21 MPG combined isn’t going to win any efficiency awards, but for the 2018 Ford F150 2WD FFV BASE PAYLOAD LT TIRE 3.3L 6-cyl, it represents a utilitarian balance. This isn’t a truck bought for its hybrid credentials, it’s a workhorse chosen for its capability and price point. The fuel economy is simply a factor in the cost of doing business, whether that business involves a construction site or weekend home improvement projects.

City and highway performance

Around town, expect to see around 19 MPG from the 3.3L V6 F150. This reflects the stop-and-go nature of city driving, where the engine is constantly working to accelerate the truck’s mass. The automatic transmission does its best to optimize fuel consumption, but there’s no hiding the inherent thirst of a six-cylinder engine pulling a full-size pickup.

On the highway, the F150 fares a bit better, achieving around 24 MPG. This is where the truck settles into a more efficient cruising speed, with less demand on the engine. Maintaining a steady pace is key to maximizing fuel economy on longer trips.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this particular configuration of the 2018 Ford F150 at $2,100. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a blend of city and highway driving, and assumes the national average fuel price. It’s important to remember that this is just an estimate, and your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. Many owners track their MPG manually, as this gives more specific insight than the EPA rating.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a useful benchmark, real-world fuel economy often differs. Drivers who regularly haul heavy loads, tow trailers, or frequently drive in congested traffic will likely see lower MPG numbers than those who primarily use the truck for lighter-duty tasks. Aggressive driving habits, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, will also negatively impact fuel economy. Conversely, careful drivers who prioritize smooth acceleration and maintain a consistent speed can often achieve results closer to the EPA estimates or even slightly better. Payload plays a major role, and this “base payload” truck is built for minimizing weight.

How it compares

Compared to other base model trucks of the era, the 2018 F150 with the 3.3L V6 holds its own. A comparable 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 4.3L V6 offers a similar EPA-estimated combined MPG of 20. The Ram 1500 Classic, still in production for 2018, equipped with the 3.6L V6, achieves a slightly lower 19 MPG combined. These differences are relatively minor, and the choice often comes down to brand preference, specific features, and overall value. To see all Ford fuel economy data, including how the F150 stacks up over time, consult the archives. You can also see F150 MPG across all years. The buyer of this base F150 prioritizes upfront cost above all else, differences of 1-2 MPG are less important than the bottom line.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 3.3L V6 is a relatively simple engine, but that doesn’t mean you can’t optimize its fuel efficiency. Keep your tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure, as this reduces rolling resistance. Low tire pressure can significantly decrease fuel economy, especially on a vehicle as heavy as a full-size truck.

Avoid unnecessary idling. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle and needlessly runs the engine.

Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The 6-speed automatic transmission is designed to shift efficiently, but it can only do its job if you’re driving in a predictable manner. The more you vary your speed, the more fuel you burn.

Consider removing any unnecessary weight from the truck bed or cab. Extra weight increases the load on the engine and reduces fuel economy. Even small items can add up and impact overall efficiency, especially if you regularly haul heavy supplies.