15 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but it’s the price of admission for the rare breed of pickup truck that is the 2021 Ford F150 Raptor 37. This isn’t a truck for saving money at the pump; it’s for conquering dunes, blitzing fire roads, and generally laughing in the face of challenging terrain. Its owners prioritize capability and attitude above all else.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Raptor 37 at 15 MPG in both city and highway driving. This might seem counterintuitive, but it reflects the reality of how this truck is typically used. City driving in the Raptor often involves stop-and-go traffic and aggressive acceleration to experience the 450 horsepower on tap. Highway driving, meanwhile, can involve higher speeds that overcome aerodynamic limitations and generate significant rolling resistance from the large 37-inch BFGoodrich tires. The strong power of the 3.5L EcoBoost engine under the hood is always available, and using the throttle is part of the Raptor experience.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Ford F150 Raptor 37 at $2,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. For those who use their Raptor for daily commuting and weekend off-road adventures, expect to be very familiar with your local gas station. Frequent off-roading or towing will likely push that figure even higher.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the Raptor 37 can vary widely based on driving style and conditions. Owners who prioritize fuel conservation might be able to approach the EPA estimates, but those who frequently exploit the Raptor’s performance potential will likely see significantly lower numbers. Towing, off-roading, and aggressive driving will all degrade fuel economy. The inherent aerodynamics of a large pickup truck, combined with the increased rolling resistance of the 37-inch tires, create a situation where efficiency takes a back seat to capability and fun. This isn’t a secret to Raptor buyers; they understand and accept the trade-off.

How it compares

The Raptor 37 exists in a niche all its own, but comparisons can be drawn to other high-performance trucks like the Ram 1500 TRX, which achieves a similarly thirsty 12 MPG combined with its supercharged V8. Even a standard F150 with the same 3.5L EcoBoost engine but without the Raptor’s off-road enhancements and larger tires, will see significantly better fuel economy numbers. For example, the standard F150 4×4 with the 3.5L EcoBoost achieves around 20 MPG combined. The point is: Raptor buyers are not cross-shopping with fuel sippers like the Toyota Tacoma. They are willing to pay a premium for the Raptor’s unique capabilities and image. Comparing F150 MPG across all years highlights the efficiency penalty for the Raptor’s enhancements.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Raptor 37 isn’t exactly known for fuel efficiency, there are a few things owners can do to minimize fuel consumption. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these actions require more fuel to overcome inertia. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible, limiting unnecessary throttle inputs.

Tire pressure plays an important role in fuel economy,on any vehicle. Ensure that your Raptor 37’s tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the door placard. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check tire pressure regularly, especially after significant temperature changes.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the truck bed and cab. Extra cargo adds to the overall vehicle weight, which requires more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Remove anything that is not essential for your daily driving or planned activities.

The Raptor 37’s aggressive tires are designed for off-road traction, but they also create more rolling resistance on pavement. If you primarily drive on paved roads, consider swapping to a less aggressive all-terrain tire when it’s time for replacements. This will slightly improve fuel economy without sacrificing too much off-road capability.

Consider using the Raptor’s selectable drive modes. While “Baja” mode is ideal for high-speed desert running, “Normal” or “Sport” mode may provide slightly better fuel economy for everyday driving by optimizing the transmission and throttle response. Explore all Ford fuel economy data to see the MPG gains other drivers have achieved with similar tactics.