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Why is your Ford Ranger mpg so low? Even with the rise of hybrid and electric options, many drivers still love the rugged appeal of a Ford Ranger powered by gasoline or diesel. This love stems from their straightforward operation and the convenience they offer over more complex propulsion systems.

That said, it's not uncommon for Ford Ranger owners to sometimes wonder about ways to decrease their truck's fuel consumption. This is influenced by a combination of external conditions, such as weather, and the truck's overall condition.

Most Ranger enthusiasts aim to improve their vehicle's fuel economy for a handful of reasons: more miles on a single tank, reduced fuel costs, and increased driving range.

This article breaks down the top reasons behind increased fuel consumption and provides tips on enhancing your mpg.

Key Takeaways:

• Generally, diesel engines consume 20-30% less fuel than gasoline ones due to the denser nature of diesel, leading to higher efficiency.
  
• For achieving the best fuel efficiency in the Ford Ranger, maintaining recommended cruising speeds, making use of cruise control, and switching on an ECO mode if available, are crucial.
  
• Ensuring the Ford Ranger remains in tip-top shape, especially regarding spark plugs, filters, oil, and primary engine parts, can drastically cut down on unnecessary fuel consumption.
  
• Latest Ford Rangers equipped with advanced sensors can flag system issues which might cause increased fuel usage.
  

Which Ford Ranger engine offers the best mileage?

Many elements come into play when discussing the fuel economy of the Ranger. From engine design, cylinder count, to the number of valves, all have their roles. There's a misconception that a larger engine equates to higher fuel consumption. However, that's not always the case.

Engines at both ends of the spectrum can deliver impressive mpg. Smaller engines, being more compact, have fewer cylinders and burn less fuel. Thus, they often boast commendable efficiency.

On the flip side, more powerful engines in the Ford Ranger lineup can also be fuel-efficient. Their added power can get the vehicle moving more effortlessly, consuming less fuel in the process.

Are diesel or gasoline engines more fuel-efficient?


When it comes to the fuel consumption debate between diesel and gasoline, diesel engines generally emerge victorious, using up to 20-30% less fuel. Furthermore, diesel engines showcase superior efficiency and are well-suited for heavy-duty tasks like towing.

While diesel has its advantages, gasoline engines in the Ranger lineup aren't without merit. They offer quicker acceleration, lending the Ranger sportier dynamics.

It's also worth noting the inherent properties of diesel fuel. Denser than gasoline, diesel provides about 15% more energy upon combustion. This characteristic, combined with its flexible air-to-fuel ratio and efficiency at idle, gives diesel engines an edge in many scenarios.

So, when choosing between diesel and gasoline:

• If speed and agility are what you seek, a gasoline-powered Ford Ranger might be the way to go;
  
• If you're after efficiency and pulling power, consider a diesel variant of the Ford Ranger.
  

How to boost the fuel mileage of your Ford Ranger?

Improving fuel economy hinges on several factors, and the results can vary based on conditions and the specific model year of your Ford Ranger.

This guide will share general strategies - embrace them, and you might find yourself pleasantly surprised by the improved fuel efficiency of your Ranger.

Maintain Consistent Speed



If you're someone who regularly floors the accelerator or loves to blaze down the highway, then the increased fuel consumption of your Ford Ranger shouldn't surprise you.

Maxing out the engine means burning more fuel. However, driving too slow can be counterproductive too.

So, what's the sweet spot? Most Ford Rangers have a recommended cruising speed. Sticking to this speed ensures the engine operates at peak efficiency. You can usually find this recommended speed in your Ranger's owner manual or sometimes displayed on the dashboard.

Engage Cruise Control



If your Ranger comes with cruise control, make the most of it, especially on long drives. The system manages fuel intake based on road conditions, promoting consistent and efficient fuel usage.

Activate ECO-Mode

If your Ranger is equipped with an eco mode, don't hesitate to use it. Activating this mode ensures the vehicle fine-tunes various systems for maximum fuel efficiency while minimizing emissions.



Smooth Acceleration

Hard accelerations will make your Ford Ranger guzzle fuel. Aim for gentle starts, progressively pressing the accelerator. Imagine a delicate teacup on the dashboard – you wouldn't want it to tip over!