The 2018 Ford F150 Raptor 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl has an EPA fuel economy rating of 16 MPG combined. This is a data point that lands somewhere between “who cares?” and “acceptable” for Raptor buyers. They aren’t buying this truck for its Prius-like efficiency, but for its Fox Racing suspension, its muscular stance, and its twin-turbocharged V6. This engine delivers a knockout punch of power both on and off the road. The Raptor is a statement, a lifestyle choice, and a capable tool for those who need it, so fuel economy is simply a low-priority consideration.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Raptor gets 15 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect driving a wide, aggressive vehicle powered by a high-output engine. Stop-and-go traffic demands bursts of power which drain the tank quickly, while the less interrupted flow of highway miles allows the engine to settle into a more efficient cruising speed. Even on the highway, the Raptor’s aerodynamics, and aggressive tires contribute to lower efficiency. Remember that these are EPA estimates, your personal mileage may vary depending on driving style, terrain, and payload.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Ford F150 Raptor is $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices for regular unleaded gasoline. This is an estimate, and real-world costs can change based on fuel prices in your region and your individual driving habits. Someone who uses the truck mainly for short commutes in the city, or spends a lot of time off-roading in low gear, will likely exceed this annual fuel cost. Someone who puts mostly highway miles on the truck might spend less. Still, $2,750 serves as a benchmark so buyers can compare the Raptor’s fuel expenses against other vehicles they might be considering. You can see all Ford fuel economy data on our site.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates provide a guideline, but real-world fuel economy for the Raptor often falls short of the official numbers, especially when driven in conditions it was built for. People who frequently use the truck’s off-road capabilities, or who enjoy its acceleration, will likely see lower fuel economy numbers. Heavy loads or towing will also significantly impact fuel consumption. Aggressive off-road tires sacrifice efficiency compared to more conventional street tires. A driver’s personality and driving environment dictate the numbers that appear on the fuel pump.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size trucks, the 2018 F150 Raptor’s fuel economy places it among the least efficient options. A standard F150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine can achieve up to 22 MPG combined, a significant advantage for those wanting less gas. Even other V8 powered trucks, like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 (rated around 17 MPG combined in 4WD configuration), can sometimes offer slightly better fuel economy. However, these trucks don’t offer the Raptor’s specialized off-road hardware or performance capabilities. A closer comparison might be the Ram 1500 TRX, a direct competitor to the Raptor. The TRX, equipped with a supercharged 6.2L V8, has a combined EPA rating of only 12 MPG. The Raptor’s relative efficiency reflects the engineering trade-offs Ford made to balance performance and fuel economy. If you’re interested in a truck from this model, you can also read about F150 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Raptor isn’t known for its fuel-sipping nature, there are steps owners can take to minimize fuel consumption. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, especially in city driving. The Raptor’s powerful engine can easily overwhelm traction, wasting fuel if you’re constantly spinning tires.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated and aligned. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which translates to lower fuel economy. Regular maintenance, including tire rotations, also helps ensure even wear and optimal performance.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The Raptor already carries a substantial curb weight, so avoid hauling around extra cargo that isn’t needed. Every pound adds to the engine’s workload and can impact fuel economy, particularly during acceleration.

Consider your drive mode. The Raptor features various drive modes optimized for different terrains and conditions. Using the appropriate mode can help maximize efficiency. Using “Normal” mode on paved roads will likely deliver better fuel economy than using “Baja” mode for everyday driving.