Owners of the 2018 Ford F150 4WD Base Payload configuration with the 3.5L V6 get 19 MPG combined. While not the highest number, it’s generally accepted by those who rely on this truck for hauling, towing, and tough terrain. It’s a trade-off: strong capability balanced with the cost of fuel for a full-size, four-wheel-drive truck.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the F150 gets 17 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. City driving involves a lot of stopping and starting, which is harder on the truck due to its weight and shape. The highway MPG is better, but the F150’s size and the tires’ resistance still play a role. The powerful 3.5L V6 has to work harder to keep up at highway speeds compared to smaller vehicles. Drivers who often deal with rush hour or busy city streets should expect gas mileage closer to 17 MPG. If you spend more time on open highways, you’ll likely see results closer to 22 MPG, or even a bit better.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for this version of the 2018 Ford F150 is $2,300. This is figured on 15,000 miles per year and average national gas prices. Your actual fuel costs will change depending on how you drive, local gas prices, and the type of gas you use. Driving hard, towing a lot, and idling for long periods will all use more gas, increasing the annual cost beyond the EPA’s number. Using fuel-efficient driving habits and keeping the truck in good shape can help lower these costs. Check all Ford fuel economy data to see how the F150 compares to other Fords.

Real-world expectations

The EPA’s numbers are a standard, but real-world MPG can vary quite a bit. F150 owners often report different numbers depending on how they use the truck. Things like how much weight you’re carrying, how often you tow, tire pressure, and even the weather can affect fuel use. Expect a drop in MPG if you regularly haul heavy loads or tow trailers. Fuel use will also increase if you often use the four-wheel-drive system, especially in challenging off-road conditions. Remember that the EPA estimates are based on ideal conditions, which don’t often happen in everyday driving.

How it compares

The 2018 F150 4WD with the 3.5L V6 is in the middle of the pack for fuel economy compared to its competitors. A similar 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD with the 5.3L V8 is rated at 18 MPG combined. Ram 1500 models from the same year can range from 17-20 MPG combined, depending on the engine and setup. These small MPG differences can be a big deal for buyers. For the F150 buyer, the decision depends on more than just MPG. Payload capacity, towing, and overall ability are important factors, maybe even more so. They might accept slightly lower gas mileage compared to a smaller pickup, or another option when reviewing F150 MPG across all years, if it means having the power and usefulness they need.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Keep your tires properly inflated. The correct tire pressure for the F150 is important for safety and handling, and for getting the best possible gas mileage. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially before long trips or when carrying heavy loads, and inflate them to the levels the manufacturer recommends.

Minimize idling. Idling wastes fuel without going anywhere. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Restarting the engine uses very little fuel compared to idling, especially with today’s engines.

Anticipate traffic and drive smoothly. Avoid accelerating hard and braking hard, which waste fuel. Keep a steady speed whenever you can, and watch the traffic so you can avoid unnecessary stops and starts. Using cruise control on the highway can also help you keep a consistent speed, saving fuel.

Reduce weight and improve aerodynamics. Carrying extra weight reduces fuel economy. Take out anything you don’t need for your current trip. Also, think about removing or folding down any aftermarket parts that block airflow, like roof racks or tonneau covers, when you’re not using them.