16 MPG combined isn’t going to win any lower fuel costs awards, but it accurately reflects what the 2017 Ford F150 RAPTOR 4WD 3.5L is: a high-performance, off-road-ready truck built for conquering dunes and trails, not hypermiling. Anyone considering the Raptor understands that fuel efficiency takes a back seat to its capabilities, and that compromise is willingly made.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Raptor at 15 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway. Consider the urban figure closely. Stop-and-go traffic, aggressive acceleration (tempting with that twin-turbo V6), and the sheer weight of the Raptor contribute to that lower number. The highway figure, while still modest, represents a more consistent driving style where the engine isn’t constantly tasked with overcoming inertia and wind resistance. Of course, those highway estimates are also based on stock tires and factory ride height; lifting the truck or installing larger tires, a common modification, will certainly degrade those MPG numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Ford F150 RAPTOR 4WD at $2,750. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Note that regional fuel prices may vary significantly, so drivers in areas with higher gasoline costs will likely exceed this annual estimate, while those in areas with lower gas prices may spend less. Remember, the Raptor demands premium fuel, so factor that into your calculations. Your actual fuel expenditure will vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and fuel prices.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA numbers. In the real world, expect slightly lower figures, especially if you embrace the Raptor’s intended purpose. Off-roading, even moderate trails, will drastically reduce fuel economy. The aggressive tires, increased rolling resistance, and constant changes in terrain conspire to burn through fuel quickly. Aggressive driving on paved roads will also yield disappointing results. This isn’t a truck for drivers who drive lightly. Those who frequently use the Raptor’s performance capabilities will likely see average fuel economy closer to 13-15 MPG. Those seeking better mileage should consider other F150 trims or explore all Ford fuel economy data.

How it compares

Compared to other off-road-focused trucks, the Raptor’s fuel economy is generally in line with expectations. A similarly equipped 2017 Ram 2500 Power Wagon with its 6.4L Hemi V8 achieves around 12 MPG combined. The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 with the V6 engine manages a slightly better 18 MPG combined, but it’s a significantly smaller and less powerful truck. Even within the F150 lineup, the Raptor stands apart. A standard 2017 F150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine (non-Raptor) can easily achieve 20-22 MPG combined, highlighting the trade-off between performance and efficiency that Raptor buyers embrace. To compare to other models, see F150 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While outright fuel efficiency isn’t the Raptor’s strength, there are steps you can take to minimize fuel consumption. Avoid excessive idling, particularly during cold starts. Modern engines warm up efficiently under load, so prolonged idling only wastes fuel.

Maintain proper tire inflation, paying attention to the recommended pressure on the door jamb. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, impacting fuel economy negatively. Consider using a slightly higher pressure (within the tire’s safe maximum range) for on-road driving, but be sure to lower it again before heading off-road.

Minimize aggressive acceleration and braking. The Raptor’s power is addictive, but each hard acceleration burns fuel. Anticipate traffic conditions and drive smoothly. Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed and avoid unintentional speed fluctuations.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Remove any items from the bed or cab that aren’t essential. Extra weight requires more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Emptying the bed of unnecessary cargo can positively impact fuel efficiency.

Finally, consider using a less aggressive tire when not actively off-roading. Swapping to a less knobby tire with lower rolling resistance can yield a noticeable improvement in fuel economy, especially on long highway trips. Store the off-road tires for weekend adventures.