19 MPG combined is the figure for the 2018 Ford F150 2WD with the 5.0L V8. This configuration isn’t usually chosen for maximizing fuel efficiency. People buy this pickup to haul, tow, and project a certain image, and they accept the fuel economy as a cost of doing business. It’s a tradeoff they’re willing to make for the capability and sound of that V8.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 F150 2WD FFV 5.0L achieves 17 MPG in city driving and 23 MPG on the highway. The “FFV” designation means “flexible fuel vehicle,” indicating this engine can run on E85 ethanol blend gasoline. Using E85, however, will reduce your fuel economy, delivering significantly lower mileage than using standard unleaded fuel. The highway figure of 23 MPG is achievable if you drive conservatively, but expect it to drop if you use the F150 for its intended purpose: carrying cargo or towing a trailer.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Ford F150 2WD FFV 5.0L at $2,300 per year. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use (E85 will cost you more overall despite being cheaper per gallon), and gasoline prices in your area. If you tow regularly or frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, expect to exceed this $2,300 figure considerably.

Real-world expectations

While some owners may see numbers close to the EPA estimates, especially on long highway trips, the real-world fuel economy for this F150 is often lower. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, and towing will all reduce fuel efficiency. Expect something closer to 15-18 MPG in mixed driving. Also, the larger the tires and higher the lift you install, the more the aerodynamics will suffer and the more fuel you’ll burn. This truck has a large frontal area to begin with, so any modification in this area will hurt. Given the mission of this vehicle, owners often prioritize capability and aesthetics over fuel savings.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size pickups, the fuel economy of the 2018 Ford F150 2WD FFV 5.0L is fairly typical for a V8-powered work truck. A 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 and 2WD achieves an EPA-estimated 17 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. A Ram 1500 from the same year, equipped with the 5.7L Hemi V8 and 2WD, manages 15 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. The F150 is in line with the competing trucks, though some newer trucks make use of more advanced transmissions to get minor gains. These small differences matter less to the typical buyer than factors like reliability, towing capacity, and price. Looking at F150 MPG across all years reveals that newer F150 models with different engine options, like the EcoBoost V6, often deliver better fuel economy. You can also find all Ford fuel economy data to compare this model to Ford’s wider lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Driving style is critical for maximizing fuel economy in any vehicle, but especially with a large truck like the F150. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow can significantly improve your MPG. Avoid jackrabbit starts and hard braking. The 5.0L V8 is responsive, and it’s easy to get carried away with the throttle. Resist the urge.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the door jamb. This is particularly important when towing.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the truck bed. Hauling around heavy items unnecessarily drains fuel. If you’re not using the truck for work at the time, remove any tools or heavy equipment from the bed to improve fuel economy. While the F150 is built strong, it responds to weight reductions like any other vehicle.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed can help optimize fuel consumption. However, avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as the transmission may downshift frequently, negating any potential fuel savings. The 10-speed automatic in this particular model is programmed for performance, so it hunts for gears whenever possible.

Minimize idling time. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. This is especially pertinent for those who use their F150 as a mobile office, as leaving the engine running to power accessories wastes a substantial amount of fuel over time.