The 20 MPG combined fuel economy of the 2019 Ford F150 4WD FFV with the 3.3L V6 isn’t going to win any green awards, but it’s a realistic number for a truck designed to haul, tow, and tackle tough terrain. This isn’t a Prius; it’s a workhorse, and its fuel economy reflects that. Buyers of this specific configuration of the F150 aren’t prioritizing fuel sipping above all else; they’re after a capable and relatively affordable truck that can still handle daily driving duties.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2019 F150 3.3L 4WD break down to 18 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the realities of stop-and-go traffic, where the engine is constantly accelerating from a standstill. The highway number shows the engine’s potential when cruising at a steady speed, where it can use its relatively low displacement and the automatic transmission’s overdrive gears. Keep in mind these numbers are for the 3.3L V6 engine, not the EcoBoost options.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for this particular F150 configuration is $2,200. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s a standardized calculation designed to provide a level playing field for comparing vehicles. Of course, your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local gas prices. This also assumes that regular unleaded fuel is used which is a good assumption.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides valuable guidelines, real-world fuel economy often differs. Many owners of the 2019 F150 3.3L 4WD report achieving numbers close to the EPA estimates, but that depends on responsible driving. Hauling heavy loads, aggressive acceleration, and neglecting maintenance will undoubtedly impact fuel consumption. Also, the “FFV” designation means it is Flex Fuel Vehicle and the ratings we quote here are for gasoline use. Using E85 (85% ethanol fuel) will reduce efficiency considerably, and while E85 can be cheaper it may not save any money overall.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the 2019 F150 3.3L 4WD sits in a competitive space within the full-size truck segment. A similarly equipped 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 4.3L V6 and 4WD manages around 17 MPG combined. The RAM 1500 Classic (the prior generation RAM sold alongside the newer one in 2019) with its 3.6L V6 hovers around 19 MPG combined with 4WD. These fractional MPG differences might not seem like much, but they add up over the lifespan of the vehicle. Buyers in this segment often prioritize capability, resale value and price over minor fuel economy differences. See all Ford fuel economy data to drill down to the details.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is your friend. The 3.3L V6 doesn’t have the low-end torque of the EcoBoost engines, so there’s a natural temptation to push the throttle harder. Resist that urge, and you’ll see noticeable improvements in your MPG. Anticipate traffic flow and avoid unnecessary braking. Look ahead to avoid constant acceleration and deceleration. This is especially helpful in city driving.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which directly impacts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended inflation level, which is usually found on a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb. The 3.3L V6 does well with regular grade gasoline, even though using premium may give you a fractional HP increase, it is not worth the expense for almost all drivers.

Minimize idling. Letting your engine idle for extended periods while waiting or parked consumes fuel without moving. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. You should also reduce the use of accessories and air conditioning. Accessories like air conditioning place an additional load on the engine, reducing fuel efficiency.

Regular maintenance is essential. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements. The six-speed transmission also benefits from fluid changes per the maintenance schedule. Explore the F150 MPG across all years to see efficiency trends.

Consider removing unnecessary weight from the truck bed. Hauling extra weight decreases fuel economy. Remove any items that you don’t need to carry regularly. If you frequently tow with your F150, understand that those numbers will drop significantly. Towing any trailer will reduce efficiency and depending on the weight the reduction will be significant.