19 MPG combined is what you can expect driving a 2020 Ford F150 Limited 4×4 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. It’s not trying to be a Prius. This is a luxury work truck that’s just as capable when towing a boat as it is standing out in the valet line. These buyers value capability, comfort, and technology over ultimate fuel efficiency, accepting higher fuel costs as the price for the highest level of the F150 range.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates this F150 at 17 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects stop-and-go driving, where the truck’s weight and internal combustion inefficiencies impact fuel economy. The 21 MPG highway figure is more achievable when cruising at a steady speed, the 10-speed automatic transmission uses its overdrive gears, and the EcoBoost engine leans out the fuel mixture under light loads. Remember that these figures are based on standardized tests. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, or sustained high speeds will reduce these numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Ford F150 Limited 4×4 3.5L to be $2,300. This is based on 15,000 miles of driving per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using the EPA’s MPG ratings and a national average fuel price. This is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs may be higher or lower depending on your driving, the fuel you buy, and gas prices. A driver who uses their F150 for short trips will likely spend more than $2,300 on fuel, while someone who does mostly highway driving could spend less.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world MPG often varies. Owners of this F150 often report figures slightly below 19 MPG combined, especially during mixed driving. Hauling heavy loads or towing will decrease fuel economy significantly, dropping it into the low teens. However, careful highway driving, avoiding quick acceleration, and keeping tires properly inflated can result in figures exceeding the EPA’s 21 MPG highway estimate. The 3.5L EcoBoost is powerful, but its fuel consumption depends on how it’s used.

How it compares

When compared to other full-size trucks, the 2020 F150 Limited 4×4 3.5L’s fuel economy is average. A 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4×4 with the 5.3L V8, is rated at 17 MPG combined. A RAM 1500 4×4 with the 5.7L Hemi V8 gets 17 MPG combined unless you opt for eTorque which can increase the MPG slightly to 19. The GMC Sierra 1500, a rebadged Silverado, will offer similar fuel economy. If fuel economy is a top priority, the F150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 gets 22 MPG combined. See F150 MPG across all years to compare all engine options. The Limited trim buyer isn’t typically only considering fuel economy; they’re weighing performance, luxury, and technology too.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Quick acceleration hurts fuel economy in any vehicle, and the F150 is no different. The EcoBoost engine delivers strong torque, but using it often will lower your MPG. Accelerate smoothly and gradually to stay within the engine’s efficient range.

Tire pressure is important. Check that your tires are inflated to the pressure on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burning more fuel. Regular tire pressure checks are a simple way to improve fuel economy.

Reduce weight. Carrying extra gear in the truck bed hurts fuel economy. Removing items you don’t need daily can make a small difference, especially on short trips. Keep the bed empty when not using the truck for work.

Using cruise control on the highway can help. Maintaining a consistent speed helps to optimize fuel efficiency. Modern cruise control systems can also regulate speed on hills, further minimizing fuel consumption. Watch the terrain, though; cruise control can sometimes downshift hard on steep hills, negating some benefits.

Use Ford’s available technology. The F150 may have auto stop/start which can save fuel in stop-and-go traffic. Explore all Ford fuel economy data for other models with this technology.