20 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but it’s a respectable figure for the 2015 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 5.5ft 4×4. It’s a number that likely doesn’t deter the kind of buyer who needs this specific truck, like contractors, foremen, and serious weekend warriors. They need the SuperCrew cab for hauling the crew and the shorter bed for easier maneuverability, and the 4×4 drivetrain is non-negotiable. Fuel economy, while a concern, is not as important as capability and configuration.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates this particular F-150 at 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. That disparity highlights the influence of stop-and-go driving on fuel consumption with a truck this size. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6, while a marvel of forced induction, requires more fuel to get its mass moving from a standstill compared to maintaining cruising speed on the open road. The 6-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth, isn’t as efficient as the 10-speed that came later in the F-150’s production run, contributing to the lower city MPG number.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this 2015 F-150 SuperCrew 5.5ft 4×4 at $2,625. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and uses national average fuel prices. It’s a useful benchmark for comparing against other vehicles, but your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and prevailing fuel prices in your area. A contractor who routinely uses premium fuel and racks up 30,000 miles per year will easily double this number, while a weekend warrior who uses regular gas and drives less frequently could see significantly lower costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the 2015 F-150 SuperCrew 5.5ft 4×4 often varies. Expect to see numbers slightly below the EPA estimates, especially if you frequently tow, haul heavy cargo, or spend a lot of time in congested traffic. Headwinds, off-road driving, and aggressive acceleration will also negatively impact fuel economy. Conversely, careful driving, proper tire inflation, and adhering to speed limits can help you achieve figures closer to the EPA’s estimates. Owners often average closer to 18 MPG in mixed driving conditions.

How it compares

Compared to its contemporaries, the 2015 F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost holds its own. The equivalent Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 often achieves similar real-world fuel economy, hovering around 16-22 MPG depending on driving conditions. The Toyota Tundra, known for its reliability but not its fuel efficiency, typically lags behind, often struggling to break 20 MPG combined in similar configurations. Ram 1500 models with the Hemi V8 also fall into a similar range as the F-150. Ultimately, the F-150’s EcoBoost engine offers a blend of power and relative efficiency that many buyers find appealing, especially when comparing all Ford fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 benefits from smooth acceleration. Avoid stomping on the gas pedal, as the turbochargers will kick in aggressively, consuming more fuel. Instead, try to accelerate gradually and maintain a consistent speed.

Tire pressure is critical. Ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, leading to decreased fuel economy. Regularly check and adjust your tire pressure, especially during seasonal temperature changes.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling around tools, equipment, or other items adds to the total weight of the vehicle, which in turn reduces fuel efficiency. Remove any unnecessary items from the bed and cab of your truck. And consider removing the tailgate if you’re not actively using it to secure cargo; this can slightly improve aerodynamics, particularly at highway speeds.

Plan your routes carefully. Avoid congested areas and routes with frequent stops and starts whenever possible. Using navigation apps to find the most efficient route can save you both time and fuel. If you know the F 150 MPG across all years, you could factor that number into your trip planning.

Consider using cruise control on long highway drives. Maintaining a consistent speed will help you avoid sudden acceleration and deceleration, maximizing fuel efficiency. Just be sure to disengage cruise control when driving in heavy traffic or inclement weather.