Is the Ford F150 good on gas?
Overall, the Ford F-150’s gas mileage depends largely on the chosen engine and configuration. The most efficient modern setups (notably EcoBoost gasoline engines and the PowerBoost hybrid) deliver mid-20s miles per gallon (mpg) on paper, while traditional V8 power can dip into the teens or low 20s. Real-world results vary with payload, towing, terrain, and driving style.
Fuel economy by powertrain
Understanding how the F-150 clocks mpg starts with the powertrain. Below are the typical ranges you can expect from the main gasoline options and the hybrid, in common configurations.
Gasoline engines
These are the conventional, non-hybrid choices that balance power and efficiency. EPA estimates vary by year and drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD) and wheel/tire size, but the general ranges are:
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6: roughly 20–23 mpg city / 26–28 mpg highway; about 22–25 mpg combined depending on 2WD or 4WD.
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6: roughly 18–21 mpg city / 23–26 mpg highway; about 20–23 mpg combined depending on drivetrain.
- 5.0L V8: roughly 16–18 mpg city / 21–23 mpg highway; about 18–20 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Notes: These figures are EPA estimates and can vary with payload, towing, tires, and driving conditions. The EcoBoost engines are typically the most efficient options in everyday use, especially on highways and with lighter loads.
Hybrid PowerBoost
The PowerBoost Hybrid combines a 3.5L V6 with electric barrels to improve efficiency, especially in city and highway cruises with light payloads. Typical numbers look like this:
- PowerBoost hybrid: about 25 mpg combined on many configurations, with some real-world variation up or down depending on use (towing, payload, and terrain).
Notes: The hybrid shines when driven with steadier speeds and moderate loads. Heavy towing or aggressive acceleration can reduce mpg noticeably, but it generally outperforms traditional gasoline V8s in mixed driving.
Other factors that affect fuel economy
Fuel economy isn’t determined by engine alone. Several practical factors can push mpg up or down:
- Towing and payload: hauling heavy loads or towing reduces mpg, often by a few mpg depending on weight and trailer setup.
- Drivetrain: 4WD versions tend to consume more fuel than 2WD models, especially in city driving.
- Tire choice and maintenance: tires with higher rolling resistance lower mpg; keeping tires properly inflated helps sustain fuel efficiency.
- Driving style and conditions: stop-and-go city driving lowers mpg; steady highway cruising improves it. Terrain (hills, mountains) also matters.
Conclusion: For daily driving, EcoBoost-equipped and PowerBoost-equipped F-150s are the better bet for fuel efficiency, while heavy-duty use or aggressive driving will erode mpg across the lineup.
Real-world expectations and comparisons
Owners often report mpg that lines up with EPA ranges, though actual numbers vary. In everyday use, highway cruising and light payloads tend to yield the best fuel economy, while frequent towing, rough terrain, or urban gridlock can bring mpg down. When comparing to rivals in the full-size pickup segment, the F-150’s EcoBoost and hybrid options typically offer competitive to superior efficiency, particularly against V8-only engines and some older pickups.
Tips to maximize mpg in an F-150
Improving fuel economy comes down to a mix of vehicle choices and driving habits. Here are practical steps to squeeze more miles out of each gallon.
- Choose the right powertrain for your needs: if you don’t require maximum towing, an EcoBoost or Hybrid setup is usually more efficient overall.
- Keep payload modest and distribute weight evenly to avoid unnecessary load that saps mpg.
- Maintain proper tire pressure and use fuel-efficient tires when possible.
- Use cruise control on steady highways and avoid frequent rapid acceleration or heavy braking.
- Plan trips to minimize idling and combine errands into single, longer runs when feasible.
Concluding: Small changes in configuration and driving behavior can yield noticeable improvements in real-world mpg.
Summary
For most buyers, the Ford F-150 offers acceptable fuel economy within the full-size pickup segment, with the best efficiency found in EcoBoost gasoline engines and the PowerBoost hybrid. If fuel efficiency is a top priority, opting for a 2WD EcoBoost model or the Hybrid PowerBoost and using efficient driving practices can deliver mid-20s mpg in combined driving. For heavy towing, payload-heavy work, or sportier performance, expect lower mpg figures, and plan accordingly.
In brief: yes, the F-150 can be quite efficient—especially the modern EcoBoost and hybrid variants—but its mpg will always depend on engine choice, drivetrain, and how you use the truck.
Which F-150 years are worth avoiding?
2004-2008
We recommend avoiding 2004-2008 F150 models due to spark plug ejection issues with the 5.4L V8 engine. The 2015-2016 models, while not bad, had some early aluminum body production quirks that Ford resolved in later years. Always research specific model years and have any used truck inspected before purchase.
Is a Ford F-150 good on gas?
The 2024 Ford F-150 is a top pick in the full-size pickup truck market. It offers great power, capability, and fuel economy. With various engine options, including a hybrid, it gets high mpg ratings without losing performance. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine gets 22 MPG city and 24 MPG highway.
How far can an F-150 go on a tank of gas?
A Ford F-150 can travel anywhere from approximately 250 to over 700 miles on a full tank, depending on the model's engine, tank size, and driving conditions. Modern F-150s with a 36-gallon tank can range from about 650 miles to over 700 miles on the highway, while older models or those with smaller tanks typically have a range closer to 350-500 miles.
Factors that influence range
- Engine and drivetrain: Different engine options have varying fuel efficiencies. For example, the 3.5L EcoBoost is known for its efficiency, while a larger V8 will have a lower MPG.
- Tank size: Larger fuel tanks, like the available 36-gallon option on newer models, can significantly increase the driving range.
- Driving conditions: Highway driving, city driving, towing, and carrying heavy loads all affect your actual mileage.
- Driving habits: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds will decrease your range, while a more cautious and fuel-efficient driving style can increase it.
- Other factors: Tire pressure, temperature, and wind can also impact fuel economy.
How to estimate your F-150's range
- Find your truck's fuel tank capacity (in gallons).
- Find the highway MPG for your specific engine and model year.
- Multiply the tank capacity by the highway MPG.
- Example: A truck with a 20-gallon tank and 20 highway MPG can go approximately 400 miles (20 gallons×20 MPG=400 miles20 gallons cross 20 MPG equals 400 miles20 gallons×20 MPG=400 miles).
What Ford truck is good on gas?
The Ford Maverick Hybrid leads the way with an estimated 42 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient truck of 2025.
