18 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards in the fuel efficiency department, but in the realm of full-size, V8-powered pickup trucks designed for serious work, it’s a number that many buyers of the 2018 Ford F150 2WD BASE PAYLOAD LT TIRE 5.0L 8-cyl are willing to accept. This configuration appeals to those who need the grunt of a V8, require the increased payload capacity, but don’t necessarily need or want the extra expense and slight fuel economy penalty of four-wheel drive. Landscapers, construction crews, and fleet operators often find this trim to be a good mix of capability and value.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for this specific F150 configuration are 16 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go driving, which impacts any vehicle, especially a heavy truck. Expect fuel consumption to be even higher if you’re frequently idling or hauling heavy loads in urban environments. The 21 MPG highway estimate is more achievable in steady-state cruising, but even then, wind resistance and driving style play a significant part. Aggressive acceleration or consistently exceeding speed limits will quickly diminish fuel economy relative to the EPA rating.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates that the annual fuel cost for this version of the 2018 Ford F150 is $2,450. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that your actual fuel cost could be higher or lower depending on how much you drive, how you drive, and where you live, as fuel prices vary significantly across the country.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy often differs. Drivers who primarily use their F150 for short trips with frequent stops are likely to see MPG figures closer to the city estimate, potentially even lower, especially in colder climates. Conversely, those who do mostly highway driving, maintain consistent speeds, and avoid hard acceleration may occasionally exceed the 21 MPG highway rating. Hauling heavy loads or towing will significantly decrease fuel economy, often dropping well below the combined 18 MPG figure. Factors like tire pressure and vehicle maintenance also play a role in achieving optimal fuel efficiency.

How it compares

In 2018, a comparable Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with a 5.3L V8 and two-wheel drive was rated at 17 MPG combined. The Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi V8 and rear-wheel drive achieved a similar 17 MPG combined. While those are small differences on paper, they can add up over time. Certain Silverado and Ram trims offered technologies like cylinder deactivation, which could potentially improve real-world fuel economy in specific driving conditions. The F150’s 5.0L V8 is powerful and reliable. Buyers who prioritize its performance for work-related tasks likely understand and accept that it doesn’t always prioritize fuel efficiency above all else.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Aggressive acceleration and hard braking are fuel economy killers in any vehicle, but especially in a truck like the F150. Practice smooth acceleration, anticipate traffic flow, and maintain a steady speed whenever possible to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption.

Proper tire inflation is critical for fuel economy and tire life. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires to the pressure specified on the tire placard, typically found on the driver’s side doorjamb. Many F150 owners overlook this simple maintenance task, and suffer for it at the pump.

Minimize idling, especially when the engine is already warm. Modern engines warm up quickly, and prolonged idling wastes fuel. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, consider turning off the engine, especially on job sites where idling is common.

Reduce aerodynamic drag by removing unnecessary items from the truck bed and avoiding oversized tires or aftermarket accessories that negatively impact airflow. Even a tonneau cover can make a small difference. Keeping the bed as clean and streamlined as possible improves fuel economy, especially at highway speeds.

Consider using cruise control on long highway drives. It helps maintain a consistent speed and can prevent unintentional acceleration, both of which contribute to better fuel economy. Just be mindful of conditions and maintain a safe following distance.

For further research, see F150 MPG across all years and all Ford fuel economy data.