2011 Ford F-150 to achieve up to 23 MPG with 3.7-liter V6

As we said shortly after driving Ford's latest F-150 pickup trucks, we think Ford has the very best range of powertrain options in the segment for 2011. One of the engines we are most impressed with is the 3.7-liter V6 that now serves as the base powerplant in the F-150, but until now, we didn't have final EPA fuel economy figures.

Well, that's been rectified, as Ford has announced that the 302-horsepower 3.7 will serve up 16 miles per gallon in the city and 23 on the highway in rear-wheel drive models. Stepping up the next rung to the 5.0-liter V8 will get you 360 horses and a fine 15 city, 21 highway EPA fuel economy rating. Both of those figures are best-in-class.

There are two more optional engines in the 2011 F-150. The top-level 411-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 will deliver 12 mpg in the city and 17 on the highway. That's not exactly stellar mileage, and it's actually one mpg lower in both categories compared to General Motors' 6.2-liter V8, but we're expecting much better figures from the 3.5-liter EcoBoost, which matches the 6.2's 11,300 tow rating and 3,060-pound payload.

Sadly, we still have to wait for final EPA mileage certification on the twin-turbo V6 mill. In the meantime, feel free to hit the break to read Ford's latest press release touting its F-150 fuel economy figures.

Photos copyright ©2010 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL and Ford Motor Company

[Source: Ford]