22 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards for lower fuel costs, but for the 2019 Ford F150 4WD with its 3.0L diesel, it’s a reasonable compromise. This truck isn’t bought by people primarily concerned with fuel sipping. It’s bought by those who need a blend of capability and relative efficiency for tasks like towing, hauling, and navigating challenging terrain, and the diesel F150 answers that call.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2019 F150 4WD 3.0L diesel break down to 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go driving, where the engine’s weight and the truck’s heft take their toll. The highway rating reflects more consistent speeds and optimized engine load. The 10-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine in its most efficient operating range. These numbers are particularly relevant for those who use the F150 as a daily driver but also need its utility for weekend projects or occasional towing. They want to keep fuel costs down as much as possible.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for this particular configuration of the F150 is estimated at $2,550. This is calculated based on 15,000 miles of driving per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that your actual costs could vary significantly depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you purchase, and, of course, fluctuations in fuel prices over the course of the year.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy can differ significantly. Factors such as driving style, load, tire pressure, and weather conditions all play a role. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, and towing will all reduce fuel economy, sometimes substantially. Conversely, gentle acceleration, consistent speeds, and proactive maintenance practices can improve efficiency. Many owners report achieving figures close to the EPA estimates, especially on longer highway trips, but it takes conscious effort.

How it compares

To put the 2019 F150 3.0L diesel’s fuel economy into perspective, consider some of its competitors. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with its 3.0L Duramax diesel offers similar ratings, achieving around 23 MPG combined in 4WD configuration according to EPA estimates. The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel offers comparable figures as well, often slightly better than the Ford and Chevy on the highway. For those considering gasoline engines, the F150’s own 2.7L EcoBoost V6 offers roughly similar combined MPG but sacrifices some of the diesel’s low-end torque, typically achieving around 20 MPG combined when equipped with 4WD. These comparisons matter to the F150 buyer because fuel economy is a key factor in the cost of ownership, and they also prioritize capability, which narrows the field significantly.

See F150 MPG across all years here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Optimize tire pressure to the recommended level listed on the driver’s side door jamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which directly impacts fuel consumption. Regularly checking and inflating your tires is a simple way to improve your MPG.

Consider using cruise control on long highway drives. Maintaining a consistent speed minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which can save fuel. Cruise control might not be the most efficient option in hilly terrain, as the transmission may downshift frequently to maintain speed.

This diesel engine benefits significantly from gentle acceleration. Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard braking. Gradual acceleration allows the engine to operate more efficiently, and anticipating traffic conditions can help avoid unnecessary braking.

Keep your F150 properly maintained. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance (if applicable) all contribute to optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency. A well-maintained engine simply runs more efficiently.

Reduce aerodynamic drag by removing unnecessary items from the bed of the truck and using a tonneau cover if possible. Even a small reduction in drag can improve fuel economy, especially at higher speeds. Also, take note of where to find all Ford fuel economy data.