20 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards in 2024, but for the 2016 Ford F150 Pickup 2WD FFV with the 3.5L V6, it’s a reasonable balance between what it can do and how much it costs to run. This truck isn’t for people trying to get the best mileage. It’s for contractors, small business owners, and homeowners who need a versatile workhorse that can haul materials, tow trailers, and handle weekend projects. They understand that the open bed, strong frame, and towing ability come at a price.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway for this F150. If your typical urban driving involves long stretches and gentle acceleration, consider the “city” figure a best-case scenario. Stop-and-go traffic will drag that number down quickly. Achieving 24 MPG on the highway requires resisting the urge to bury the accelerator. Maintaining a steady speed around 65 mph will yield the best results. Remember factors like tire pressure and vehicle load significantly impact fuel consumption regardless of what the EPA suggests. You can explore all Ford fuel economy data for a broader view.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,200 for the 2016 Ford F150 Pickup 2WD FFV 3.5L V6. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s crucial to understand that this figure is a guideline; your actual fuel costs will vary depending on how much you drive, how you drive, and where you buy your fuel. Changes in gasoline prices throughout the year will affect the accuracy of this estimate. But for planning purposes, $2,200 provides a benchmark for budgeting.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a standardized comparison, real-world MPG often differs. Owners report a range of figures for this F150. Some experience numbers close to the EPA estimates, while others see lower results, especially when frequently towing or hauling heavy loads. Driving style plays an important role; aggressive acceleration and hard braking punish fuel economy. Consistent maintenance, including regular oil changes and properly inflated tires, contributes to optimized fuel efficiency over the long term.

How it compares

Compared to competitors, the 2016 F150 2WD with the 3.5L V6 is generally competitive for its class. A similar 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2WD with the 4.3L V6 typically achieves around 17 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. The Ram 1500 2WD, equipped with its 3.6L V6, posts similar numbers, closer to 18/25. Knowing this informs a buyer. Someone choosing this particular F150 likely prioritizes Ford’s overall package of features, payload capacity, and towing ability over a marginal MPG gain offered by a competitor. Fuel economy matters, but capability is king for these buyers, although one can always investigate F150 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Anticipate traffic flow to avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration. Maintaining a consistent speed, especially on the highway, drastically improves fuel economy. This is particularly important with the F150; its weight and aerodynamics make it sensitive to changes in speed.

Avoid idling unnecessarily. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engine technology makes restarting quick and easy, and the fuel savings add up over time. This is especially true in urban environments where idling is more common.

Check your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Correct tire pressure is listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Don’t just kick the tires. Use a gauge for accurate measurements.

Minimize cargo weight. The heavier the load, the harder the engine has to work, and the more fuel you’ll burn. Remove any unnecessary items from the bed and cab. Every pound counts, especially when navigating city streets.

Use cruise control on the highway. It helps maintain a consistent speed, preventing unintentional acceleration and deceleration. This is particularly helpful on long trips where fatigue can lead to inconsistent driving habits. The F150’s cruise control is easy to use and effective.