers, this means planning for higher fuel costs when compared with lighter pickups or passenger vehicles, especially if the truck will regularly haul heavy loads or tow trailers.

Is the 7.3 gas reliable?

The Ford 7.3 gas engine, known as the "Godzilla," is considered very reliable, durable, and a strong performer, especially compared to previous Ford gas engines. Its reliability stems from a robust cast iron block and its ability to handle heavy loads. However, potential issues like lifter failures have been reported, especially in commercial applications with high idle times, which some attribute to lubrication issues or material defects in certain early models. 
Strengths 
This video discusses the reliability of the Ford 7.3 Godzilla engine: 58sGetty's GarageYouTube · Oct 2, 2025

• Durability: The cast iron block with iron liners is more resistant to warping under load, contributing to longevity. 
• Torque: It is a high-torque powerhouse, providing good performance for towing and heavy work. 
• Maintenance costs: Gas engines generally have lower maintenance costs than their diesel counterparts. 
• Cost savings: The engine is less expensive upfront than a diesel option, with cheaper oil changes and potential repairs. 

Potential weaknesses and things to watch for 
This video explains the potential issues with the Ford 7.3 Godzilla engine, including lifter failures: 58sFlying WrenchesYouTube · Oct 14, 2024

• Lifter and camshaft failures: While not widespread across all engines, lifter failures have been reported, sometimes leading to metal contamination requiring block replacement. This seems to be more common in commercial vehicles with extended idle times. 
• Fuel economy: Fuel economy is poor, generally ranging from 6-15 mpg depending on driving conditions, load, and other factors. 
• Transmission concerns: Some users have reported issues with the 10-speed transmission in conjunction with the 7.3L engine, citing jerking and slipping. 
• Other issues: Less common problems can include a faulty Injection Pressure Regulator (IPR) valve. 

What to do if you own or are considering buying one

• Proper maintenance is crucial: Adhere to the recommended service intervals, including changing the fuel filter every other oil change and servicing the transmission regularly. 
• Address symptoms quickly: If you notice symptoms like dimming lights, engine hesitation, or unusual noises, get them checked out promptly to prevent potential damage. 
• Be aware of high idle time: If the engine is used in commercial applications with long periods of idling, be extra vigilant about lubrication and maintenance to mitigate the risk of lifter failure. 
• Consider a transmission tune: For trucks equipped with the 10-speed transmission, a transmission tune may help prevent some of the reported shifting issues. 

How many miles per gallon does a gas F-250 get?

A gas F-250's MPG typically ranges from 10-18 MPG, depending on the engine, year, and driving conditions. City driving usually results in lower mileage, around 10-13 MPG, while highway driving can achieve 14-18 MPG. For example, the modern 7.3L V8 often gets around 15-16 MPG on the highway, while older models with engines like the 6.2L might average closer to 13-14 MPG in mixed driving. 
This video shows a real-world MPG test of a Ford F-250 with a 7.3L gas engine: 1mShelby PagetYouTube · Sep 7, 2025
Factors that influence MPG

• Engine and transmission: Newer engines like the 7.3L are often more efficient, especially when paired with a 10-speed transmission, compared to older 6.2L engines with 6-speeds. 
• Driving conditions: Stop-and-go city driving will lower your MPG, while consistent highway speeds will result in better fuel economy. 
• Payload and towing: Hauling heavy loads, cargo, or towing a trailer significantly decreases MPG, sometimes dropping it into the 8-12 MPG range. 
• Axle ratio and tire size: Different rear-end gear ratios and larger tires will impact how the engine performs and affect overall fuel economy. 
• Vehicle age: Older F-250s with gas engines generally have lower fuel economy than newer models. 

You can watch this video to see a comparison of gas and diesel F-250s' fuel economy: 55sThe Fast Lane TruckYouTube · Dec 14, 2023
Example MPG figures

• Newer models (e.g., 2024 F-250 7.3L): Expect around 15-18 MPG on the highway and roughly 13-14 MPG in city driving. 
• Older models (e.g., 2016 F-250 6.2L): Average around 13-14 MPG for the lifetime or with mixed driving. 
• Towing: Towing a load can drop your MPG into the 8-12 MPG range, depending on the weight of the trailer. 

What's better, F-250 gas or diesel?

An F-250 gas engine is better for lower initial cost, moderate towing, and daily use, while a diesel is superior for heavy towing, maximum torque, and potentially better fuel economy over long distances. The diesel engine's key advantages are its higher torque and longevity, while the gas engine is a more budget-friendly and reliable option for lighter work. 
This video compares the feel and power of a gas and a diesel F-250: 57sBen HardyYouTube · Jun 20, 2024
F-250 Gas vs. Diesel

Feature	Gas Engine	Diesel Engine
Initial Cost	Lower upfront cost	Higher initial cost
Torque	Lower torque; excellent horsepower	Significantly higher torque, ideal for towing heavy loads
Fuel Economy	Lower than diesel, but can still be efficient for its size	Better fuel economy, especially on the highway with a load
Towing & Hauling	Good for moderate loads	Superior for heavy, consistent towing and hauling
Longevity	Generally shorter lifespan than diesel engines	Typically longer lifespan due to more robust construction
Maintenance	Generally simpler and cheaper	More complex and expensive; requires additional fluids like DEF
Use Case	Daily driving, light-duty work, and recreational use	Heavy-duty commercial work, frequent heavy towing, and long-distance travel

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Which 2500 truck gets the best gas mileage?

The most fuel-efficient 2500 trucks are generally those with diesel engines, particularly the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD with the Duramax diesel and the Ford F-250 or Ram 2500 with their respective turbodiesel options. A 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 with the gas TurboMax 4-cylinder engine also stands out, achieving around 202020 mpg combined, which is a very good number for a heavy-duty gas engine. 
You can watch this video to learn about the fuel efficiency of the Ram 2500 diesel engine: 58sThe Fast Lane TruckYouTube · Jul 1, 2025
Diesel engine options

• Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Duramax: Achieves approximately 202020 to 252525 mpg on the highway. 
• Ford F-250 Power Stroke: Unloaded highway results can be in the 17−2017 minus 2017−20 mpg range. 
• Ram 2500 Cummins: Can also reach 17−2017 minus 2017−20 mpg on the highway and has real-world combined averages around 15.915.915.9 mpg. 

Gasoline engine option

• Chevrolet Silverado 2500 with TurboMax 4-cylinder: This engine offers a good balance of power and efficiency, with an estimated 202020 mpg combined.