12 MPG combined. If you are deeply concerned about fuel consumption, the 2024 Ford F150 RAPTOR R is not for you. This isn’t a work truck intended for maximizing profit margins on a construction site. It’s a high-performance, off-road-dominating machine packing a supercharged 5.2L V8, a beast engineered for desert running and rock crawling, not squeezing every last mile from a gallon of premium fuel. The price of admission to that world is paid, in part, at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates place city driving at 10 MPG and highway cruising at 15 MPG. Understand that these numbers are achievable under ideal conditions. Using the throttle aggressively, enjoying the supercharger’s whine and the exhaust’s roar, and navigating challenging terrain will all drag those figures downward, sometimes significantly. The RAPTOR R’s power and off-road design create substantial rolling resistance.

City driving involves frequent stops and starts, amplifying the impact of its weight and aggressive tires. On the highway, maintaining a steady speed helps, but the aerodynamic profile of this truck, designed for ground clearance and suspension articulation rather than streamlining, still fights against efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Ford F150 RAPTOR R is approximately $3,650. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using the national average fuel price. Given the RAPTOR R’s premium fuel requirement, fluctuations in gasoline prices can significantly alter the actual cost.

This cost is a considerable factor for potential owners, and it’s a price many are willing to pay for the unique capability and experience the RAPTOR R offers. If you’re curious to see all Ford fuel economy data, you can easily look up the figures.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world MPG for the RAPTOR R varies a lot. Owners who frequently drive hard, go off-roading, or tow will likely see numbers closer to the single digits. Conversely, those who primarily use it for highway cruising with a light foot might occasionally achieve figures slightly above the EPA estimate.

The key is that the RAPTOR R’s fuel economy depends on individual driving habits and usage patterns. Don’t expect Prius-like efficiency, and budget accordingly.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance off-road trucks, the RAPTOR R sits in a class of its own when it comes to power and fuel consumption. A standard Ford F150 RAPTOR with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine achieves a more palatable 16 MPG combined. The RAM 1500 TRX, another supercharged competitor, posts similar fuel economy figures in the low teens. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, while an SUV, delivers similar levels of performance and similar fuel consumption.

The willingness to accept terrible MPG comes down to capability. The RAPTOR R isn’t cross-shopped against fuel-sipping crossovers. Instead, buyers accept this inefficiency as the price of owning a supremely capable machine. If you want to see F150 MPG across all years, the information is publicly available.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Despite its inherent thirst, a few strategies can help mitigate the RAPTOR R’s fuel consumption. Resist the urge to constantly use the throttle; smooth acceleration and maintaining a steady speed will yield improvements. The supercharger is intoxicating, but use it carefully.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. The aggressive off-road tires contribute to rolling resistance, and incorrect inflation makes the problem worse. Regularly check and adjust tire pressure to the recommended specification.

Minimize idling time. The large-displacement V8 consumes a significant amount of fuel even when stationary. Avoid unnecessary idling, especially during warm-up. Today’s engines don’t require extended warm-up periods.

Consider using cruise control on long highway stretches. Maintaining a consistent speed minimizes acceleration and deceleration, contributing to better fuel economy. However, be mindful of traffic conditions and avoid excessive braking, as braking wastes the kinetic energy you’ve paid fuel to create.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight. Removing any excess cargo from the bed or cab will reduce the weight of the vehicle, slightly improving fuel efficiency. Every pound counts, even in a truck of this size.