What is the fuel mileage for a 7.3 powerstroke?

For most 7.3 Power Stroke pickups, expect roughly mid-teens to low 20s mpg in typical driving, with highway runs in the high teens to low 20s and significantly lower numbers when towing or hauling heavy loads.

The 7.3 Power Stroke, Ford’s turbocharged diesel V8 produced from the mid-1990s through 2003, is a durable workhorse in Super Duty trucks. Actual fuel economy varies widely based on model year, drivetrain (2WD vs. 4x4), axle ratio, transmission, payload, maintenance, and driving style. The following sections summarize real-world ranges and the main factors that influence them.

Typical mpg ranges by driving conditions

Real-world fuel economy depends largely on how the truck is used. The ranges below reflect common experiences reported by owners of stock, unmodified 7.3 Power Stroke engines.

• Highway cruising with a light load (2WD, reasonable aero, steady speeds): 18–23 mpg


• Urban or mixed driving with frequent stops: 12–15 mpg


• Towing heavy loads or carrying substantial payload: 9–12 mpg


• Long highway trips with careful driving and light payload: 19–22 mpg

These figures are indicative and can vary based on tire size, gearing, axle ratio, altitude, and overall vehicle condition. Real-world results often fall outside these bands depending on the specific setup and driving habits.

Factors that influence mpg

Several variables shape the fuel economy of a 7.3 Power Stroke. Understanding them helps set realistic expectations and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Drivetrain and gearing: 4x4 systems, higher axle ratios, and heavy-duty transmissions can lower mpg compared to light-duty configurations.


• Maintenance: clean air filters, proper oil type and change intervals, and a well-tuned injection system maintain efficiency.


• Payload and towing: carrying weight or pulling trailers dramatically increases fuel consumption.


• Altitude and climate: thinner air at altitude and extreme temperatures can affect engine efficiency.


• Driving style: conservative acceleration and steady speeds tend to maximize highway mileage.

Keeping up with maintenance and mindful driving can help you get closer to the upper end of the typical ranges, especially on highway cruising where the 7.3L diesel can perform efficiently when not overworked.

Maintenance, mods, and driving habits that affect mpg

Below are practical practices and common upgrades that can influence fuel economy outcomes for the 7.3 Power Stroke. Implementing these can help maximize efficiency without compromising reliability.

• Maintain tire pressure at OEM-recommended levels to reduce rolling resistance.


• Keep the fuel system clean and use quality fuel to support efficient combustion.


• Regularly service the injection system and engine tune to avoid performance droop.


• Opt for appropriate weight management—remove unnecessary ballast and avoid aftermarket weighty add-ons.


• Consider aerodynamic improvements (e.g., proper bed covers, reduced drag) for highway efficiency.


• Use conservative towing setups and proper hitching to minimize drag and mechanical strain.

Note that some aftermarket modifications can either improve or reduce mpg. Always assess changes against reliability and towing needs, and consult with柴油mechanics familiar with the 7.3 Power Stroke for evidence-based guidance.

Summary

In practical terms, a stock 7.3 Power Stroke typically delivers mid-teens mpg in daily driving, with highway mileage in the high teens to low 20s under favorable conditions. Towing or heavy payloads can push mpg down into the single digits to low teens. Real-world results depend on year, configuration, maintenance, and how the truck is driven. For most owners, understanding these variables and maintaining the truck well will yield the most accurate expectations for fuel economy.

How many miles per gallon does a 2000 7.3 Powerstroke get?

A 2000 7.3 Powerstroke typically gets 11-16 mpg for average daily driving, while empty highway driving can reach 17-20 mpg. Fuel mileage is highly dependent on factors like driving conditions, gearing, and whether the vehicle is being used for towing, which can lower mpg to 9-14 mpg. 
Average fuel economy

• Daily driving/City: Expect around 11-16 mpg. 
• Highway (unloaded): Typically gets 17-20 mpg, especially when driving at moderate speeds (e.g., 60-65 mph). 
• Towing: MPG can drop to 9-14 mpg or lower, depending on the weight of the trailer, terrain, and speed. 

Factors that impact MPG

• Gearing: Axle ratios significantly affect fuel economy. Trucks with different gears will have different MPG results.
• Driving style: Aggressive driving, such as frequent acceleration or high speeds, will reduce MPG. 
• Towing: Hauling heavy loads, especially in hilly terrain or against the wind, will decrease MPG. 
• Vehicle condition: Proper maintenance, like clean filters and fresh oil, can help maintain optimal performance and fuel efficiency. 
• Modifications: Some modifications, such as a larger turbo or a performance tuner, can impact mileage. Stock vehicles generally perform at the lower end of the MPG range, while modified vehicles may see a slight increase or decrease depending on the tune. 

How many miles per gallon does a 99 f250 7.3 get?

A 1999 Ford F-250 with a 7.3L engine typically gets 12-14 mpg on the highway and 10-12 mpg in city driving when new. However, mileage decreases with age, often falling to 8-9 mpg in older models. Factors like driving style, maintenance, and modifications can cause this range to fluctuate, with some users reporting averages between 15 and 21 mpg on the highway. 
Factors affecting MPG

• Vehicle age and condition: Older engines will naturally have lower fuel economy than a brand-new one. 
• Driving conditions: Highway driving is more fuel-efficient than city driving. 
• Towing: Towing a heavy load can significantly decrease fuel economy, sometimes dropping the MPG into the single digits when towing. 
• Tires: Larger or heavier tires can negatively impact fuel efficiency. 
• Modifications: Upgrades like tuners or cold air intakes can improve or hurt MPG, depending on their specific function and how the truck is driven. 
• Maintenance: Consistent maintenance, such as oil and filter changes, is crucial for maintaining optimal fuel economy. 
• Driving speed: Driving at higher speeds, especially over 70 mph, can decrease fuel economy. 

What kind of fuel mileage does a 7.3 diesel get?

A 7.3L diesel engine's MPG varies significantly, but generally ranges from 10-17 MPG when unloaded, with highway driving yielding higher numbers (around 16-18 MPG) and city driving around 14 MPG. Towing a trailer will lower this figure, often to 10-13 MPG, depending on the load. Factors like driving style, gear ratio, tire size, and modifications can impact fuel economy. 
Unloaded and light towing

• Average: 14-16 MPG
• Highway: 16-18 MPG, with some drivers reporting 19-22 MPG under ideal, steady conditions
• City/Aggressive driving: 10-15 MPG 

Towing and heavy loads

• Average: 10-13 MPG, depending on trailer weight 
• Factors that lower MPG: Towing a heavy or large trailer will result in lower mileage 

Factors that influence MPG

• Driving style: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds decrease fuel economy 
• Gear ratio: Different axle ratios will affect performance and mileage 
• Tires: Large or aggressive tires can reduce MPG 
• Modifications: Cold air intakes, tuners, or other upgrades can increase or decrease mileage, depending on the specific mod 

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.