At Jim Burke Ford in Bakersfield, we talk about Ford F-150 fuel economy with customers every day. Whether you are comparing brand new hybrids or shopping for a well-cared-for early 2000s truck, understanding MPG numbers by model year helps you pick the right F-150 for your commute on Highway 99, towing out toward the Sierra, or daily driving in town.

Below, we walk through Ford F-150 MPG from the newest 2026 models all the way back to the very first F-150 in 1975. When several years share the same basic powertrains and EPA estimates, we group them together to keep things clear and practical. Figures are based on EPA estimates and reputable testing sources, and actual mileage will vary with load, driving style, and conditions.

2026 Ford F-150 MPG

Ford continues to refine efficiency for the 2026 F-150, with MPG figures that closely follow the 2025 truck.

EPA estimates for key engines are as follows:

• 2.7L EcoBoost V6: up to about 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway

• 3.5L EcoBoost V6: up to about 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway

• 5.0L V8: up to about 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway

• 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid: up to about 22 mpg city and 24 mpg highway

That means combined ratings in the low to mid 20s for most non-Raptor models, with the hybrid typically on top. From our point of view, 2026 buyers get the full benefit of Ford’s latest tech without sacrificing the F-150 capability Bakersfield drivers expect.

2025 Ford F-150 MPG

For the 2025 model year, the F-150 keeps its reputation as one of the most efficient full-size gas trucks you can buy, especially with the PowerBoost hybrid. Dealer and media guides consistently show:

• 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6: about 22 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, 23 mpg combined, with some sources quoting up to about 26 mpg combined depending on configuration

• 2.7L EcoBoost V6: commonly around 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway

• 3.5L EcoBoost V6: slightly lower combined MPG than the 2.7L but still in the low 20s combined

• 5.0L V8: around mid teens in the city and low to mid 20s on the highway

From our experience, if you want the best mix of towing and MPG in a 2025 F-150, the hybrid or 2.7L EcoBoost are the sweet spots, while the V8 is the right choice for buyers who value traditional power and sound and are comfortable trading a bit of efficiency.

2024 Ford F-150 MPG

Model year 2024 is the high point for the fourteenth-generation F-150 efficiency, especially with the PowerBoost hybrid. EPA estimates typically look like this:

• 3.3L V6: about 20 mpg city, 24 mpg highway

• 2.7L EcoBoost V6: about 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway

• 3.5L EcoBoost V6: about 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway

• 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid: around 22 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and roughly 23–25 mpg combined depending on drive configuration

In other words, 2024 F-150 trucks can match or beat many mid-size pickups on the highway while still offering serious payload and towing.

2023 Ford F-150 MPG

For the 2023 model year, F-150 MPG numbers are very similar to 2024. The standout again is the hybrid powertrain, often rated around 25 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Typical 2023 ranges:

• Hybrid: about 25 mpg city / 25 mpg highway

• 2.7L EcoBoost: around 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway

• 3.5L EcoBoost: around 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway

• 5.0L V8: often around 17 mpg city / low 20s highway

If you are cross-shopping a new F-150 with a late-model used one, our team often finds that 2023 and 2024 MPG numbers are close enough that your choice can focus more on budget, features, and mileage on the odometer.

2022 Ford F-150 MPG

2022 is a key year because it is when many shoppers started to hear more about the hybrid F-150 on the streets of Bakersfield. EPA estimates generally run:

• 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid: about 25 mpg city / 25 mpg highway (2WD) or 23 / 23 (4WD)

• 2.7L EcoBoost: about 20 / 26 (2WD) or 19 / 24 (4WD)

• 3.3L V6: roughly 19 / 24 (2WD)

• 3.5L EcoBoost: around 18 / 24 (2WD)

• 5.0L V8: mid teens city, low 20s highway

For customers who want modern tech plus maximum MPG from a relatively new truck, we often suggest starting your search with 2022 hybrid and 2.7L EcoBoost models.

2021 Ford F-150 MPG

The fourteenth-generation F-150 launches with the 2021 model, and it brings the first PowerBoost hybrid to the lineup. According to Ford and media testing:

• PowerBoost Hybrid 4×2: estimated about 25 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined

• PowerBoost Hybrid 4×4: about 24 mpg combined

• Gas engines (3.3L, 2.7L, 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8): generally range from the mid teens in the city to mid 20s on the highway, depending on engine, cab, and drive type

For 2021 through 2024, we tell shoppers to expect similar real-world MPG when comparing the same engine and drivetrain across those model years.

2020–2018 Ford F-150 MPG

Model years 2018, 2019, and 2020 belong to the later part of the thirteenth-generation F-150. EPA estimates for the updated 2.7L EcoBoost in 2018, for example, were about 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway in 2WD trucks, with 4WD models close behind.

Across 2018, 2019, and 2020 F-150s:

• 2.7L EcoBoost V6: around 19–20 mpg city and 24–26 mpg highway

• 3.5L EcoBoost V6: usually mid teens city and low to mid 20s highway

• 5.0L V8: teens in the city and around 21–23 mpg highway

• 3.3L naturally aspirated V6: around high teens city and low to mid 20s highway

If you are shopping these years, efficiency differences between them are minor when you compare the same engine and drivetrain. Condition, tires, and options play as big a role as the model year itself.

2017–2015 Ford F-150 MPG

The aluminum-body thirteenth generation starts with the 2015 model year, running through 2020. The big shift in 2015 is weight reduction and broad EcoBoost adoption, both of which improve MPG compared with 2014 and earlier trucks.

Typical numbers for 2015–2017:

• 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (new for 2015): about 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway in 2WD, slightly lower with 4WD

• 3.5L EcoBoost V6: usually mid teens city, low 20s highway

• 5.0L V8: mid teens city, low 20s highway

• Base V6: high teens city, low 20s highway

From our perspective, 2015 through 2017 are excellent MPG values in the used market because they deliver modern fuel economy with lower acquisition cost than newer hybrids.

2014–2011 Ford F-150 MPG

Model years 2011 through 2014 form the later half of the twelfth generation. This is where Ford introduced smaller displacement V6 engines that outperform older V8s in MPG. Edmunds data for 2011 trucks, for example, shows many trims with EPA estimates around 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, with combined ratings near 19 mpg for certain V6 models.

Across 2011–2014:

• V6 options (3.7L and later EcoBoost variants): often high teens city and low 20s highway

• 5.0L and 6.2L V8s: typically around 14–15 mpg city and 19–21 mpg highway

If you are looking at these years, the engine choice matters more for MPG than small differences between model years.

2010–2004 Ford F-150 MPG

The eleventh generation F-150 runs from 2004 through 2008, with the twelfth generation arriving for 2009 and 2010. Across 2004–2010, MPG numbers improve modestly over the early 2000s but still sit below modern trucks.

• 2009 F-150 examples show combined ratings around 15–16 mpg, with city ratings near 14 mpg and highway ratings around 18–20 mpg depending on configuration.

• Earlier in the decade, most 4.6L and 5.4L V8 trucks land in the low teens city and high teens highway, with combined averages in the mid teens.

For buyers here in Bakersfield who put on a lot of miles, we usually suggest comparing fuel costs carefully, since a newer EcoBoost truck can pay off over time in fuel savings.

2003–1997 Ford F-150 MPG

Model years 1997 through 2003 make up the tenth generation F-150. Trucks from this era are beloved for their simplicity, but their fuel economy reflects older powertrain tech.

• Data for the 2000 F-150, which is typical of this range, shows combined EPA fuel economy around 15–16 mpg, with city around 13–14 mpg and highway around 17–19 mpg.

Most 1997–2003 F-150s with V6 engines sit at the lower end of that range, while V8 and heavier 4×4 trucks lean a bit lower in combined MPG. Owners who maintain these trucks well and drive gently can sometimes see high teens on the highway, but you should not expect modern hybrid levels of efficiency.

1996–1992 Ford F-150 MPG

The ninth-generation F-150 covers model years 1992 through 1996. These trucks often use the 4.9L inline-six or 5.0L and 5.8L V8s.

Real-world reports and limited EPA data typically show:

• Inline-six trucks can return mid-teens combined, with highway runs in the upper teens when driven conservatively.

• V8 trucks are usually closer to low teens city and mid teens highway.

From an MPG perspective, all 1992–1996 years perform similarly. The main differences come down to axle ratios, cab style, and 2WD vs 4WD rather than the specific model year.

1991–1987 Ford F-150 MPG

Eighth-generation F-150 trucks ran from 1987 to 1991. Fuel systems are evolving during this time, with a shift toward fuel injection that helps drivability and slightly improves MPG.

Typical expectations:

• Combined averages often in the low to mid teens, with highway mileage in the mid teens and city numbers in the low teens.

• Lighter 2WD trucks with small V8s or six-cylinder engines have the best chance at mid teens highway mileage.

If you are considering a classic F-150 in this era, it helps to budget for fuel like you would for a modern heavy-duty truck.

1986–1980 Ford F-150 MPG

The seventh-generation F-Series, including the early F-150, spans roughly 1980–1986. This was a time of tightening fuel regulations and experimentation, but the trucks are still relatively thirsty by modern standards.

Owners and period data commonly show:

• Combined fuel economy around the low teens

• Highway mpg in the mid-teens at best for 2WD trucks with smaller engines and tall gearing

• 4WD and big-block V8 setups often dipping into the 10–12 mpg range in mixed driving

Across 1980–1986 you can treat MPG expectations as broadly similar, with configuration being more important than the specific year.

1979–1975 Ford F-150 MPG

Ford introduces the F-150 for the 1975 model year as part of the sixth generation F-Series, and fuel economy expectations from that early era are very different from what we see today.

Real world data for classic F-150s from 1975 through 1979 shows:

• Combined mileage often around 10–13 mpg

• Highway figures that might reach the mid-teens in ideal conditions, but many owners report numbers in the low-teens or even high single digits when towing or driving in town

If you are buying one of these trucks today, you are doing it for character and heritage, not fuel savings. Our role here is to help you understand that reality so you can plan accordingly.

How Driving Around Bakersfield Affects Your F-150 MPG

Regardless of model year, the way you use your F-150 around Bakersfield has a major impact on fuel economy:

• Highway runs on I-5 or Highway 99 at steady speeds will generally get you closer to the EPA highway rating.

• Stop-and-go city traffic, frequent short trips, or heavy towing into the foothills will pull you closer to the city rating, or lower.

• Modern hybrids and EcoBoost engines shine in mixed driving, while older V8 trucks show their age most in city use.

When you visit us at Jim Burke Ford, we can help you translate the numbers into real world expectations based on your actual driving routes and habits.

Choosing the Right F-150 MPG For Your Needs

Looking across all F-150 model years, a few patterns stand out:

• 2021 and newer trucks with the PowerBoost hybrid or 2.7L EcoBoost provide the best balance of MPG and capability.

• 2015–2020 thirteenth-generation F-150s deliver strong MPG gains over older trucks, thanks to aluminum bodies and efficient EcoBoost engines.

• 2004–2014 trucks sit in the middle, with reasonable fuel economy but not the same gains you see from modern hybrids.

• Pre-2004 trucks deliver honest workhorse performance, but their MPG looks more like a modern heavy-duty pickup than a current half-ton.

Our job as your local Ford experts is to help you weigh fuel economy against towing, payload, tech, and budget so you end up with the F-150 that truly fits your life.

Conclusion: Ask Jim Burke Ford About F-150 MPG

From the 1975 original that could barely crack the teens, to the 2026 hybrid models that rival some crossovers in combined MPG, the Ford F-150 has come a very long way in fuel efficiency. Whether you are comparing two new trims or trying to decide if an older truck’s fuel economy works for your daily commute, our team at Jim Burke Ford is here to walk you through the numbers, explain what they really mean on Bakersfield roads, and set you up with a test drive.

If you are ready to see how different F-150 engines and model years feel from behind the wheel, visit Jim Burke Ford or contact our sales team today. We will help you find the truck that delivers the MPG, capability, and comfort you want.