What is the mpg on a 2008 Ford e350 6.0 diesel?
Typically 11–14 mpg in city driving and 16–20 mpg on the highway, with a combined figure around 13–16 mpg depending on load and configuration.
The 2008 Ford E-350 is a heavy-duty van powered by the 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel. Because it is a large, work-oriented vehicle, mpg is highly influenced by payload, drivetrain (rear-wheel drive), axle ratio, tires, and maintenance. Official EPA numbers for this specific configuration are not always published in detail, and real-world results vary widely based on how the van is used. Below is a breakdown of what drivers frequently report and factors that affect efficiency.
Typical fuel economy ranges
What you can expect in real-world use across common configurations and driving styles is outlined here.
- City driving (stop-and-go with payload): roughly 11–14 mpg
- Highway cruising (steady speed with lighter load): roughly 16–20 mpg
- Combined usage (mixed city/highway, typical cargo load): roughly 13–16 mpg
Note that the actual numbers depend on factors such as payload, tire choice, and maintenance, and experiences can vary significantly from one vehicle to another.
Factors that influence mpg on the E-350 6.0L diesel
Several variables determine how efficiently a given van operates. Here are the most impactful ones.
- Payload and weight: Heavier loads increase fuel consumption, especially in city driving with frequent stops.
- Axle ratio and gearing: Taller gears can improve highway mpg but may hurt acceleration and stop-and-go efficiency.
- Drivetrain configuration: RWD or 4x4 variants have different losses; most E-350s with the 6.0L are rear-wheel drive, which typically offers better highway economy than four-wheel drive.
- Condition of the engine and maintenance: Clean air filters, proper oil changes, and injector service influence efficiency; the 6.0L had known reliability issues that, if unresolved, can reduce mpg.
- Tire type and pressure: Under-inflated tires or aggressive tread patterns raise rolling resistance and reduce mpg.
- Altitude and terrain: Hills, headwinds, and high altitude can lower efficiency.
Understanding these factors helps explain why mpg can vary widely between vehicles and seasons.
Tips to maximize mpg on a 2008 E-350 6.0L diesel
Simple, practical steps can help you squeeze more miles out of each gallon while maintaining payload capability.
- Keep payload within recommended limits to avoid excessive weight.
- Maintain correct tire pressure (check monthly) and use fuel-efficient tires where appropriate.
- Schedule regular maintenance: fuel injectors, oil changes, and air filters; fix leaks promptly.
- Avoid excessive idling; use engine shutdown when parked for extended periods.
- Plan efficient routes to minimize stop-and-go and unnecessary detours.
Regular maintenance and mindful driving habits can yield meaningful improvements, though the fundamental nature of a heavy diesel van limits mpg gains compared with smaller passenger cars.
Summary
The 2008 Ford E-350 with a 6.0L Power Stroke diesel is a workhorse with fuel economy that reflects its size and purpose. Real-world mpg typically falls in the low teens in city driving, with better highway efficiency, and a comfortable combined range around the mid-teens. If fuel economy is a priority, consider payload minimization, tire care, and routine maintenance as practical levers, while setting expectations for the vehicle's inherent profile.
