18 MPG combined is the number facing anyone considering the 2016 Ford F150 3.5L 2WD with the heavy payload package. Let’s be clear: nobody buys this specific configuration of F150 for incredible fuel economy. This truck is built for serious work. Owners are prioritizing payload capacity and towing ability over saving fuel. The 3.5L V6 isn’t the strong V8, but it gets the job done and that’s the driving force behind the purchase, not minimizing trips to the gas station. If fuel economy is your primary goal, you should explore other configurations or powertrains within the F150 lineup.

City and highway performance

The EPA breaks down that 18 MPG figure into 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. Stop-and-go driving will always hurt fuel economy in a truck this size. The heavy-duty payload package adds weight, which necessitates more effort to get the truck moving from a standstill. The highway figure, however, is more respectable. When cruising at a steady speed, the 3.5L V6 isn’t working as hard, and the six-speed automatic transmission can settle into its higher gears. Still, 22 MPG isn’t going to win any awards, but it represents the best-case scenario for this particular F150.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,450 for the 2016 Ford F150 3.5L 2WD GVWR>7599 LBS PAYLOAD PACKAGE 3.5L 6-cyl. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% of those miles driven in the city and 55% on the highway. This calculation also uses the national average fuel price at the time of the EPA’s testing. Your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and local fuel prices. However, this $2,450 figure provides a standardized baseline for comparison shopping.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a useful benchmark, real-world fuel economy can vary significantly. Expect to see those numbers dip considerably when towing or hauling heavy loads, which this F150 is designed to do. Aggressive driving, consistent short trips, and prolonged idling will also negatively affect fuel efficiency. Conversely, mindful driving habits and sticking to highway cruising (without a heavy trailer) can help you get closer to the EPA estimates. Understand that this truck is a tool, and its need for fuel is a consequence of its capabilities.

How it compares

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 4.3L V6 and two-wheel drive, a similar work-oriented truck, achieves a slightly better 20 MPG combined. However, it may not offer the same payload capacity as the F150 with the heavy payload package. The Ram 1500 with the 3.6L V6 and two-wheel drive also comes in around 20 MPG combined. The F150 PowerBoost hybrid offers significantly better fuel economy, somewhere around 25 MPG combined, though this configuration comes at a higher upfront cost and wasn’t available in 2016. The important point is this: buyers choose this F150 for a specific set of capabilities, and they accept its middling fuel economy as a trade-off. For shoppers interested in F150 MPG across all years and trim levels, there are certainly more efficient options available.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Keep your tires properly inflated. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and burns more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended settings, often found on a sticker in the driver’s side doorjamb.

Avoid unnecessary idling. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Excessive idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle and significantly reduces your overall fuel economy. This is especially true for larger engines like the 3.5L V6.

Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration. Rapid acceleration burns a lot of fuel. Instead, accelerate gradually and anticipate traffic flow to maintain a consistent speed. Every time you stomp on the accelerator, you’re watching fuel economy plummet. Check out all Ford fuel economy data to see how other Ford models perform in this regard.

Reduce the weight you’re carrying. Hauling unnecessary cargo increases the load on the engine and decreases fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need from the truck bed and cab, especially heavy tools or equipment. A lighter truck requires less energy to move.

Maintain your vehicle properly. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures that your engine is running efficiently. A poorly maintained engine will burn more fuel and may experience performance problems. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.