20 MPG combined won’t win any economy car awards, but it’s a respectable figure for the 2021 Ford F150 2WD with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. This truck is for someone who needs real truck capability for work or recreation, but doesn’t require four-wheel drive. It’s a workhorse that prioritizes payload and towing for those sunbelt states, which means compromises at the fuel pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway for this F150. This split shows this powertrain’s strengths and weaknesses. Stop-and-go city driving, with its constant acceleration and braking, punishes a vehicle of this size and weight, regardless of the engine. The highway figure shows the benefit of the well-calibrated 10-speed automatic transmission and the EcoBoost engine’s ability to cruise efficiently.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,200 for this F150. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s a useful benchmark for comparing the running costs of different vehicles.

Your actual fuel expenses will vary based on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and local fuel prices. If you tow frequently, or spend a lot of time idling on job sites, expect that $2,200 figure to climb significantly.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized test, but real-world fuel economy can differ. Many F150 owners report figures close to the EPA estimates in mixed driving. Aggressive driving, carrying heavy loads, and towing will decrease fuel efficiency. Consistent highway cruising at moderate speeds can often yield numbers slightly above the 24 MPG estimate.

How it compares

This F150’s fuel economy is competitive compared to its competitors. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2WD with the 5.3L V8, is rated at 17 MPG combined. Ram 1500 2WD with the 3.6L eTorque V6 achieves around 22 MPG combined. The Nissan Titan’s 2WD V8 model comes in around 18 MPG combined. Ford’s advantage with the 3.5L EcoBoost in the lighter 2WD configuration is its ability to deliver payload and towing figures approaching those of the V8s, while offering superior efficiency. This is a key differentiator for buyers who prioritize versatility, and you can review F150 MPG across all years to get more clarity.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and anticipatory driving are your best strategies in this truck. The EcoBoost engine is responsive, but it can also consume fuel quickly if you frequently demand maximum power. Smoothing out your inputs will translate directly into better mileage, particularly in city driving. Ford publishes all Ford fuel economy data so you can compare your driving to other models and see if you can tweak your habits even further.

Proper tire inflation is critical. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, which can be found on the door jamb sticker. This small step can make a noticeable difference.

Minimize idling. The 3.5L EcoBoost engine consumes fuel even when the vehicle is stationary and idling. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Newer F150 models even have auto start-stop functionality (though that feature is not common on work-spec 2WD trucks) that automatically shuts off the engine at stoplights to save fuel.

Reduce aerodynamic drag. Remove any unnecessary items from the truck bed and consider using a tonneau cover to improve airflow over the vehicle. The effect becomes more noticeable at highway speeds and can improve fuel economy on longer trips.