21 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel-sipping awards, but for the 2019 Ford F150 2WD FFV BASE PAYLOAD LT with the 3.3L V6, it’s a price many owners are willing to pay. This isn’t the F150 bought by suburban families looking for a school-run cruiser. This is the workhorse, the fleet truck, the affordable entry point into America’s bestselling pickup. For those buyers, capability and cost of entry trump outright fuel efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates put city driving at 19 MPG and highway driving at 24 MPG. The 3.3L V6, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, provides adequate power for most basic trucking needs. While not breathtaking, the engine’s efficiency is a known quantity, and the transmission is durable. Owners who prioritize fuel economy in this configuration likely spend the majority of their time on the highway, where the truck can maintain a reasonable pace without excessive engine strain. It is important to remember that the “BASE PAYLOAD” designation suggests this truck will be more heavily loaded than the average F150. Any sustained heavy loads will heavily impact real-world MPG in both city and highway environments. Click here for F150 MPG across all years.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Ford F150 2WD FFV BASE PAYLOAD LT with the 3.3L V6 at $2,100. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. This $2,100 figure is what buyers considering this specific configuration should benchmark against when budgeting for vehicle ownership costs. Keep in mind that individual driving habits and fluctuating fuel prices can significantly alter this number.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers provide a standardized baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary a lot. The most significant factors impacting fuel consumption in this F150 are payload, driving style, and terrain. Consistently hauling heavy loads will naturally decrease MPG, as will aggressive acceleration and speeds above 70 MPH. Flat, open highways will yield the best results, while hilly or mountainous terrain will put a greater strain on the engine, reducing efficiency. Owners report that unloaded highway trips, driven conservatively, can sometimes approach or even slightly exceed the EPA’s 24 MPG rating, while heavily loaded city driving can dip into the low teens.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size pickups with similar configurations, the 2019 F150’s fuel economy is competitive, but not groundbreaking. A similarly equipped 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 4.3L V6 typically achieves around 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway, making the F150 a slightly more economical choice in some situations. The Ram 1500 Classic with the 3.6L V6 also delivers numbers in the same ballpark, with an EPA rating of 17 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. Note that these are all the BASE level V6 engine options in their respective brands. Anyone buying the F150 with its 3.3L V6 knows they are forgoing ultimate power for improved economy and lower cost. For a broader range of choices, see all Ford fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration makes a noticeable difference in fuel consumption with the 3.3L V6. Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and try to anticipate traffic flow to minimize the need for sudden braking. The 6-speed automatic is tuned for efficiency, but it relies on smooth, gradual inputs from the driver to maintain optimal fuel economy. Driving as if you’re trying to avoid spilling a cup of coffee will often translate to better MPG.

Tire pressure is often overlooked, but properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which can improve your fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially when temperatures fluctuate, and inflate them to the PSI recommended on the door jamb sticker. Even a few PSI below the recommended level can negatively impact MPG.

Minimize idling. The 3.3L V6, like any gasoline engine, burns fuel even when the vehicle is stationary. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern starters are designed to handle frequent starts and stops without causing premature wear.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps the engine operate more efficiently. However, be mindful of terrain. Cruise control can sometimes downshift aggressively on hills, which can negate the fuel-saving benefits. In hilly conditions, manual throttle control may be more efficient.