19 MPG combined is the price of admission for owning a 2015 Ford F150 4×4 with the 3.5L V6 and flex-fuel capability. It’s a figure many buyers are willing to accept for a truck that balances capability, reliability, and relative affordability within the F150 lineup. This isn’t the most fuel-efficient truck on the market, nor is it trying to be, it’s a workhorse built to tackle demanding jobs with the reassurance of four-wheel drive when needed.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates this particular F150 at 17 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. Those numbers reflect the realities of stop-and-go traffic and sustained cruising speeds, respectively. The city figure underscores the impact of the truck’s weight and the energy required to repeatedly accelerate from a standstill.

Meanwhile, the highway number demonstrates that the 6-speed automatic transmission can settle into a reasonably efficient gear at higher speeds, assuming you resist the urge to bury your right foot. Drivers who do a lot of towing or hauling, especially in hilly or mountainous terrain, can expect to see these numbers drop noticeably.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this 2015 F150 configuration at $2,300. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the EPA’s fuel economy estimates and national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Keep in mind that your actual fuel costs could be higher or lower than this estimate, depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel you use. While the EPA allows testing of flex-fuel vehicles, the data and cost calculations are based on gasoline, not E85 fuel made up of 85% ethanol.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to consistently achieve the EPA’s numbers in real-world driving. Factors like aggressive acceleration, frequent towing, aftermarket modifications, and even tire pressure can significantly impact fuel economy. If you regularly haul heavy loads or navigate challenging terrain, expect your MPG to be lower than the advertised figures. Some owners report average fuel economy figures closer to the 15-18 MPG range in mixed driving conditions.

Conversely, someone who spends the majority of their time on the highway and drives conservatively might be able to get closer to, or even exceed, the EPA’s highway estimate. Understanding how you use your truck is critical to understanding your likely fuel costs.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size trucks of the era, the 2015 F150 with the 3.5L V6 and 4×4 lands in the middle of the pack for fuel economy. A comparable Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 and 4×4, for example, was rated at 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. A Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi V8 and 4×4 offered similar fuel economy, around 15 MPG city and 21 MPG highway.

The optional 2.7L EcoBoost V6 in the F150 offered significantly better fuel economy than the 3.5L V6, at 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway. For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency, the 2.7L EcoBoost was the clear choice. Owners interested in F150 MPG across all years will want to compare MPG variants and years carefully.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and braking can make a noticeable difference, especially in city driving. Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and try to anticipate traffic flow to minimize hard braking. The F150 is a heavy vehicle and requires more fuel to accelerate quickly. A lighter foot helps reduce fuel consumption and wear on your brakes.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature changes, as tire pressure fluctuates with ambient temperature. Also consider tires designed for lower rolling resistance.

Minimize idling. Letting your truck idle for extended periods wastes fuel. Modern engines warm up relatively quickly, so there’s no need to idle for more than a minute or two, even in cold weather. If you expect to be stationary for a longer time, turn off the engine. This can be especially beneficial in stop-and-go traffic or at long traffic lights.

Reduce aerodynamic drag. Remove any unnecessary cargo from the bed of your truck and consider using a tonneau cover to improve aerodynamics. Even a small reduction in drag can translate to a noticeable improvement in fuel economy, especially at highway speeds. Be careful not to overload the bed, an overloaded truck will also see reduced fuel economy.

Be mindful of using four-wheel drive. Only engage 4×4 when you genuinely need it. Driving in 4×4 on dry pavement significantly reduces fuel economy and increases wear on the drivetrain. Use two-wheel drive whenever possible to maximize efficiency. For all Ford fuel economy data, be sure to compare 4×2 vs 4×4 models.