The 2019 Ford F150 2WD with the 3.0L diesel gets 25 MPG combined, placing it near the top of the full-size truck segment for fuel efficiency. Of course, buyers don’t buy a full-size truck *solely* for its MPG. They buy it for its capability, payload, towing capacity, and utility. This diesel F150, however, allows buyers to have their cake and eat it too, delivering respectable fuel economy without sacrificing the “truck stuff” that F150 owners demand.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates this F150 configuration at 22 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city MPG is respectable, but the highway figure stands out. The 30 MPG highway rating makes it a good choice for those who drive long distances, whether commuting or hauling equipment to job sites. A lighter foot will help to achieve these figures. Remember that aggressive acceleration or hauling heavy loads will reduce your MPG, especially in stop-and-go conditions. Ford’s ten-speed automatic transmission also plays an important role, keeping the engine in its optimal power band for both performance and economy.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the average annual fuel cost for the 2019 Ford F150 2WD 3.0L diesel is $2,250. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and the fuel price in your area.

A driver who primarily uses their F150 for short trips around town will likely spend more than $2,250 per year, while a driver who predominantly drives on the highway may spend less. This figure gives a baseline for comparison against other trucks, and an owner can see F150 MPG across all years.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful benchmark, real-world MPG often varies. Most owners report numbers between 22 and 28 MPG combined, depending on driving style and load. Hauling heavy loads or constant stop-and-go traffic will pull the MPG down toward the lower end of that range. Conversely, consistent highway driving at moderate speeds can push the MPG closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA’s 30 MPG highway rating. Payload and towing have a significant impact, so empty-bed runs on the highway will produce the best results.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the 2019 Ford F150 3.0L diesel 2WD stacks up well. A comparable Ram 1500 with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engine achieves similar numbers (around 22 MPG city and 32 MPG highway), but remember that those numbers depend on configuration. The Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 offered a 3.0L Duramax diesel as well, achieving an EPA-estimated 23 MPG city and 29 MPG highway with two-wheel drive. These diesel efficiency numbers make these trucks competitive compared to their gasoline counterparts. For example, the F150’s 2.7L EcoBoost gasoline engine nets a combined MPG around 20 for 2WD models. Buyers willing to pay the extra cost for the diesel engine are often seeking the torque for towing because it will deliver better fuel economy in real-world use cases.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is critical to maximizing fuel economy. Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and lower MPG. replace your air filter regularly to ensure optimal engine performance.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The diesel engine delivers plenty of torque at low RPMs, so you don’t need to press hard on the accelerator. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Using cruise control on the highway will help maintain a consistent speed and reduce fuel consumption.

Minimize idling. Diesel engines, particularly newer ones, can burn a surprisingly large amount of fuel while idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, shut off the engine, especially if equipped with auto start-stop. This is particularly true during cold weather, as the engine works harder to maintain temperature during idle.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling around extra weight in the bed of the truck will negatively affect fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary tools, equipment, or cargo when they’re not needed. Consider getting a lightweight tonneau cover to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag.

Use the information display. The F150’s information display provides real-time fuel economy data, allowing you to monitor your driving habits and make adjustments as needed. Pay attention to the instantaneous MPG reading and try to maintain a driving style that keeps it in the optimal range. See all Ford fuel economy data to see trends across the manufacturer.