What is the MPG on a Ford f350 7.3 v8?

The fuel economy of a Ford F-350 equipped with the 7.3-liter V8 varies by configuration, driving style, and whether you’re towing or carrying a payload. In general, expect mid-teens in combined MPG, with higher highway numbers when not towing and lower figures under load. For exact numbers, check the EPA ratings for your specific build or the vehicle’s window sticker.

Understanding the 7.3L V8 and MPG implications

The 7.3-liter V8 in the Ford Super Duty is a large, naturally aspirated gasoline engine designed for torque and capability rather than maximum fuel economy. MPG is highly sensitive to variables such as drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD), cab/bed configuration, axle ratio, payload, and towing. The following ranges summarize typical EPA estimates and common real-world outcomes for recent model years.

Typical EPA ranges for common configurations

EPA fuel economy varies by drivetrain and body style. The numbers below reflect recent model-year estimates for the 7.3L V8 in the Ford Super Duty lineup. For precise figures, consult fueleconomy.gov or the exact window sticker of your build.

• 2WD, Crew Cab, long bed (typical highway gearing): City about 12–13 mpg, Highway about 18–20 mpg, Combined around 15–17 mpg.


• 4WD, Crew Cab, long bed: City about 11–12 mpg, Highway about 17–19 mpg, Combined around 14–16 mpg.


• Other configurations (different bed lengths or axle ratios) generally fall within these ranges, with highway numbers often higher and city numbers slightly lower depending on gearing and tires.

Note: These ranges are approximate and year/model dependent. Exact numbers depend on axle ratio (e.g., 3.55, 3.73, 4.30), cab/bed choices, and whether payload/towing equipment is engaged. Always verify with the EPA label for your exact build or check fueleconomy.gov for current data.

How towing and payload affect MPG

When you add towing or heavy payload, fuel economy typically declines significantly. The 7.3L V8 maintains torque for towing, but that power comes with higher fuel consumption under load. Real-world results vary widely based on trailer weight, length, aerodynamics, terrain, and auxiliary equipment.

• Unloaded highway driving generally yields higher MPG, often in the upper teens to low 20s (depending on gearing and speed).


• Light towing or payload typically lowers mpg into the mid-teens to high teens.


• Heavy towing (gooseneck/5th wheel or large trailers) can drop MPG into the low teens or single digits, especially in hilly or windy conditions.

In everyday work use, fuel economy will almost always be less than a typical passenger car, and the impact of towing or heavy cargo is the dominant factor in MPG for the F-350 with the 7.3L V8.

Tips to maximize MPG on your F-350 7.3L

While the primary purpose of the F-350 is capability, you can adopt practical practices to improve efficiency on non-towing trips and minor payloads. The following suggestions help optimize fuel use without compromising work readiness.

• Maintain correct tire pressure and perform regular maintenance (air filters, spark plugs, oil grade) per Ford’s recommendations.


• Use cruise control on highways where appropriate and keep speeds moderate to reduce wind resistance and engine strain.


• Plan trips to minimize idling and combine errands when possible to reduce repetitive starts and stops.


• Lighten the load when feasible and minimize aerodynamic penalties (roof racks, unnecessary accessories).

Even with these measures, the 7.3L V8’s design prioritizes torque and payload over highway efficiency, so expectations should be calibrated accordingly.

FAQ and quick takeaways

Bottom line: There isn’t a single MPG number for all Ford F-350 7.3L V8 trucks. Typical combined MPG usually lands in the mid-teens, highway numbers improve when not towing, and towing or heavy payload can significantly reduce MPG. For precise figures, consult the EPA ratings for your exact configuration on fueleconomy.gov or your vehicle’s window sticker.

Summary

The Ford F-350 with the 7.3L V8 is built for capability rather than fuel economy. Expect roughly 12–13 mpg city and 18–20 mpg highway in many 2WD configurations, with 4WD typically lower in city mpg and similar or slightly lower highway mpg. Combined MPG generally falls in the mid-teens, and towing or heavy payloads will reduce efficiency further. Always use official EPA data for your exact setup and consider real-world driving conditions when estimating fuel costs.

How many miles per gallon does a 7.3 gas engine get?

The 7.3L gas engine's fuel economy is typically 8-17 mpg, depending on driving conditions like towing, driving style, and gear ratio. Unloaded, it averages around 12-17 mpg, while towing can lower the average to 8-13 mpg. Factors like a heavier load or aggressive driving will result in lower fuel efficiency. 
Unloaded (without towing)

• Average: Owners report an average of 12-17 mpg. 
• City vs. Highway: Expect lower mileage in city driving (10-11 mpg) compared to highway driving (13-17 mpg). 
• Factors: Driving style, speed, and axle ratio significantly impact this figure. For example, highway speeds over 75 mph can decrease efficiency. 

While towing

• Average: The MPG drops to 8-13 mpg when towing a load. 
• Factors: The weight of the trailer, the amount of cargo, and the terrain will affect the final MPG. 
• Examples: Towing a 3,500-pound tractor with a trailer might result in around 12 mpg, while towing a 12,500-pound fifth wheel can drop the average to about 8.4 mpg, as shown in a Cars.com test. 

Key takeaways

• The 7.3L gas engine is powerful, but not known for high fuel economy. 
• Driving habits and rear-end gear ratios play a large role in the final MPG. 
• Towing significantly decreases fuel efficiency. 

Which is better, 7.3 gas or 6.7 Power Stroke?

The main differences are that the 6.7L diesel engine offers significantly more torque and better fuel efficiency (especially when towing), while the 7.3L gas engine is cheaper to purchase, lighter, and has more horsepower at higher RPMs. The best choice depends on your needs: choose the 6.7L diesel for heavy-duty towing and commercial use, and the 7.3L gas for lighter towing and general use where lower upfront costs are prioritized.
 
This video explains the performance difference between 6.7L diesel and 7.3L gas engines in Ford Super Duty trucks: 47sJB ReviewsYouTube · Nov 19, 2023
6.7L Powerstroke Diesel 

• Performance: Has substantially more torque, making it ideal for heavy-duty towing and hauling. 
• Fuel Efficiency: Gets better average fuel economy compared to the gas engine, though fuel costs can be higher. 
• Cost: Has a higher initial purchase price. 
• Maintenance: Can have higher maintenance costs and requires exhaust fluid (DEF). 
• Driving Experience: Less prone to "hunting" for gears when towing up hills. 
• Ideal For: Towing very heavy loads (14,000 lbs or more) or frequent commercial use. 

You can watch this video to see how the 6.7L diesel engine performs when towing heavy loads: 45sJB ReviewsYouTube · Nov 12, 2023
7.3L Godzilla Gas 

• Performance: Has more horsepower at higher RPMs, but significantly less torque than the diesel. 
• Fuel Efficiency: Lower fuel efficiency compared to the diesel, especially when towing. 
• Cost: Cheaper to purchase upfront. 
• Maintenance: Generally has lower maintenance costs and no need for DEF. 
• Driving Experience: Can feel underpowered when towing heavy loads and may require more gear-shifting. 
• Ideal For: Lighter towing (around 10,000 lbs) or general use where lower purchase cost is a priority. 

This video compares the 7.3L gas engine with the 6.7L diesel engine for truck owners: 58sT & T Landscape & MasonryYouTube · Dec 10, 2022

Is the 7.3 L V8 a good engine?

The 7.3 has a few issues but is overall a really good engine. The problem is it's outclassed severely by the 6.7psd which started pretty decent but after 13 years of revisions is a complete monster. The only thing a 7.3 has on it is cheaper maintenance. But it averages better fuel economy so it balances out.

How fuel efficient is a 7.3 Power Stroke?

When the engine is brand-new, the 7.3 Powerstroke typically gets 10–12 miles per gallon on city roads and 12–14 miles per gallon on highways. The mileage may decrease to 8 to 9 miles per gallon as it gets older. . .