24 MPG combined doesn’t sound like much when compared to hybrid sedans and electric crossovers, but when bolted to the frame of a four-wheel-drive Ford F-150, it’s genuinely impressive. The 3.0L Power Stroke diesel paired with a ten-speed automatic gives the F-150 XL and XLT trims a blend of capability and relative efficiency. This isn’t a truck purchased for hypermiling; it’s a truck bought for hauling, towing, and working hard. The diesel option simply allows its owner to do all that with fewer trips to the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway offer a clearer picture of where this F-150 shines. The reliable torque of the diesel engine means less throttle input is needed to get the truck moving around town, contributing to decent city fuel economy. But it’s on the open road where the Power Stroke truly excels. At highway speeds, the ten-speed transmission keeps the engine purring at low RPMs, maximizing fuel efficiency during long hauls. This is especially valuable for those who use their F-150 for long-distance work or recreation, whether it’s towing a trailer to a job site or hauling a boat to the lake.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this particular 2020 Ford F-150 configuration at $2,300. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Fluctuating diesel prices can significantly impact this annual cost, and individual driving habits will play an even more significant role in determining your actual spending at the pump. Drivers who frequently tow heavy loads or spend a lot of time idling will likely see this number increase.

Real-world expectations

While EPA estimates provide a useful benchmark, your mileage may vary. The diesel F-150 is sensitive to driving style and load. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and consistently hauling heavy payloads will all negatively impact fuel economy. Gentle driving, anticipatory braking, and keeping the truck properly maintained can help you achieve (or even exceed) the EPA estimates. Some F-150 owners report that highway mileage regularly exceeds 28 MPG when driven conservatively.

How it compares

Compared to gasoline-powered F-150s with four-wheel drive, the diesel offers an advantage in fuel efficiency. A comparable 2020 F-150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 and 4WD manages only 20 MPG combined. Ram’s 1500 EcoDiesel, a direct competitor, achieves very similar numbers, around 23 MPG combined for the 4×4 models. Chevrolet’s Silverado 1500 with the 3.0L Duramax diesel also lands in the same ballpark. This competition highlights a key selling point: if you need the capabilities of a full-size truck but prioritize fuel economy, a diesel engine is often the most practical choice. If you’re interested in browsing F150 MPG across all years, you can easily make further comparisons.

Tips to maximize efficiency

First, drive smoothly. The diesel’s abundance of torque means you don’t need to aggressively accelerate to keep up with traffic. Anticipate stops, avoid hard braking, and maintain a steady speed on the highway to improve your fuel economy.

Regular maintenance is critical. Ensure your tires are properly inflated, keep up with oil changes, and replace air filters as needed. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and consumes less fuel. This is especially important for a diesel engine, which requires specific maintenance procedures.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The heavier your truck, the harder the engine has to work. Remove any unnecessary items from the bed and cab to minimize the load. This can be challenging for work trucks, but even small reductions in weight can add up over time.

Consider your tire choice. Aggressive off-road tires look great, but they also create more rolling resistance, which decreases fuel economy. If you primarily drive on pavement, opt for tires with a lower rolling resistance to improve your MPG.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, minimizing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. This is effective on long, flat stretches of highway where you can let the truck manage its own throttle input. If you want to see all Ford fuel economy data, there’s a wealth of information available for comparisons.