What is the MPG on a 2002 Ford F450 7.3 diesel?
Typically, a 2002 Ford F-450 with the 7.3L Power Stroke diesel achieves roughly 12–15 miles per gallon (mpg) in combined driving, with about 15–18 mpg on the highway and around 9–12 mpg in city conditions. Actual figures vary by drivetrain and load.
Overview of the 2002 F-450 and the 7.3L Power Stroke
The 2002 Ford F-450 Super Duty is a heavy-duty one-ton pickup designed for towing and payload, equipped with Ford's 7.3-liter Power Stroke diesel V8—a workhorse known for durability. Because the F-450 catalog offered multiple configurations (two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, single or dual rear wheels, different transmissions, and varying payloads), there is no single EPA fuel economy figure that covers all versions.
Factors that influence fuel economy
Fuel efficiency in this class is shaped by drivetrain, payload, use case (towing vs. empty), maintenance, and driving conditions. The following factors most often push mpg up or down:
- Drivetrain: 2WD vs. 4x4 typically reduces mpg by several tenths to a couple of miles per gallon in practice.
- Payload and towing: Heavier loads dramatically raise fuel consumption.
- Maintenance: A well-tuned engine, clean fuel filters, proper tire inflation, and efficient aerodynamics improve efficiency.
- Terrain and driving style: Steady highway cruising saves fuel; frequent accelerating and climbing steep grades lowers mpg.
- Tire size and gearing: Larger tires or different gears change rolling resistance and engine load.
These factors combine to produce broad, typical ranges rather than a precise figure for every vehicle.
Estimated mpg ranges by configuration
The ranges below reflect common real-world experience rather than a single EPA rating for the entire 2002 F-450 lineup. They assume a Power Stroke 7.3L with a manual or automatic transmission, and typical payload levels.
- 2WD (two-wheel drive) with 7.3L Power Stroke: combined roughly 12–15 mpg; highway about 15–18 mpg; city around 9–12 mpg.
- 4x4 (four-wheel drive) with 7.3L Power Stroke: combined roughly 11–14 mpg; highway about 14–17 mpg; city around 9–11 mpg.
- Dual rear wheel configurations and heavier rigging: typically align with the 4x4 ranges, with slight reductions in efficiency due to extra weight and rolling resistance.
Real-world numbers vary with load, tire choice, and maintenance, but these ranges capture the typical performance band you can expect from a 2002 F-450 of this era.
What to consider when shopping or owning
If you're evaluating a used 2002 F-450, inspect maintenance history, the condition of the diesel system (injectors, turbo, fuel system), and whether the truck is often loaded or towing. A well-maintained 7.3L Power Stroke tends to perform closer to the higher end of highway mpg estimates, while older engines or frequent heavy use can cause more pronounced dips in efficiency.
Summary
For a 2002 Ford F-450 with the 7.3L diesel, expect roughly 12–15 mpg combined, with highway mileage typically higher (around 15–18 mpg) and city mileage lower (about 9–12 mpg). The actual figure depends on whether the truck is 2WD or 4x4, whether it is loaded or towing, and its overall maintenance. As with any vintage diesel work truck, real-world performance varies widely by configuration and use.
