An 18 MPG combined rating isn’t going to win any fuel efficiency awards, but fuel efficiency isn’t the primary concern for anyone signing on the dotted line for a 2023 Ford F-150 Tremor. This truck is about off-road capability, tough looks, and substantial towing capacity, not squeezing every last mile out of a gallon of gas. The Tremor is purpose-built, and its fuel consumption reflects that mission. Buyers in this segment understand that compromises come with choosing a highly capable, specialized vehicle like this one. They prioritize trail readiness and ruggedness over hyper-miling.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the 2023 Ford F-150 Tremor, equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and 4WD, achieves 16 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. These figures are important for understanding the truck’s fuel behavior in different driving conditions.

The lower city MPG reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, which necessitates frequent acceleration and braking, working the engine harder. The higher highway MPG is attributable to consistent speeds and less demand on the powertrain once the vehicle is cruising.

Both figures contribute to the combined 18 MPG rating, which provides a general overview of expected fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Ford F-150 Tremor at $2,450. This figure is derived from an assumption of 15,000 miles driven per year and the current national average fuel price. Naturally, your individual costs will vary based on how you drive and the fuel prices in your specific location.

This number gives prospective buyers a standardized benchmark for understanding the potential financial impact of fueling this truck, allowing for easier comparisons. See all all Ford fuel economy data here.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized test, real-world fuel economy often deviates. Aggressive driving, towing, off-roading, and even aftermarket modifications can all significantly reduce MPG in the F-150 Tremor. The 3.5L EcoBoost, while powerful, is sensitive to driving style. Sustained heavy throttle use, particularly during off-road adventures, will drastically reduce fuel efficiency.

Conversely, careful drivers who prioritize smooth acceleration and minimize idling may see figures closer to the EPA estimates, or even slightly better on long highway trips. Keep in mind that the Tremor’s off-road tires also create additional rolling resistance, impacting fuel economy.

How it compares

Compared to other off-road-oriented trucks, the F-150 Tremor’s fuel economy is generally in line with expectations. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss with the 6.2L V8 nets around 17 MPG combined. The Ram 1500 Rebel with the 5.7L Hemi achieves a similar 17 MPG. The Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, while boasting legendary reliability, doesn’t fare any better, hovering around 18 MPG combined.

These figures highlight that off-road capability rarely comes without a fuel consumption penalty. The point for potential Tremor buyers is that they aren’t significantly worse off than the competition. Browse F150 MPG across all years on our site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Because the 3.5L EcoBoost is turbocharged, avoid abrupt, heavy acceleration. Gentle acceleration allows the engine to operate more efficiently, minimizing the turbo’s spool-up and reducing fuel consumption. Maintaining a steady speed on the highway, rather than constantly speeding up and slowing down, can also significantly improve fuel economy.

Ensure your F-150 Tremor’s tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tires regularly, especially before long trips or when carrying heavy loads.

Minimize idling whenever possible. Modern engines consume fuel even when stationary. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turning off the engine can save a noticeable amount of fuel over time. This is especially relevant in stop-and-go traffic or when waiting for passengers.

Consider removing any unnecessary weight from the truck bed. Extra weight adds to the engine’s workload, increasing fuel consumption. Regularly remove any tools, equipment, or other items that are not essential for your daily activities.

Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed, which helps optimize fuel economy. However, avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as the system may aggressively downshift to maintain speed, negating some of the fuel-saving benefits.