2011 Ford F-150's 3.7-liter V-6 Estimated at 23 MPG Highway

Hidden in the fine print of a poster at Ford’s introduction of the 2011 F-150 is a revelation that its 3.7-liter V-6 is expected to get an EPA rating of 23 mpg on the highway in the two-wheel-drive model.

Ford’s all-new Duratec 3.7-liter V-6 is the new base engine for the F-150. It’s rated at 302 horsepower and 278 pounds-feet of torque on regular unleaded fuel, though it will also burn E85 ethanol. It debuted earlier this year in the 2011 Ford Mustang, where it’s rated at 305 hp and 280 pounds-feet of torque. It’s also shared with the Ford Edge crossover.

Ford hasn’t officially revealed fuel economy figures yet for its 2011 F-150 engine lineup.

A rating of 23 mpg would make the 3.7-liter V-6 one of the thriftiest engines available for a full-size pickup truck. It’s tied with the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Two-Mode Hybrid, which is also rated at 23 mpg highway, but its alternative powertrain combines batteries and a transmission with two electric motors with a 6.0-liter V-8.

For further comparison, a 2010 Honda Element small crossover with a 166 hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and manual five-speed transmission is also rated at 23 mpg on the highway.