20 MPG combined isn’t going to win any hypermiling competitions, but for a four-wheel-drive pickup truck as capable as the 2024 Ford F150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, it’s a surprisingly respectable figure. This F150 configuration appeals to someone who needs the functionality of a full-size truck for occasional towing, hauling, and off-pavement adventures, but doesn’t want to pay the fuel penalty of a larger engine or heavy-duty model. It’s a sweet spot of capability and reasonable running costs, so let’s dig deeper into what this MPG number means.

City and highway performance

The EPA breaks down the 20 MPG combined rating into 18 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go driving, where the F150’s weight and inherent inefficiencies of internal combustion are most apparent. The highway number is more encouraging. The aerodynamic tuning and 10-speed automatic transmission help maximize efficiency when cruising at a steady speed. Drivers who spend most of their time on the open road will likely see fuel economy closer to that 23 MPG mark, potentially even exceeding it with careful driving habits.

Those who primarily use their F150 for short trips around town should expect closer to that 18 MPG number. The 2.7L EcoBoost is a strong performer for daily driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Ford F150 4WD with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine at $2,200. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using national average fuel prices. Remember this is just an estimate. Depending on where you live, where gas prices may be higher or lower than the national average, and how you drive, your actual fuel costs could be significantly different. Aggressive driving, frequent towing, or spending a lot of time idling will all increase your fuel consumption and push your annual cost upward.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a valuable benchmark, real-world fuel economy often deviates from these figures. Factors like driving style, terrain, weather conditions, and even tire pressure can all play a significant role. Owners of this F150 configuration report a wide range of fuel economy, with some achieving numbers close to the EPA estimates, while others fall short. Don’t be surprised if you see fluctuations in your MPG, especially if you frequently engage four-wheel drive or tow a trailer. The key is to monitor your own fuel consumption over time to get a more accurate understanding of what to expect from your specific driving situation. You can also review F150 MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 20 MPG combined rating of the 2024 Ford F150 4WD 2.7L EcoBoost stacks up reasonably well against its competitors. Consider the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD with the 2.7L Turbo High-Output engine, which is rated at 18 MPG combined. The Ram 1500 4×4 with the 3.6L eTorque V6 comes in at 21 MPG combined. The Toyota Tundra 4×4 with its base-level non-hybrid engine gets just 19 MPG combined. These small differences can be significant for buyers conscious of fuel costs, particularly given how many miles pickup trucks are driven each year. For those who prioritize fuel economy above all else, even the hybrid F150 PowerBoost is available, which pushes the F150 into the mid-20s for combined MPG. You can see all Ford fuel economy data on our site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2.7L EcoBoost benefits from a light touch on the accelerator. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The engine doesn’t need to be pushed hard to deliver adequate performance, so let the turbocharger do its work without constantly mashing the accelerator pedal. Anticipating traffic conditions and maintaining a steady speed will also contribute to improved fuel economy.

Tire pressure is often overlooked, but properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance and can measurably improve fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and ensure it matches the recommendation on the doorjamb sticker. In cooler weather, tires can lose pressure quickly.

Minimize idling. The 2.7L EcoBoost uses virtually no fuel when stopped thanks to its Auto Start-Stop, so get used to this feature and let it do its job. Excessive idling consumes fuel without covering any distance, significantly impacting your overall MPG.

If you tend to carry a lot of unnecessary weight in the bed of your truck, consider removing it. Extra weight forces the engine to work harder, reducing fuel economy. If you only need four-wheel drive occasionally, keep it in two-wheel drive to reduce drivetrain friction when possible.