21 MPG combined is a reasonable, though unremarkable, figure for the 2018 Ford F-150 SuperCrew with the 5.5ft bed and the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. This truck isn’t about squeezing every last drop of fuel. It’s about capability. Buyers of this configuration prioritize interior space for passengers and the short bed for manageable hauling over ultimate efficiency. They need a truck that can handle work, family, and weekend adventures, and they accept the fuel economy as a necessary trade-off for that versatility.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 F-150 SuperCrew 5.5ft with the 3.5L EcoBoost and 6-speed automatic transmission are 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving that affects many pickup trucks, especially those used as daily drivers. The EcoBoost engine, despite its turbocharging, still requires fuel to get this heavy vehicle moving from a standstill repeatedly. The highway figure is more palatable, especially on longer journeys where the engine can settle into a more efficient cruising speed. Even at 25 MPG, careful driving habits are critical to achieve those numbers consistently.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this specific 2018 Ford F-150 SuperCrew configuration at $2,500. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices and allows buyers to compare the running costs of different vehicles and plan their budgets accordingly. Your actual fuel costs may vary significantly depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you purchase, and how often you tow or haul heavy loads.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a good starting point, real-world fuel economy often differs. Owners of the 2018 F-150 SuperCrew with the 3.5L EcoBoost generally report figures hovering around the stated combined MPG, but some see lower numbers. Hauling heavy loads, aggressive acceleration, and consistent city driving will all drag down efficiency. On the other hand, careful highway driving and diligent maintenance can help nudge numbers closer to the 25 MPG highway estimate. Understanding the factors that influence fuel consumption is key to managing expectations and driving more economically. For more insight, you can check out F 150 MPG across all years.

How it compares

In the context of full-size pickup trucks, the 2018 F-150 SuperCrew’s fuel economy is competitive, though not class-leading. A 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab with the 5.3L V8 and 6-speed automatic achieves a similar 16 MPG city/22 MPG highway, making it less efficient than the F-150’s EcoBoost engine. The Ram 1500 Crew Cab with the 5.7L Hemi V8 landed around 15 MPG city and 22 MPG highway in 2018, again lagging Ford. The Toyota Tundra, known for its reliability but not its efficiency, typically achieves even lower figures with its V8 engine. The F-150’s EcoBoost engine was a step in the right direction for F-150 drivers seeking less gas. These comparisons matter because the SuperCrew buyer, while prioritizing space and functionality, still wants to minimize running costs when possible.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of the EcoBoost’s turbocharging intelligently. Avoid aggressive acceleration and “jackrabbit” starts, these actions force the turbos to spool up, consuming more fuel. Instead, focus on smooth and gradual acceleration to stay within the engine’s more efficient operating range.

Regular maintenance is critical. Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, and keep up with oil changes and other routine maintenance tasks. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and extracts more miles from each gallon of fuel. Don’t forget to check all Ford fuel economy data.

Reduce unnecessary weight and drag. Remove any items you don’t need from the truck bed and consider a tonneau cover to improve aerodynamics, especially at highway speeds. The open bed creates significant wind resistance, impacting fuel economy, covering it can make a noticeable difference.

Use cruise control wisely. On flat stretches of highway, use cruise control to maintain a consistent speed and prevent unintentional speed fluctuations. Be mindful of hills and terrain changes, as cruise control can sometimes downshift aggressively, negating any potential fuel savings. Manually adjusting your speed can be more efficient in undulating conditions.

Plan your trips to avoid unnecessary stops. Combine errands into a single trip whenever possible to minimize cold starts, which consume more fuel. Idling also wastes fuel, so turn off the engine if you anticipate waiting for more than a minute or two. These small changes can add up to significant fuel savings over time.