Will The Ford F-150's MPG Be SO Good It Obsoletes Its Clean Diesel Competition?

Arguably one of the biggest stories in 2014 is the all-new, aluminum Ford F-150. As one of America's most sold vehicles on an annual basis, it's a big deal that the Blue Oval has decided to make such drastic changes.

Now one thing that didn't come to light until today was this thought: what if the all-new F-150 SFE is more fuel efficient than its clean diesel competition? To be more specific, the RAM EcoDiesel pick-up truck.

According to Ford, the SFE model will come in the XL trim and be powered by the company's EcoBoost 2.7-liter V6 motor. In addition it will do all it can to make it more fuel efficient, one example is the 17-inch wheels that will continue to help lower weight.

One has to ask why would Ford go through all the expense of switching its already hot selling pick-up to aluminum if it didn't want to be the class leader in mpg. Sure, the RAM is equipped with a diesel powerplant but that only means success for Ford if it can do the same or better from an mpg perspective. Keep in mind that the EcoDiesel costs a pretty penny straight away.

So, what say you? Does Ford NEED to blow away its competition with its mpg?

Ford Motor Co. hopes to regain fuel economy bragging rights in big pickups by offering a special “SFE” package on the aluminum-bodied 2015 F-150.

The Super Fuel Economy package -- or SFE -- will come on the XL model. It will be powered by the company’s newest engine: a lightweight and compact 2.7-liter twin turbo V-6 equipped with stop-start.

Ford’s dealer ordering guide shows the vehicle available only with 17-inch wheels, some of the smallest available in the big pickup segment, to lower weight and reduce rolling friction...

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chewy - 7/30/2014 1:19:32 AM

0 Boost

It could be close, the EPA test particularly underrates diesels, but it also does somewhat to turbos. Obviously Ford is looking for 26 as no one has done that yet. But I am guessing 18/25 is about all that you can squeeze out of the EPA test in a pickup regardless of what tricks you come up. Sort of how 30/40 is about all that you can do with cars. Gas full size crosssovers aren't going past 18/25 either.

chewy - 7/30/2014 1:24:29 AM

+1 Boost

And as with the 3.5 Ecoboost the real key is more the performance that the 2.7 Ecoboost will offer, certainly stronger than the competition's V6s and comparable to the entry V8s.

Eyecarehawaii - 8/1/2014 2:04:55 PM

+1 Boost

Wouldn't torque be more important than HP and mpg in trucks?

TomM - 7/30/2014 7:52:46 AM

+1 Boost

AN extra mile or two per gallon does not add up to much when you really look at the economics. In fact - driving style can make more than that difference.
Matching the diesel numbers would cause problems for diesel sales - when diesel is more expensive than Gas though. Diesels already take a premium up front.
The question I would like to see is - will the Chevy Colorado come in with measurably better numbers? If not - the price will have to be a lot lower to get them to sell.

Terry989 - 7/30/2014 1:20:11 PM

+1 Boost

+1 on that. My daily commute is ~15 miles each direction. I have gotten as high a 25 MPG and a low of 14 MPG.

trmckin - 7/30/2014 8:05:06 AM

+1 Boost

Diesel resale has to come into play here too.

sgtjasonwalter - 7/30/2014 9:18:00 AM

+3 Boost

People seem to forget that not only does a Diesel hold it's value way better than a gas, it is more efficient, it can tow way more, and it lasts considerably longer. Sure, you pay more up front, but you get that back in 5-7 years when you trade or sell it. Ford needs to remember that when people are looking for a "truck", no one really considers a Dodge or one of the Japanese knock offs, they want a ford or a Chevy (people who actually do work with their trucks). In addition, there are a very large number of ford and Chevy diesel owners because they want a Diesel, not a gas. If Ford misses this opportunity to put a diesel in the best 1/2 ton pickup on the market, it will get left behind. I am a ford super duty owner (2012 King Ranch 250 w/ 6.7 Power Stroke) only because I wanted a diesel. I have been a ford owner since 1999 (3rd truck) but if ford doesn't have one available in an f150 when I am ready for a new truck, Toyota/Cummins here I come. American truck loyalty will only take you so far.

commander104 - 7/30/2014 9:50:38 AM

+2 Boost

Don't feel bad about the Toyota Tundra since it's built in Texas. American truck/car loyalty is such a blurry line since the import brands now have factories here...

85bmw745i - 7/31/2014 10:25:45 PM

+1 Boost

A v6 turbo diesel in this could easily break 30 mpg, Ram eco diesel owners are doing it, so this lighter F150 with a V6 turbo diesel should have no trouble beating it. Offer a small diesel and I will be in line.

85bmw745i - 7/31/2014 10:25:52 PM

+1 Boost