The EPA has validated Ford’s efforts to improve fuel economy in the F-150. The 2017 F-150 equipped with the new 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 10-speed automatic transmission posted an impressive two-mpg improvement over the 2016 model. That means the truck is now estimated to get 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, an 19 mpg combined.

The truck used for evaluation by the EPA is the 2017 F-150 Crew Cab in 4WD. The new second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost uses its new Dual Fuel Injection system with both port- and direct-injection to make the most of its fuel consumption. Add to that a new turbocharger and a revised ECU tuning. Along with the added efficiency, the EcoBoost also makes more power. Horsepower moves from 365 to 375 while torque jumps from 420 to 470 pound-feet.

The all-new 10-speed transmission is a huge help to improving fuel economy, too. More gears allows the engine to stay within its most efficient operating ranges during more driving situations. The upper gears also help keep engine revs down at highway speeds, helping it save fuel when cruising.

Though not yet rated by the EPA, Ford estimates a base 2WD truck with the EcoBoost and 10-speed auto will achieve 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. Those are indeed impressive numbers for a truck boasting nearly 400 horsepower.

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Why It Matters

While fuel efficiency isn’t traditionally a shopping point for truck buyers, modern uses for trucks include grocery getting and trips to soccer practice. More folks than ever are using their trucks for daily drivers, so economy is becoming more important when it comes time to buy. What’s more, the looming CAFÉ standards require automakers to have a certain average for fuel efficiency across all its vehicle models. Improving the F-150 will go a long way to improving Ford’s corporate average fuel economy.

Comparatively, the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado in Crew Cab, short bed, 4WD form fitted with the 5.3-liter V-8 and six-speed automatic transmission is rated at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Opting for the big 6.2-liter V-8 in higher-trimmed models only drops fuel economy estimates to 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

Ram currently has the title of most fuel-efficient full-size pickup thanks to its 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6. Fitted with the HFE package, the Ram 1500 boasts an estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. That’s the advantage of a turbodiesel, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and tall highway gears in the rear differential.

Read our full review on the 2017 Ford F-150 here.