What gas mileage does the Ford 7.3 gas engine get?

The Ford 7.3-liter gas engine, commonly known as the "7.3 Godzilla", is a powerful V8 engine found in various Ford trucks and SUVs. While this engine is renowned for its impressive towing capacity and performance, its fuel efficiency is a common concern for potential buyers. In this article, we'll explore the real-world gas mileage of the Ford 7.3 gas engine and provide a detailed breakdown of its performance.

Real-World Fuel Economy

According to data from Ford, the 7.3-liter gas engine in the 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 15 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. However, actual real-world fuel efficiency can vary depending on driving conditions, load, and individual driving habits.

Most owners report that the Ford 7.3 gas engine typically achieves between 12 to 16 mpg in mixed driving conditions, with some drivers reporting as low as 10 mpg for heavy-duty towing or hauling tasks. The engine's large displacement and high power output contribute to its relatively low fuel efficiency compared to smaller, more fuel-efficient engines.

Factors Affecting Fuel Economy

Several factors can impact the fuel economy of the Ford 7.3 gas engine, including:

• Driving Conditions: Driving in stop-and-go traffic, hilly terrain, or with heavy loads can significantly reduce fuel efficiency.


• Engine Load: Towing heavy trailers or hauling large payloads will increase the engine's workload, resulting in lower fuel economy.


• Driving Style: Aggressive acceleration, high-speed driving, and frequent braking can all contribute to decreased fuel efficiency.


• Maintenance: Proper maintenance, such as regular oil changes and air filter replacements, can help maintain the engine's optimal performance and fuel economy.

It's important to note that the Ford 7.3 gas engine is designed for heavy-duty applications, and its fuel efficiency may not be a primary concern for buyers who prioritize power and towing capacity over fuel economy.

Improving Fuel Efficiency

While the Ford 7.3 gas engine may not be the most fuel-efficient option, there are some steps owners can take to improve its fuel economy:

• Drive Conservatively: Avoid aggressive acceleration and maintain a steady speed to maximize fuel efficiency.


• Reduce Weight: Remove unnecessary cargo and equipment to reduce the engine's workload.


• Maintain the Vehicle: Regular maintenance, such as tire rotations and wheel alignments, can help improve fuel economy.


• Consider Fuel-Saving Accessories: Aftermarket products like aerodynamic body kits or low-rolling-resistance tires may provide a slight boost in fuel efficiency.

Ultimately, the Ford 7.3 gas engine is designed for power and performance, and its fuel efficiency may not be the primary concern for many buyers in this segment. However, understanding the real-world fuel economy and taking steps to improve it can help owners maximize their vehicle's efficiency and reduce fuel costs.

Which is better, 7.3 gas or 6.7 power stroke?

The main differences are that the 6.7L diesel engine offers significantly more torque and better fuel efficiency (especially when towing), while the 7.3L gas engine is cheaper to purchase, lighter, and has more horsepower at higher RPMs. The best choice depends on your needs: choose the 6.7L diesel for heavy-duty towing and commercial use, and the 7.3L gas for lighter towing and general use where lower upfront costs are prioritized.
 
This video explains the performance difference between 6.7L diesel and 7.3L gas engines in Ford Super Duty trucks: 47sJB ReviewsYouTube · Nov 19, 2023
6.7L Powerstroke Diesel 

• Performance: Has substantially more torque, making it ideal for heavy-duty towing and hauling. 
• Fuel Efficiency: Gets better average fuel economy compared to the gas engine, though fuel costs can be higher. 
• Cost: Has a higher initial purchase price. 
• Maintenance: Can have higher maintenance costs and requires exhaust fluid (DEF). 
• Driving Experience: Less prone to "hunting" for gears when towing up hills. 
• Ideal For: Towing very heavy loads (14,000 lbs or more) or frequent commercial use. 

You can watch this video to see how the 6.7L diesel engine performs when towing heavy loads: 45sJB ReviewsYouTube · Nov 12, 2023
7.3L Godzilla Gas 

• Performance: Has more horsepower at higher RPMs, but significantly less torque than the diesel. 
• Fuel Efficiency: Lower fuel efficiency compared to the diesel, especially when towing. 
• Cost: Cheaper to purchase upfront. 
• Maintenance: Generally has lower maintenance costs and no need for DEF. 
• Driving Experience: Can feel underpowered when towing heavy loads and may require more gear-shifting. 
• Ideal For: Lighter towing (around 10,000 lbs) or general use where lower purchase cost is a priority. 

This video compares the 7.3L gas engine with the 6.7L diesel engine for truck owners: 58sT & T Landscape & MasonryYouTube · Dec 10, 2022

How reliable is the Ford 7.3 L gas engine?

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 7.3 Godzilla gas engine get?

The Ford 7.3L "Godzilla" engine's MPG varies by driving conditions, vehicle configuration, and axle ratio, but generally ranges from 10-14 mpg when not towing and 8-10 mpg while towing. Unloaded, highway cruising at consistent speeds can yield better results, sometimes reaching 15-18 mpg, while city driving and heavy loads reduce this significantly. 
Unloaded (highway)

• 15-18 mpg: Typical estimates for highway driving, but this can vary based on speed and gear ratio. 
• ~16.5 mpg: A user reported this figure while driving at 70 mph with a 3.55 rear axle. 
• ~13.6 mpg: A user reported this for around-town driving. 

Towing

• 8-10 mpg: Common figures when towing, especially with a large trailer. 
• ~8.5-9 mpg: A user reported this average while towing a 7,000 lb travel trailer. 
• ~7.4 mpg: A user reported this figure while towing a trailer with a full load, noting that it was lower than expected. 

Factors that influence MPG

• Driving speed: Fuel economy can drop significantly at higher speeds, especially above 65 mph. 
• Axle ratio: Lower numerical ratios (e.g., 3.55) generally lead to better highway mileage than higher ratios (e.g., 3.73). 
• Towing weight and type: Hauling heavier loads or more aerodynamic trailers will reduce MPG. 
• Vehicle configuration: The weight and other equipment on the truck, such as large tires or a heavy camper shell, can affect fuel efficiency. 

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How many miles per gallon does a Ford f250 7.3 L V8 get?

An F-250 with the 7.3L engine typically gets about 14-18 mpg highway when unloaded, with combined city/highway averages often ranging from 11-15 mpg. Towing can drop the mileage significantly, with some users reporting 7-12 mpg or lower depending on the weight of the load and terrain. Factors like axle ratio, driving habits, and modifications all influence the final fuel economy. 
This video shows an MPG test of the 2023 Ford F-250 with the 7.3L gas engine: 1mDaily MotorYouTube · Mar 29, 2024
Highway and city

• Unloaded: Expect around 14−1814 minus 1814−18 mpg on the highway, while city driving may result in 11−1411 minus 1411−14 mpg. Some users report getting as high as 18.518.518.5 mpg on the highway. 
• Towing: When towing, especially with heavy loads or large trailers, fuel economy can drop to 7−127 minus 127−12 mpg or even lower. 

Factors that influence MPG

• Axle ratio: Trucks with higher numerical axle ratios (like 4.304.304.30 vs 3.553.553.55) will typically get worse gas mileage. 
• Driving style: Aggressive driving, speeding, and hard acceleration can significantly lower mpg. Driving at a steady, lower speed (around 656565 mph) can help maximize efficiency. 
• Modifications: Adding a performance tune, larger tires, or other modifications will likely impact your fuel economy. 
• Towing conditions: Pulling a large, flat-fronted trailer will create more aerodynamic drag and reduce fuel economy more than a smaller, more streamlined trailer.