Twenty MPG combined won’t win any fuel efficiency contests, but for the 2024 Ford F150 Pickup 2WD with the 3.5L V6, it’s a practical balance. This isn’t a commuter car; it’s a working tool, a weekend project companion, and often the family hauler for those who need real capability. The fuel economy is the cost of doing business for what this truck offers.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2024 F150 2WD 3.5L V6 place city driving at 17 MPG. This reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban environments where the truck’s weight and size come into play more significantly. The 10-speed automatic transmission does its best to keep the engine in the optimal rev range, mitigating some fuel consumption. On the open highway, the F150 performs well, achieving 25 MPG. Here, the aerodynamics and efficient engine management system allow it to cruise with relative ease, making it a decent option for longer hauls and road trips where payload isn’t maximized.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this configuration of the 2024 Ford F150 at exactly $2,200. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year with a fuel price that represents the national average. Keep in mind that your actual costs may vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of driving you do. For instance, someone who primarily uses the F150 for short trips around town will likely see a higher annual fuel cost than someone who uses it mainly for highway driving. The EPA’s estimate gives a baseline against which to compare other vehicles and to understand the potential cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized test, real-world fuel economy often deviates. Expect variations based on load, driving style, and terrain. Towing any kind of trailer will significantly reduce fuel economy, often dropping it into the low teens. Aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking will also have a noticeable impact. However, conservative drivers in relatively flat areas may find they can match or even slightly exceed the EPA’s highway estimate.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size pickups, the 2024 F150 2WD with the 3.5L V6 is competitive. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with its 2.7L turbo engine achieves a similar 20 MPG combined. The Ram 1500 with the eTorque 3.6L V6 also lands around 20 MPG combined. Stepping up to the higher-output V8 engines in any of these trucks will drop fuel economy considerably, often into the mid-teens. The Toyota Tundra, while known for reliability, typically lags slightly behind in fuel economy with its non-hybrid V6 engine. These comparisons matter to prospective buyers who need the capabilities of a full-size truck but are still mindful of fuel costs, possibly willing to compromise slightly on outright power for better efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintain proper tire inflation. This is a simple way to reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate to the recommended pressure listed on the door jamb sticker.

Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The F150’s 10-speed transmission is designed to optimize fuel economy, but it needs a smooth input from the driver to do its job effectively. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow will make a difference.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling around heavy items in the bed of the truck or in the cab will reduce fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary tools, equipment, or cargo when they are not needed.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed can help to improve fuel economy, especially on long drives. Be mindful of terrain and adjust your speed as needed to avoid unnecessary downshifts.

Stay on top of regular maintenance. Ensuring that your F150 is properly maintained, including regular oil changes and air filter replacements, will help it run more efficiently. A well-maintained engine is a fuel-efficient engine. For all Ford fuel economy data, FuelEconomyHub.com is your trusted resource. Don’t forget to check F150 MPG across all years to see how this one compares.