21 MPG combined is a respectable figure for the 2022 Ford F150 four-wheel-drive equipped with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6. This isn’t your grandfather’s gas-guzzling work truck. Ford engineered a blend of capability and efficiency tailored to the modern truck buyer who needs to haul and tow during the week, but also uses their F150 as a family vehicle on the weekends. It won’t win any hypermiling competitions, but for a full-size pickup with 4×4 functionality, it strikes a sensible balance.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2022 F150 4×4 with the 2.7L EcoBoost come in at 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. This spread reflects the engine’s responsiveness and the ten-speed automatic transmission’s ability to keep the EcoBoost in its optimal power band.

Urban driving often involves stop-and-go traffic and lower average speeds, hence the lower city MPG. Highway driving allows the engine to settle into a more efficient cruising mode, taking advantage of aerodynamic efficiency which is limited in a vehicle with the blocky characteristics of a pickup truck. The automatic transmission, coded “S10” by Ford, enables efficient cruising at highway speeds via its tall overdrive gears.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,100 for this specific F150 configuration. This calculation assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a blend of city and highway mileage that mirrors the EPA’s testing cycle. It also uses the national average fuel price at the time of the original testing. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on your local fuel prices and driving habits. While this figure offers a good starting point for budgeting, it’s important to consider your personal driving patterns to get a more accurate picture of your expected fuel expenses. Prospective buyers can use this data together with F150 MPG across all years to assess the long-term cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides standardized fuel economy testing, real-world mileage will vary. Factors like driving style, load weight, tire pressure, and weather conditions all play a role. Aggressive acceleration, frequent towing, and neglecting regular maintenance can all negatively impact fuel economy. Most owners find the EPA estimates to be a reasonable benchmark, but consistent highway driving might yield slightly better results, while heavy city use or frequent towing will likely result in figures below the 19 MPG city rating. Ultimately, disciplined driving habits are the single biggest factor in replicating the EPA results.

How it compares

The 2022 F150’s fuel economy stacks up reasonably well against its competitors. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 and four-wheel drive typically achieves around 19 MPG combined. Ram’s 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi V8 hovers around 17 MPG combined in 4×4 configuration. The Toyota Tundra, known for its reliability but not its fuel efficiency, lands slightly lower with its older V8 engine in four-wheel drive trim coming in closer to 16 MPG combined. The F150’s 2.7L EcoBoost offers an alternative providing acceptable fuel economy relative to its competitors especially considering its higher horsepower and torque numbers when compared to some competitor’s offerings. To see all Ford fuel economy data in one place is helpful when weighing options in the marketplace.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and anticipation will allow the transmission to upshift earlier, keeping the EcoBoost engine in its most efficient operating range. Avoid unnecessary hard acceleration, especially from a standstill. A measured approach to urban driving will make a significant difference.

Tires play a larger role than many realize. Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the pressure listed on the door jamb. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Regular tire pressure checks are a low-effort way to improve MPG.

Reduce excess weight. Hauling around unnecessary tools, equipment, or cargo adds extra strain on the engine and lowers fuel economy. Clear out anything you don’t need on a regular basis. The F150’s payload capacity is tempting, but remember that added weight comes at a cost to fuel efficiency.

Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed and minimize unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. A steady speed allows the engine to operate more efficiently. Be mindful of hills and adjust your speed gradually rather than relying on the cruise control to constantly adjust.

Consider using “tow/haul” mode only when actually towing. This mode holds gears longer and alters shift points to provide more power under load. While beneficial for towing, it reduces fuel economy in normal driving conditions. Leave it off when driving empty.