2018 Ford F150 2.7L 4WD: Fuel Economy Deep Dive

21 MPG combined doesn’t immediately sound impressive, but for a four-wheel-drive pickup truck with genuine work capability, the 2018 Ford F150 2.7L EcoBoost is a good choice for many buyers. This isn’t a truck for hypermilers. It’s a truck for contractors, small business owners, and weekend warriors who need to haul materials, tow a boat, and still manage decent fuel bills in daily driving. They accept this fuel economy because they value the truck’s versatility and capability more than squeezing every last mile from a gallon.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 F150 4WD with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine are 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving that many truck owners experience, especially those who use their F150 for work. The 24 MPG highway number is more achievable on longer trips, but speed and load significantly impact fuel consumption. Driving 75 mph with a bed full of tools will drastically reduce that highway figure. The 2.7L EcoBoost, paired with its 10-speed automatic transmission, works to maximize efficiency, but physics plays a role.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this specific F150 configuration to be $2,100. 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, using national average fuel prices. Individual costs may vary depending on your driving habits, location, and the current price of gasoline. If you primarily drive in the city or tow frequently, expect this figure to be higher.

Someone who mostly uses the truck for highway commuting could potentially see slightly lower annual fuel expenses. You can examine all Ford fuel economy data on this website.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy can vary. Owners report achieving numbers close to the EPA figures in mixed driving. However, factors like aggressive driving, towing, carrying heavy loads, and regular four-wheel-drive use will reduce MPG. A light foot, careful route planning, and following speed limits are important for maximizing fuel efficiency in this F150. Gasoline blends and tire pressure can affect your MPG.

See F150 MPG across all years for more information on this model’s fuel consumption.

How it compares

The F150 2.7L 4WD generally performs well in fuel economy compared to other full-size pickup trucks from 2018. A comparable 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD with the 5.3L V8 might only achieve around 19 MPG combined. A Ram 1500 4×4 with the 5.7L Hemi V8 could see similar or even slightly worse numbers. The Toyota Tundra, known for its reliable performance but less for its fuel efficiency, typically lags behind with a combined MPG in the 15-17 range. Other trucks may offer slightly more towing capacity or a different set of features.

The F150 2.7L balances capability and fuel economy in a way that appeals to a specific segment of truck buyers.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2.7L EcoBoost engine benefits from a gentle throttle. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking to conserve fuel. The engine’s turbochargers provide ample low-end torque, allowing you to accelerate easily without needing to push the engine hard. Anticipate traffic flow to maintain a steady speed whenever possible.

Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures the engine operates efficiently. Clogged air filters restrict airflow, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Similarly, old or contaminated oil can increase friction within the engine, reducing fuel economy.

Tire pressure plays a significant role in rolling resistance. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Using tires designed for low rolling resistance can further improve fuel efficiency, but be aware that some tires compromise grip for less gas.

Minimize the weight you carry in the truck bed. Unnecessary cargo adds to the overall vehicle weight, increasing fuel consumption. Remove any items you don’t need for daily use to reduce the load on the engine. A clean truck bed improves aerodynamics, though the effect is less impactful than excess weight.

When towing, select the appropriate tow/haul mode. Monitor boost and MPG readouts to get a sense of what your driving might be doing to fuel economy, and make adjustments accordingly.