It is time for me to move up to a newer F-150. I was wanting a 4.6 extended cab and prefer 2 wheel drive. I'll probably keep the truck 5-7 years and do some travelling so gas mileage is the prime concern. I thought I'd get maybe an 08 but I have been hearing about great gas mileage in the 09-11 trucks with a 4.6. I don't like the look of the 09 and up but that is another story.
So the 4.6 with a six speed automatic I've heard is the best in MPG?

 

Just basing it solely on gas mileage you would be best to get the 4.6L 3v with 6 speed in a 2010 or the 3.7L V6 in the 2011.

 

Does anybody happen to know the highway MPG rating of the 4.6 with 6 speed ? Did they have that combo in '09?

 

The manual shift is no longer available [starting in '09] so the F-150s all come with the same 6 auto. Mileage may vary but you should get 20 mpg.

 

Wrong.




In 2009 and 2010 models, the F150 had 3 engine/trans options...

4.6 2V w/ 4 speed 4R75E..

4.6 3V w/ 6R80E

5.4 3V w/ 6R80E

I can get over 20mpg with my 4.6 2V 4 spd with a 3:73 and 30" tires..

So the 3V should do better...

You'd think..

 

My window sticker says 20 mpg highway. I have a 4x4. Probably higher for the 4x2. I have 3.73 gears. I get about 18 Mpg combined on average. Got as high as 22mpg on a long highway trip (was in the higher elevations when I got that)

 

I have the 4.6 2v in a 2010 with the 4 speed. I drive around with the traction button on and average 19.4 to 20.8 mpg. That is mixed driving back roads to interstate and some stopping and starting. Speeds between 45 to 75 mph. My truck has about 3600 miles on it now. It seems to be doing a little better than when I first got it. Even though this isn't the 3 valve, it does make great torque. I believe 292 lbs. That is a little more than the new 3.7 and a little less than the 4.6 3v. The extra horsepower in the 3V would probably be a nice fit and combination for someone who plans on some basic towing and driving. I totally love my truck, and all I pull is a light trailer at times and it handles it well. I have 3:55 gears I believe. The lieometer reads 22.4 at times crusing at 60 mph.

 

Thanks for info guys.
So my research tells me that after 40 years of trying, Ford finally has a small V-8 that is capable of getting over 20 MPG. [ 09 and up 4.6, 3valve , 6 speed] But this year they cancelled that motor ???

 

If you are even contemplating an '11+ and it seems fuel mileage is of the highest import to you, what's wrong with the Ecoboost? They even have a naturally aspirated 3.6L if you are that miserly with fuel.

If mileage IS your priority, not sure why sticking with a V8 at all is so very important to you when the Ecoboost can certainly get you 20+ MPG (when driven carefully) AND have the power to beat many V8's out there, cars included (under certain conditions, of course).

 

Yes, they cancelled that motor(s). Now, they get even better fuel mileage (21,22,23 mpg) and make a lot more power with the new line-up.

 

Not sold on the Ecoboost. In a test on another thread it only gave 17.3 average.

 

^ I hate to break it to you, but no truck engine or manufacture will net you 20 mpg combined. 17.3 avg I'll take all day long, my last 5.4L (2003) only mustered 13-14. The closest option would be the NA 3.7L V6.

 

Well, if you are going to go with how someone else drives that vehicle or any vehicle for mileage determination, then you are sadly mistaken that any V8 engine in existing or previous F150's will get 20+ MPG "average," unless you "cherry pick" the best "mileage" post you find out there and use that one test as the basis for your decision.

Even my 2003 Expy 4.6 2V gets an "average" of 14 MPG.

 

"ONLY" 17.3 Avg, depending on what conditions that is driven in is a pretty good number. I'm running about 45/55% city/hwy and I'm currently seeing 17.5-18 avg, depending on my driving habits on that particular tank. Pretty good considering I was between 13-14 avg on my 04 5.4 3V.

As stated before, if you're expecting to get 20+ as an average, you probably shouldn't be looking at a full size truck at all. You will not get it.

 

Ok, so I guess 17 average is OK. I was just thinking 20 would be within reach with all the advances. I do a small amount of towing so will stick with a V-8. Also this will be a used truck so I will look for a 4.6 - 6 speed. 2 WD will suffice to give me 1 extra MPG on the highway runs.
Thanks for everyone's input.