MPG Question

[mitchevans]

I have a 98 AWD XLT 5.0 and i just filled my tank tonight and figured out the MPG. I got 205 miles on 15.5 gallons which figures out to about 13.3 MPG. This is terrible IMO. I was looking somewhere and it said that the mileage should be between 16-19. I drive mostly between 45-65 and i dont goose it taking off or anything.

Im going to be ordering a cold air kit and new cat-back exhaust to help out some.

Just wondering if this is a normal MPG for my ex?

 

[Gator Jeff]

I have no 5.0 experience, but I can tell you that since you have a 98, the 16-19 mileage rating you saw was based on the extremely unrealistic EPA rating system that only recently changed for the 07 or 08 MY. I know my 4.0 OHV was rated at 17/23, but I rarely see much above 18, even with gentle highway driving. Look for aldive's quest for 30 thread for some other suggestions. he does have a 4.0 so not everything will apply directly to your motor.

 

[mitchevans]

Thanks im taking my truck in to autozone to get the battery checked so ill just get the codes read and see if its throwing any bad sensors or something

Knew there was a reason i liked cars...

 

[Green68]

Your mileage is consistent with my '99 5.0 2wd. If I really baby it, the mileage is between 14-15. I get about 18 with steady highway driving at 70mph.

 

[Mikeri]

I have a 1998 5.0 AWD Mountie also. For awhile, I was actually getting 20+ on the highway. Lately, its dropped to 17.5. Combined is closed to yours. Wish it was better. Last thing to try for me is a new fuel filter. I cleaned the MAF. New air filter. Runs great. Just lousy mileage.

 

[2kawdexplorer]

I have a 2000 5.0 AWD explorer and get 16-17 around town, the last time I took it on a trip it got 21 on the highway.

 

[A Wise Guy]

My '98 XLT 5.0 AWD was in the 12's until I cut open the fender side and behind the headlight side of the air box and installed a K&N air filter. That put it into the 13's. So yes lousy mpg's are normal. (except for aldive)

 

[TequilaSnrs087]

Your driving style has a lot to do with it. My Ranger could do a lot worse than the EPA rating if I ragged on it. It could also do a whole lot better if I did a lot of highway driving. The EPA rated it at 20/25 MPG. The lowest I got was 17, the highest 29.

The Explorer has actually bettered its EPA rating pretty consistently. The EPA rated it at 14/18. I have gone as high as about 24 MPG and as low as maybe 13 MPG.

I'm not sure what is normal for a 5.0 since I have a 4.0, but 13 MPG doesn't seem too far off for a 5.0. The EPA actually rates your truck at 12/17, so you are within the expected range.

 

[96PearlLimited]

wow i feel lucky my 96 5.0 awd needs a tune up bad air filter is nasty and plugs also, and it has a gas leak and i get 14.6-14.8 thats city driving.