An 18 MPG combined rating isn’t going to win any awards, but for a 2016 Ford F150 Pickup 4WD with the 3.5L V6, most owners accept it as the cost of doing business. This isn’t a truck bought for its fuel sipping nature; it’s a tool, a workhorse, and often a family vehicle. Buyers prioritize capability and reliability over outright efficiency, and the F150, even in 4WD, offers a good blend of both.

City and highway performance

The 2016 F150 4×4 with the 3.5L V6 gets 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway, according to EPA estimates. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the truck’s weight and aerodynamics work against it. The highway MPG is more than respectable, likely achieved during steady-state cruising where the engine runs easily and the automatic transmission is in its highest gear. Remember that these figures are based on standardized testing, and real-world results will vary with driving style, load, and terrain.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Ford F150 4WD 3.5L V6 at $2,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the EPA’s combined MPG estimate (18 MPG) and the national average fuel price. Keep in mind that gasoline price changes will directly impact this, a significant price hike will push the annual cost higher, while lower prices provide some relief at the pump.

Real-world expectations

Don’t be surprised if your own fuel economy is different from the EPA ratings. Things like quick acceleration, frequent towing or hauling, off-road trips, and even tire pressure can change fuel use. Many owners report slightly lower MPG in real-world conditions, particularly if they often use the truck as intended. Payload and towing really change MPG results, so be careful when estimating fuel costs if you plan to use the F150’s capabilities.

How it compares

The 2016 F150’s fuel economy is similar to its competitors, but specific configurations are important. A comparably equipped 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD with the 5.3L V8 is rated at 16 MPG combined. A 2016 Ram 1500 4×4 with the 5.7L Hemi V8 posts similar numbers. The F150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost offers better fuel economy, achieving an EPA-estimated 20 MPG combined, but sacrifices some towing capacity. Buyers often weigh the trade-off to find their best solution. While you’re here, don’t forget to browse F150 MPG across all years. Also check out all Ford fuel economy data to see how Ford has worked towards improving fuel efficiency over the years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key. The 3.5L V6 delivers enough power without needing to be pushed hard. Avoiding fast starts and keeping a steady pace will really help your fuel economy. Pay attention to your driving and be smooth with the gas and brake pedal.

Maintain proper tire pressure. If tires are low, they create more rolling resistance. This makes the engine work harder and burns more fuel. Check your tire pressure often and put them to the recommended settings found on the doorjamb sticker.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Extra cargo adds strain and reduces fuel efficiency. Remove extra items from the bed and cab of the truck to lighten the load and improve MPG. Every pound adds up, and a cleaner truck is a more efficient truck.

Minimize idling time. Letting the engine idle for a long time uses fuel without going anywhere. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, shut off the engine to save fuel. The F150 restarts quickly and easily, and reduces idling significantly improve MPG.

Consider a tonneau cover. Covering the bed of the pickup truck reduces drag, especially at highway speeds, which can improve fuel economy. While it can be a small change, it can add up to significant savings over time.