23 MPG combined is a surprisingly strong figure for the 2021 Ford F150 4×4 equipped with the 3.0L Power Stroke diesel. This isn’t the F150 for contractors who need to haul maximum payload every day, but a comfortable, capable truck for those who prioritize fuel efficiency alongside the utility provided by a pickup. Think overlanders, weekend adventurers, and those needing to tow a boat or camper without crippling fuel costs.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates this F150 configuration at 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop and go nature of urban driving, where the truck’s weight and the inherent inefficiencies of internal combustion engines are factors. The impressive highway number shows where the diesel engine is most efficient. The Power Stroke’s abundant low-end torque allows the transmission to settle into higher gears at lower RPMs, minimizing fuel consumption on long cruises. The 10-speed automatic transmission (S10) also plays an important role, keeping the engine in its sweet spot for efficiency. Aerodynamics, or the lack of them on a full-size pickup, still matter. Speed is the enemy of fuel economy, so resist the urge to constantly cruise above 70 MPH.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2021 Ford F150 4×4 diesel is $2,400. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price for diesel.

Keep in mind that this is an average, and your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and the local price of diesel fuel. Those who primarily drive in cities will almost certainly spend more than $2,400, while those who do mostly highway driving could spend less.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs. Factors like driving style, payload, towing, and even tire pressure can all impact the numbers you actually see on the dashboard. Enthusiastic acceleration and frequent hard braking will quickly reduce fuel economy. Towing, in particular, has a dramatic effect. Expect a significant drop in MPG when hauling trailers or heavy loads. Keep that in mind if your primary use case is towing. Maintaining proper tire pressure is critical, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and decrease efficiency. Regular maintenance, including air filter replacement and oil changes, also helps to keep the engine running optimally for maximum fuel economy. See F150 MPG across all years for more details.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size pickups, the 2021 Ford F150 4×4 diesel holds its own. A comparable Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or GMC Sierra 1500 with the 3.0L Duramax diesel achieves roughly the same combined 23 MPG. Ram’s discontinued 1500 EcoDiesel, when it was available, also targeted this same efficiency range. It’s also important to compare it to other F150 trims. The hybrid F150 PowerBoost is rated at 24 MPG combined in 4×4 configuration, providing slightly better MPG but a different driving experience, and often at a higher initial cost. The standard 2.7L EcoBoost V6 in 4×4 guise gets around 20 MPG combined. Buyers choose the diesel because of its superior torque for towing and its slightly better highway fuel economy, making it a strong choice for those who frequently cover long distances. See all Ford fuel economy data to compare.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the F150’s driving modes. Select “Eco” mode when possible. It adjusts engine and transmission settings to prioritize fuel efficiency over performance. While throttle response may be dulled slightly, the savings can be noticeable over time. On the highway, use cruise control to maintain a consistent speed and minimize unnecessary acceleration and braking.

Be mindful of payload. While the 3.0L diesel is capable, hauling excessive weight will negatively impact fuel economy. Only carry what you need, and avoid using the truck bed as a permanent storage space. Remove any unnecessary equipment or tools to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle.

Regularly check and maintain your tire pressure to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, requiring the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Properly inflated tires also contribute to better handling and safety.

Anticipate traffic flow. Avoiding sudden acceleration and hard braking is beneficial. By looking ahead and anticipating changes in traffic, you can maintain a more consistent speed and conserve fuel. Leaving more space between you and the vehicle in front of you also provides more time to react and avoid unnecessary braking.