Ford F-150 Fuel Economy: All You Need To Know

Fuel economy is one of the first things you will check when buying a new vehicle.

This is an ongoing cost, and you want to ensure you get the best fuel economy.

In this article, you will find out about the fuel economy of the 2021 Ford F-150 and its fuel efficiency when towing.

Ford F-150 Fuel Economy: Key Takeaways

• 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 Engine – 20 city/24 highway miles per gallon
• 2.7L EcoBoost V6 Engine – 20 city/26 highway 
• 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 Engine – 17 city/24 highway
• 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine – 18 city/24 highway 
• High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine – 16 city/20 highway 
• 3.0L Power Stroke V6 Engine – 20 city/27 highway
• 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 Engine – 25 city/26 highway

What Is The Fuel Economy Of A Ford F-150?

To answer this question, we will need a model example.

In this paragraph, we’ll use the 2021 Ford F-150 and separate the information for all 2021 engines, and the info was gathered by Ford. 

Note: All of these MPGs are EPA-estimated. 

Let’s get started!

2021 F-150: 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 Engine

The standard engine for the 2021 Ford F-150 is a 3.3L V6. It has a maximum output of 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. It has a 20 City/24 highway MPG with the 4×2 drivetrain, allowing you to make fewer gas station stops when commuting from one worksite to another.

Upgrade to the 4×4 drivetrain if you want extra stability in slippery weather like ice, sleet, or mud. However, because this function necessitates greater power, fuel efficiency will be slightly reduced to an 19-city/22 highway MPG.

2021 F-150: 2.7L EcoBoost V6 Engine

Now let’s talk about the 2.7L EcoBoost V6. This engine will provide you with 325 horsepower. Also, there is 400 pound-feet of torque.

Its powertrain improves economy to an 20 City/26 highway MPG with the 4×2 transmission and increased power output.

The 4×4 drivetrain somewhat reduces this to an 18 City/24 highway MPG.

2021 F-150: 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 Engine

The 5.0L V8 engine will provide you with 400 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque.

When coming with a 4×2 powertrain, it achieves an 17 City/24 Highway MPG and an 16 City/22 highway MPG when equipped with the 4×4 drivetrain.

2021 F-150: 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine

A 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine is also available for the 2021 Ford F-150. This engine produces up to 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. It’s a terrific alternative for drivers who must transport a big camper or a trailer because it has a maximum towing capability of 14,000 pounds when properly outfitted.

Its hulking powerplant, though, is much more than simply muscle. It can achieve an  18 City/24 highway MPG with the 4×2 powertrain. With this engine, you can achieve an 18-city/23 highway MPG thanks to the 4×4 transmission.

2021 F-150: High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine

The High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine produces 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine is only available in the Tremor and Raptor trim levels, combined with the more powerful 4×4 system.

These trims will appeal to adventurers owing to their exhilarating combination of off-road capabilities. They also offer excellent fuel efficiency, allowing you to explore for extended periods. If you select the Tremor trim, you will get an 16 City/20 highway MPG. The Raptor model is also outstanding, with an 15 City/18 highway MPG.

2021 F-150: 3.0L Power Stroke V6 Engine

Searching for an alternative to the standard gasoline engine? The 2021 Ford F-150 then provides you with two alternatives. Of course, the 3.0L Power Stroke V6 engine is the first to be mentioned.

Its turbo diesel engine generates a gratifying 250 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. Nonetheless, it is primarily recognized for its excellent fuel economy. Because diesel fuel is denser than gasoline, it burns slower and lets you get the most out of your fuel tank.

The base 4×4 system achieves an  20 City/27 highway MPG, making it ideal for road trips or business journeys that need frequent stops for refueling.

2021 F-150: 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 Engine

The third most innovative engine is a 3.5L PowerBoost complete hybrid V6 power plant. This engine is a first of its sort, producing 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque. Yet this isn’t the only thing that distinguishes this engine.

This engine is environmentally efficient, earning an 25 City/26 highway MPG with the 4×2 powertrain and an 24 City/24 highway MPG with the 4×4 drivetrain.

F-150 Fuel Economy While Towing

To answer this question, we will use the research that Cars.com conducted because it shows how the fuel efficiency volatiles when towing different things. 

They towed with a 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid with an  combined gas efficiency of up to 25 mpg.

The first thing they towed was the Taxa Cricket. 

The Taxa Cricket is a single-axle, lightweight camper. While it was the lowest load they’d pulled with F-150, the truck’s 13.7 mpg average fuel efficiency was the second-worst they’d seen when towing. 

On the other hand, the Cricket is less aerodynamic than some of the other items they have towed, which might explain the poorer gas mileage. Most of the 473 towing miles were accomplished on the highway at speeds ranging from 65 to 75 mph.

The next thing was the 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. 

The total weight of the U-Haul vehicle trailer and Firebird was 5,470 pounds, which makes it the second-heaviest trailer they’ve pulled.

Yet, their observed fuel efficiency was the second best with a trailer in tow: 15.7 mpg. Most of the towing, like with the Cricket, was done at freeway speeds.

The next thing on the towing list is the Airstream Flying Cloud 25FB.

By far, the longest towing journey also included the giant trailer: a 25-foot Airstream travel trailer weighing 6,190 pounds. 

Unsurprisingly, the F-150 hybrid had the lowest towing mileage (10.9 mpg) when towing the large Airstream. 

Most of the 1,872 miles were logged on the highway, like previous journeys. 

To keep the camper powered up for an overnight test of the F-150’s optional Pro Power Onboard generator system, they used around 20% of a single petrol tank.

Now you know the fuel efficiency of the 2021 Ford F-150. The similar numbers will apply to other years, and if you ever have to tow, make sure you do it on the highway for a better fuel economy.