Owners of the 2017 Ford F-150 5.0L 4WD FFV with the heavy-duty GVWR can expect around 16 MPG combined. This truck isn’t bought for Prius-like efficiency; it’s a workhorse. The F-150 configured this way is for buyers who need serious towing and hauling, prioritizing brute strength over saving gas. Ranchers lugging cattle trailers, contractors hauling tools, and those who regularly navigate challenging off-road terrain understand this trade-off. The V8 rumble and the confidence this truck inspires might be worth more than saving every possible mile per gallon. Check out F150 MPG across all years to compare.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway for this configuration. City driving, with its stop-and-go traffic and the truck’s weight, take a toll. The 5.0L V8 needs to work to get moving, and that power requires fuel. Highway figures are better, but still not great. The 6-speed automatic transmission, while durable, lacks the fuel-saving gear ratios of the 10-speed automatic in newer F-150 models. The FFV (Flexible Fuel Vehicle) designation means this truck can run on E85 fuel (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline). While E85 can be cheaper, it reduces fuel economy, often dropping MPG figures well below the EPA estimates.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says to expect around $2,750 per year on fuel. This is based on driving 15,000 miles annually, with 55% of those miles in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation also uses the national average fuel price. Your actual fuel costs will depend on your driving, the fuel you use (E85 will make that number higher), and where you live, since fuel prices change by region.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a benchmark, but real-world MPG for this F-150 is often lower. Owners who frequently tow heavy loads, engage 4-wheel drive, or drive aggressively will see lower fuel economy. Careful drivers who primarily use the truck for commuting or light-duty tasks might achieve slightly better results than the EPA estimates. Lifting the truck or using oversized tires will decrease fuel economy because of drag and weight.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the 2017 F-150 5.0L 4WD FFV is a consideration when shopping for trucks. A 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 and 4WD typically gets around 15 MPG combined. The Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi and 4WD offers similar numbers, about 15 MPG combined. These differences are important, but capability is often more important for buyers in this segment. For example, someone comparing this F-150 to a more efficient F-150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost (around 20 MPG combined in 4WD) might still choose the V8 for its proven reliability and towing. See all Ford fuel economy data to see how the numbers compare.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The 5.0L V8 is responsive, but every stomp of the accelerator uses fuel. Smooth acceleration is better for your wallet. Guess what the traffic will do, and maintain a steady speed when you can.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the door jamb sticker.

Reduce weight and aerodynamic drag. Remove unnecessary items from the truck bed and think about a tonneau cover to improve aerodynamics on the highway. Every extra pound and every increase in aerodynamic drag contribute to fuel consumption.

Use 4-wheel drive sparingly. Only engage 4-wheel drive when you need it, such as in slippery or off-road conditions. Driving in 4-wheel drive on dry pavement reduces fuel economy because of the friction and energy to turn all four wheels.

Think about using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed can help improve fuel economy, especially on long trips. Be mindful of traffic and disengage cruise control when necessary for safety.