What is the gas mileage on a Ford F-150 5.0 V8?

The Ford F-150 equipped with the 5.0-liter V8 typically delivers roughly 18 miles per gallon in combined driving, with actual numbers varying by year, drivetrain, and configuration.

Fuel economy outcomes for this engine are shaped by several factors, including the model year, whether the truck is 2-wheel drive (2WD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD), cab and bed configuration, axle ratio, and how the truck is used day to day. Real-world results can differ substantially from the EPA estimates, especially when towing, hauling, or operating in challenging conditions.

Understanding the mpg by configuration

Before examining the typical ranges, note that EPA ratings change with year, trim, and drivetrain. The following summarizes common expectations for recent F-150s with the 5.0L V8.

• Drivetrain: Two-wheel drive (2WD) models generally post higher combined fuel economy than four-wheel drive (4WD) ones. Expect combined numbers in the high-teens to low-20s mpg range depending on year and cab/bed configuration.


• Body configuration: A Regular Cab or SuperCab with a shorter bed can differ in aerodynamics and weight from a SuperCrew with a longer bed, leading to slight variations in combined mpg across trims and years.


• Towing and payload: Heavier loads and active towing significantly reduce mpg, often by several miles per gallon compared with unloaded highway driving.


• Fuel economy features: The 5.0L V8 typically uses an automatic Start-Stop system and other efficiency-minded features; these can influence city mpg and, when not towing, may provide small highway gains depending on conditions.

In practical terms, the latest configurations generally yield mid-teens to low-twenties mpg in combined driving, with 2WD variants tending to sit toward the higher end of that range and 4WD variants toward the lower end. For towing or heavy loads, expect notably lower numbers than the EPA estimates.

Factors that influence real-world mileage

Various operating conditions and choices influence actual fuel economy beyond the sticker numbers. The following factors commonly affect mpg for the F-150’s 5.0L V8.

1. Driving style and terrain: City driving with frequent stops or sustained aggressive acceleration lowers mpg, while steady highway cruising improves it.


2. Payload and towing: Heavier loads reduce efficiency; towing a trailer can cause a significant drop in combined mpg depending on weight and wind resistance.


3. Climate and weather: Cold starts, headwinds, and hilly terrain reduce fuel economy until the engine reaches operating temperature.


4. Maintenance and tires: Proper tire inflation, air-filter cleanliness, and regular tune-ups help maintain optimum mpg; under-inflated tires and poor maintenance typically hurt efficiency.


5. Wheel and accessory load: Larger wheels, aftermarket tires, roof racks, bed covers, and other add-ons can increase aerodynamic drag and weight, lowering mpg.

Overall, real-world mileage tends to be lower than EPA numbers when towing or hauling, and higher on long highway trips with lighter loads and steady speeds.

Tips to maximize fuel economy with the 5.0L V8 F-150

Simple, practical steps can help you squeeze more miles per gallon without sacrificing capability.

1. Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure for your load and driving conditions.


2. Minimize aerodynamic drag: remove roof racks when not in use and consider an appropriately designed bed cover to reduce wind resistance on the highway.


3. Avoid excessive idling; plan trips to minimize repeated stops and use smooth, steady acceleration and braking.


4. Use cruise control on highway sections where appropriate to maintain a steady speed and improve efficiency.


5. Follow routine maintenance: use the recommended grade of fuel, keep air filters clean, and ensure the engine is properly tuned; address any faults promptly.

While no two trips are identical, these practices help maximize the F-150’s efficiency, especially on long highway drives or when light on payload.

Summary

For a current Ford F-150 with the 5.0-liter V8, expect roughly 18 mpg combined on average, with a typical range spanning the high-teens to low-20s depending on drivetrain, cab/bed configuration, and use case. Real-world results vary, particularly when towing or carrying heavy loads. Always check the EPA window sticker for your exact build and consider real-world owner reports for your specific configuration to set realistic expectations.

Which engine is better, 5.0 or 3.5 EcoBoost?

The better engine depends on your priorities: the 3.5L EcoBoost is superior for torque, towing, and potential aftermarket modifications, while the 5.0L V8 offers smoother, more traditional acceleration, a better sound, and potentially lower long-term maintenance costs. 
This video compares the 3.5L EcoBoost and 5.0L V8 engines: 1m8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Feb 28, 2023
3.5L EcoBoost

• Pros:
  • Higher torque, which makes it feel very powerful for towing and general acceleration. 
  • Better for towing heavy loads, as it provides the power needed to pull like a "freight train". 
  • Can have higher horsepower in certain configurations (High-Output version). 
  • Greater potential for aftermarket tuning and modifications. 
• Cons:
  • Can be less reliable with known issues like cam phaser rattle in some model years. 
  • More difficult for the average person to work on due to its complexity. 
  • Fuel economy may not be significantly better than the V8 in real-world driving, especially when using its power. 

5.0L V8

• Pros:
  • Smooth, consistent acceleration and power delivery. 
  • More appealing, traditional V8 sound. 
  • Generally simpler engine, which can lead to lower long-term maintenance costs. 
  • Slightly better fuel economy in some real-world scenarios. 
• Cons:
  • Less torque than the EcoBoost, so it may feel slower to some drivers, especially at lower RPMs. 
  • Has its own specific issues, such as water pump and VCT solenoid problems in certain years. 

This video demonstrates the towing experience with the 5.0L V8: 1mGetty's GarageYouTube · May 28, 2024
Which is right for you?

• Choose the 3.5L EcoBoost if you prioritize maximum torque for towing and a more powerful feeling, and you are comfortable with the potential for more complex repairs. 
• Choose the 5.0L V8 if you prefer a classic V8 driving experience with its smooth power and sound, and a simpler engine that is often more reliable and easier to maintain. 

How many miles per gallon does a 5.0 V-8 F-150 get?

The 5.0L V8 F-150 has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 16 MPG city / 24 MPG highway. Real-world mileage can vary depending on driving conditions, but drivers report achieving an average of 19-22 MPG, especially with a 75% highway/25% city driving mix. 
You can watch this video to see a real-world fuel economy test of the 5.0L V8 engine: 58sGetty's GarageYouTube · Nov 18, 2023
EPA estimates

• City: 16 MPG
• Highway: 24 MPG
• Combined: 19 MPG 

Real-world performance

• Drivers often report achieving around 19-22 MPG, especially with mixed highway and city driving. 
• Averages of 20-21 MPG are common with a mix of 75% highway and 25% city driving. 
• Purely highway driving can result in mileage of 23+ MPG. 
• Factors like your driving style, vehicle modifications (e.g., larger tires, lifts), and model year can affect your actual MPG. 

This video compares the real-world fuel economy of the 5.0L V8 with the EcoBoost engine: 54sJB ReviewsYouTube · Jun 22, 2025

Is the F-150 5.0 a reliable engine?

While the Ford F150 5.0 engine has its share of problems, it remains a robust choice for drivers. With proper maintenance and quality parts, its reliability can be upheld for many years.

Is the Ford F150 V-8 good on gas?

Is the 5.0-liter V-8 better than the 3.5 V-6 EcoBoost? In many ways the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 is better than the 5.0-liter V-8, such as the Ford F-150 MPG ratings. The EcoBoost V-6 delivers up to an EPA-estimated 17/25 MPG (City/Highway) 1 while the V-8 delivers an EPA-estimated 16/24 MPG (City/Highway).