What is the mpg on a 04 f250 Super Duty?
The miles per gallon (mpg) for a 2004 Ford F-250 Super Duty depends on the chosen engine and drivetrain. In typical use, gas variants hover in the mid-teens for combined mileage, while diesel versions tend to deliver higher highway efficiency. Four-wheel-drive configurations usually lower mpg compared with two-wheel-drive models, especially when towing or carrying heavy loads.
Engine options and mpg ranges
The 2004 F-250 Super Duty offered several powertrains, and each one has its own expected mpg profile. The following ranges reflect common, real‑world numbers reported by owners and aligned with historical EPA guidance for these engines.
- 5.4L Triton V8 (gas), 2WD: typically about 14–18 mpg combined (roughly 12–15 mpg city, 17–19 mpg highway in many highway-focused tests).
- 5.4L Triton V8 (gas), 4x4: generally around 13–17 mpg combined (often lower in city driving, higher on highway).
- 6.8L V10 (gas), 2WD: commonly in the 12–15 mpg combined range (roughly 10–14 mpg city, 16–19 mpg highway).
- 6.0L Power Stroke diesel, 2WD: typically in the 16–20 mpg combined range (about 14–16 mpg city, 20–22 mpg highway on light loads).
- 6.0L Power Stroke diesel, 4x4: commonly around 14–18 mpg combined (lower in city driving, higher on highway).
These figures are representative and can vary based on payload, towing, maintenance, altitude, tires, and driving style. Diesel engines often show stronger highway efficiency, while heavy payloads or frequent towing can significantly reduce mpg across all configurations.
Factors that influence mpg beyond the engine
Beyond the engine choice, several elements affect real-world fuel economy on a 2004 F-250. Understanding them helps set realistic expectations and potentially improve efficiency.
- Payload and towing: Heavier loads and towing duties dramatically reduce mpg regardless of engine.
- Drivetrain: 4x4 variants typically consume more fuel than 2x2 models due to increased drivetrain losses and weight.
- Maintenance and condition: Proper tire inflation, clean air filters, and well-maintained injectors and fuel system help sustain better efficiency.
- Driving habits: Frequent starts/stops, aggressive acceleration, or extended idling lowers mpg; steady highway cruising improves it.
In practice, owners report a wide range of real-world mpg for the 2004 F-250, reflecting how these factors interact with the chosen engine and configuration.
Summary
For a 2004 Ford F-250 Super Duty, mpg varies significantly by engine and drivetrain. Gas variants generally reach roughly 12–19 mpg combined depending on 2WD vs. 4x4 and usage, while diesel models often achieve about 16–22 mpg combined, with highway mileage typically higher than city mileage. Towing, payload, and maintenance profoundly influence actual fuel economy. When evaluating a specific truck, check the exact engine and drivetrain configuration and consider real-world owner reports for a practical expectation.
