20 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards for lower fuel costs, but considering it’s for the 2015 Ford F150 Pickup 4WD with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine, it’s a real achievement. This is a full-size truck with four-wheel drive, designed to haul, tow, and tackle rugged terrain. It’s not a Prius. It’s bought by people who need a truck, and for that mission, 20 MPG is surprisingly respectable.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2015 F150 4×4 with the 2.7L EcoBoost are 18 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The difference between city and highway figures shows where this truck excels: open-road cruising. Stop-and-go traffic will always hurt fuel economy, especially with a turbocharged engine. The 18 MPG city figure also reflects the realities of a heavier vehicle with increased rolling resistance from the four-wheel-drive system, even when operating in two-wheel-drive mode. But get it on the open road, and the efficient EcoBoost engine shines. Highway MPG is especially relevant for those who use their F150 for longer commutes or frequent weekend trips where they may also need to tow a boat or camper.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this configuration of the 2015 F150 at $2,200. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the EPA’s fuel price assumptions, which reflect a national average fuel price. Of course, your actual fuel costs will vary, depending on how many miles you drive annually and the price of gasoline in your area. If you drive significantly more than 15,000 miles, expect to spend considerably more. Similarly, if gas prices are higher where you live, the $2,200 figure will be a low estimate.

Real-world expectations

While EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs, sometimes significantly. Factors such as driving style, load, tire pressure, and weather conditions all play a role. Owners of the 2015 F150 4×4 with the 2.7L EcoBoost can realistically expect to see figures close to the EPA estimates if they drive conservatively and maintain their truck properly. Aggressive acceleration and hard braking will quickly diminish fuel economy, as will carrying heavy loads or towing trailers. Headwinds and cold weather will also reduce MPG.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size trucks of the same era, the 2015 F150 4×4 2.7L EcoBoost fares reasonably well. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with a 5.3L V8 and 4WD delivered an EPA-estimated 19 MPG combined, putting it slightly behind. Ram 1500 models with the 5.7L HEMI and 4WD similarly came in around 17 MPG combined. Even the Toyota Tundra, known more for its reliability than fuel efficiency, struggled to match the F150, offering 15 MPG combined with its 5.7L V8 and 4WD. It’s also worth looking at F150 MPG across all years to see how this truck compares to other generations. For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency in a full-size four-wheel-drive truck, the 2015 F150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost offered a good balance of capability and economy. For a broader view, see all Ford fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The turbocharged nature of the 2.7L EcoBoost engine means that gentle acceleration pays dividends. Avoid “turbo lag” by easing into the throttle rather than flooring it, especially when starting from a stop. The engine’s efficiency is optimized when it’s not working hard to overcome inertia.

Tire pressure is critical for maximizing fuel economy on any vehicle, but especially on a truck designed to carry heavy loads. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended level, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. Doing so reduces rolling resistance and improves MPG.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling around tools, equipment, or other items in the bed of your truck adds weight and reduces fuel economy. Only carry what you need. A clean truck bed is an efficient truck bed.

Minimize idling. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly, so you won’t significantly strain the starter motor. This is especially relevant if the truck is being used on a job site where it is frequently stopped with the engine running.

Consider your driving routes and conditions. Avoid stop-and-go traffic whenever possible, as it significantly reduces fuel economy. Opt for routes with consistent speeds and fewer traffic lights. Also, be mindful of headwinds, which can dramatically decrease MPG, especially at highway speeds. If possible, adjust your route or time of travel to minimize exposure to strong headwinds.