The 2015 Ford F150 4×4 with the 5.0L V8 gets 17 MPG combined. It’s not a Prius, and it’s not meant to be. This F150 configuration is built for work, towing, and tough terrain, and this capability affects fuel economy. Buyers of this F150 engine and drivetrain usually want power and reliability over maximizing fuel efficiency. They have a job to do, and this truck is their tool.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2015 F150 4×4 with the 5.0L V8 are 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving common in urban environments, where the truck’s weight and larger engine increase fuel consumption. While the highway number is better, it still lags behind more fuel-efficient trucks due to the F150’s shape and the engine’s size. Consider the highway figure a best-case scenario when driving with a light load and at consistent speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that owning a 2015 Ford F150 4×4 with the 5.0L V8 will cost about $2,600 per year in fuel. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation also uses the national average fuel price, which can change. If you drive more than 15,000 miles annually, or if fuel prices are higher in your area, expect your actual fuel costs to be higher. It is important for potential buyers to remember this when budgeting for vehicle ownership.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standard, real-world fuel economy can change a lot based on driving habits, load, and terrain. Owners who often tow heavy loads or drive off-road will likely see MPG below the EPA estimates. However, those who mainly use the truck for commuting and light hauling might get numbers closer to, or even slightly above, the highway rating. Aggressive driving, including rapid acceleration and hard braking, will also hurt fuel economy. Your mileage will vary, but knowing what affects it can help you manage your expectations.

How it compares

The 2015 F150 4×4 5.0L V8’s fuel economy is competitive compared to other full-size trucks of the time, but not the best. For example, a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4×4 with the 5.3L V8 gets 16 MPG combined. A Ram 1500 4×4 with the 5.7L Hemi typically gets 15 MPG combined. The F150’s aluminum body, introduced in 2015, helped improve fuel economy slightly compared to earlier steel-bodied F150s, but the gains aren’t huge in this V8 configuration. If fuel economy is more important, consider the F150’s EcoBoost engine options or other lightweight trucks. Always check all Ford fuel economy data before deciding. Compare the F150 MPG across all years to see if other model years are a better fit F150 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Proper tire inflation is important for maximizing fuel economy in any vehicle, including the F150. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate to the recommended PSI on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and burn more fuel.

Avoid unnecessary idling. The 5.0L V8 engine uses a lot of fuel even when stopped. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine to save fuel. Consider using the vehicle’s Auto Start-Stop feature if it has one.

Drive smoothly and avoid accelerating and braking hard. The F150 has a six-speed automatic transmission, which is designed to improve fuel economy. Letting the transmission shift smoothly will keep the engine operating efficiently. Accelerating and braking hard drains fuel.

Reduce aerodynamic drag by removing unnecessary items from the truck bed, like tools or cargo that aren’t needed. Consider adding a tonneau cover to improve aerodynamics. Cleaner airflow can lead to small gains on the highway.

When towing, the tow/haul mode. This mode optimizes the transmission’s shift points to provide a good mix of power and fuel economy while towing. Overloading the truck or towing incorrectly can really hurt fuel economy and strain the engine.