What is the mpg on a 2008 f250 Powerstroke diesel?
Typical mpg for a 2008 F-250 with the 6.4L Power Stroke diesel sits in the mid-teens to around 20 miles per gallon on the highway, with city driving or towing reducing this figure.
EPA estimates for the 6.4L Power Stroke
EPA ratings for the 2008 F-250 varied by drivetrain and configuration. The figures below reflect common ranges reported for stock trucks without heavy towing. Actual city mpg is usually lower than highway mpg due to stop-and-go driving.
- 2WD, automatic (no towing): approximately 15 mpg city / 19–20 mpg highway
- 4WD, automatic (no towing): approximately 14–15 mpg city / 18–19 mpg highway
- Towing or heavy payload: often in the low teens to mid-teens overall (roughly 12–15 mpg combined)
These estimates provide a baseline for comparison, but real-world results can vary widely based on gearing, tire size, climate, and driving style.
Real-world fuel economy
In everyday use, owners report a range of mpg figures depending on load, terrain, and maintenance. Without a trailer, highway cruising can yield mpg in the upper teens to low 20s, while city driving and aggressive acceleration typically pull overall numbers down. When towing, drivers commonly see a noticeable drop in mpg.
- 2WD, no towing: roughly 17–20 mpg combined; highway often 19–22 mpg with steady speeds
- 4WD, no towing: roughly 16–18 mpg combined; highway around 19–21 mpg with calm driving
- Towing a mid-sized trailer: typically 12–15 mpg combined, with highway runs on the higher end of that range
Bottom line: real-world fuel economy varies widely based on how the truck is used and how well it is maintained.
Factors that influence mpg
Several elements can swing a 2008 F-250 Power Stroke’s mpg, from mechanical condition to driving habits. Understanding these factors helps explain why two identical trucks can show different numbers.
- Engine and fuel system maintenance (air filter, fuel injectors, and DPF health)
- Tire size and pressure, alignment, and overall rolling resistance
- Payload, towing weight, and aerodynamic drag from added equipment
- Transmission behavior and axle ratio
- Driving style, including speed, acceleration, and idling practices
Maintaining the vehicle and adopting efficient driving habits can help maximize the truck’s efficiency, though the impact will still be bounded by the truck’s design and age.
Tips to maximize mpg
To help improve fuel economy on an older diesel truck like the 2008 F-250, consider these practical steps:
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressures
- Replace air and fuel filters as needed; use quality diesel and maintain fuel injectors
- Reduce weight and aerodynamic drag (remove unnecessary racks or cargo carriers)
- Avoid prolonged idling and use cruise control on highways
- Schedule regular maintenance and address any exhaust or DPF issues promptly
- Ensure proper alignment and reduce rolling resistance with appropriate tires
These measures can yield modest gains, but expect mpg to remain heavily influenced by load, driving conditions, and the age of the vehicle.
Summary
The 2008 F-250 with the 6.4L Power Stroke diesel typically lands in the mid-teens for combined mpg, with higher figures possible on long highway drives and lower numbers when towing or under heavy load. EPA estimates vary by drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD) and configuration, and real-world results depend on maintenance, tire condition, payload, and driving style. For prospective buyers or current owners, these figures should be used as a framework rather than a precise forecast.
How many miles per gallon does a 6.7 F250 diesel get?
A Ford F-250 with the 6.7L diesel engine typically gets 18-20 mpg on the highway and 15-18 mpg in mixed city/highway driving when unloaded. Fuel economy drops significantly when towing, with estimates ranging from 8.9 to 12-15 mpg depending on the load. Real-world mileage is affected by driving style, speed, terrain, and other factors.
Unloaded driving
- Highway: Expect around 18-20 mpg on the highway under optimal conditions. Some drivers report getting as high as 24 mpg on highways, particularly with the high-output (HO) engine and gentle driving.
- Mixed/City: You can expect a combined average of 15-18 mpg.
- Factors: Driving speed has a significant impact. Driving at 80 mph can reduce fuel economy compared to driving at 60-65 mph, where you might see higher mileage.
This video shows a real-world fuel economy test of a Ford F-250 diesel truck: 40sSkinner’s DOSEYouTube · Nov 11, 2025
Towing
- Towing MPG: When towing, fuel economy can drop to 12-15 mpg.
- Heavier loads: With very heavy loads (e.g., a 17,000 lb 5th wheel), mileage can drop to under 9 mpg.
This video demonstrates a fuel economy test of a Ford F-250 diesel while towing a trailer: 59sTFLnowYouTube · Apr 9, 2025
Other considerations
- High-output (HO) engine: The high-output version of the 6.7L engine offers more power with little to no difference in fuel consumption compared to the standard engine under normal conditions.
- Engine break-in: New engines may have lower fuel economy until they are broken in.
- DPF delete: Aftermarket modifications like a DPF delete may increase MPG, but this is not recommended for street use.
How many miles per gallon does a 2008 Ford F250 diesel get?
A 2008 Ford F-250 diesel with the 6.4L engine typically gets between 10 and 14 miles per gallon, with some reports showing higher mileage (up to 18.28 mpg) in ideal city conditions and lower mileage (around 11.7 mpg) while towing. Factors like driving conditions, towing, and the truck's emissions system significantly influence the real-world fuel economy.
- Average: Owners and testers report fuel economy in the 10–14 MPG range, especially under load.
- Highway: Some reports show highway mileage can reach around 14 MPG or slightly higher.
- Towing: Expect mileage to decrease significantly when towing, with one test showing 11.7 MPG while towing.
- City: Under specific city conditions, one test achieved 18.28 MPG.
- Emissions: The truck's emissions system, particularly the regeneration function, can impact fuel economy and may cause lower mileage if not properly managed.
Is the 2008 6.4 power stroke a good engine?
No, the 2008 6.4 Powerstroke is generally not considered a good or reliable engine due to a number of known issues. It was plagued with problems like a high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) that could fail, cracked pistons, and a notoriously unreliable emissions system, especially the EGR cooler and DPF. These issues often resulted in expensive and catastrophic failures.
Common problems with the 6.4 Powerstroke
- Emissions system failures: The EGR cooler is prone to clogging and failure, which can lead to overheating and damage to the engine. The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) also clogs frequently.
- Weak internal components: Pistons are prone to cracking under pressure, and there have been issues with head gaskets and a lack of oil lubrication for the rocker arms.
- Fuel system problems: The high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) is a weak point and can self-destruct, contaminating the entire fuel system with metal fragments and causing expensive damage to the injectors and other components.
- Cooling system issues: The engine is susceptible to overheating from multiple sources, including the common EGR and oil cooler failures, as well as a stock radiator that can leak.
- Other problems: Leaks from up-pipes and a potential for cylinder washing have also been reported.
What to know if you're considering a 6.4 Powerstroke
- Expect high maintenance costs: Because of these widespread problems, the engine requires diligent and often proactive maintenance to avoid major failures.
- Potential for catastrophic failure: Many failures are not minor fixes; they can be catastrophic and expensive to repair.
- Not recommended for the average owner: If you're not a "do-it-yourselfer" or don't have a large budget for repairs, this engine is likely not a good choice.
Can a 6.4 powerstroke last 300,000 miles?
A 6.4 Powerstroke can average 200,000 – 300,000 miles (322,000 – 482,000 km) with maintenance.
