20 MPG combined is a respectable figure for the 2018 Ford F150 4WD with the 3.3L V6. This isn’t a hybrid or a small crossover, but a full-size, four-wheel-drive truck, built for work and ready for weekend adventures. Buyers in this segment often prioritize capability and durability over saving gas, which makes this powertrain a good choice for those needing a truck that can still deliver decent fuel economy.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 F150 4WD 3.3L V6 are 18 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects the stop-and-go driving conditions, where the truck’s weight and the energy required to accelerate impact fuel consumption most noticeably. On the highway, the F150 benefits from a more consistent speed and optimized gearing of its six-speed automatic transmission, resulting in better fuel efficiency. Drivers who spend more time on the open road will naturally see results closer to the 23 MPG figure, while those primarily using their F150 for urban tasks should realistically expect around 18 MPG.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Ford F150 4WD 3.3L V6 is $2,200. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and assumes that 45% of those miles are driven in the city and 55% on the highway. The EPA also uses the national average fuel price to arrive at this figure, which fluctuates based on market conditions and regional variations. Remember that this number is an estimate. Individual driving habits, local fuel costs, and vehicle maintenance can significantly impact actual fuel expenses.

Real-world expectations

The published EPA figures provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy often varies based on driving style, terrain, weather conditions, and cargo weight. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and carrying heavy loads will decrease fuel economy. Headwinds, cold temperatures, and driving through mountainous terrain can also detract from overall MPG. Conversely, smooth driving habits, proper tire inflation, and regular maintenance can help drivers approach or even exceed the EPA estimates. Many owners report that achieving the rated highway MPG is attainable when driving conservatively on relatively flat roads, but city driving can be more challenging.

How it compares

In the full-size truck segment, fuel economy is a key point of comparison. The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD with its 4.3L V6 is rated at 17 MPG combined, 16 city, and 22 highway, giving the F150 a slight edge in overall efficiency. The Ram 1500 4WD with the 3.6L V6 achieves 19 MPG combined, 17 city, and 24 highway, making it a close competitor to the F150, especially on highway driving. These differences may seem small on paper but can add up to significant savings over the lifespan of the vehicle and should be considered when browsing F150 MPG across all years. For the buyer considering the 3.3L V6 F150, these figures highlight a good balance between capability and fuel cost within the full-size truck market.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and smooth braking are key to saving fuel, experts say. Avoid stomping on the gas pedal and anticipate traffic flow to minimize hard braking. Maintaining a consistent speed on the highway, ideally within the posted speed limit, can also drastically improve your MPG.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the truck bed or cab. Carrying around extra cargo that isn’t needed increases the vehicle’s overall weight and reduces fuel efficiency. Clean out any unnecessary items to minimize the load on the engine.

Regular maintenance can greatly impact fuel efficiency. Ensure your engine is properly tuned, and replace air filters and spark plugs according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and burns fuel more cleanly.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, which can improve fuel economy on long drives. But avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as the transmission may downshift frequently, negating any fuel savings.

The F150 4WD 3.3L V6 is a capable truck that answers a specific need for owners, and you can view all Ford fuel economy data on our site.