Before I buy the '15 Platinum 3.5 Ecoboost I found, I'd like to confirm a suspicion I have about Platinum mpg. It seems to me that since '11 when Ecoboost came out, I've read more threads with Platinum owners complaining about low mpg than any other trims.

The one I found is new, 83 miles on odometer, 3:31 differential, what can I say - it's a Platinum! Build date is 6/19/15, so it shouldn't have the potential timing chain issue according to my research. 4x4, whistle and call it to hook up trailer and come around to pick you up, that kind of truck. My only concern is as I said, it seems I've read more Platinum owners with low, as in 14-16 mpg highway than other (Lariat, XLT, etc.) owners.

Thanks for any input from y'all Platinum boys!

 

I think generally you will find that the higher trim levels will be heavier, and the Platinum is near (or at) the top of the heap. So dragging around all those extra pounds is certainly going to affect your mileage. I don't know that it's that bad, but it's a consideration.

 

I'll bet it's simply a gearing issue. 3:31 will be better than 3:73. I doubt the little a Platinum weighs more than a Lariat or XLT would make that much difference. 4X4 won't help.

 

It all depends on your right foot. Also, MPGs don't start to get consistent until the engine is well broken in, 6-8K miles.

I think the expectations on Platinum level trucks are very high, since most buyers equate it with a luxury vehicle and, in fact, many are comparing it to the $60k cars they have or had.

Finally, If you can afford a Platinum, you can afford the gas...

 

Right on, boys, and JK, yep, that's the way it is I reckon. Sometimes though, I have a wine palate on a beer salary. I was wanting to hear from Platinum owners who could give some real numbers. If I can get 19 mpg highway, I'm good, and will probably get this left over '15.

 

You should get 19 hwy easy. Probably more like 21 or so. All these trucks are the same underneath the trim, fancy or not.

 

The Platinum made it's way to the stable at the death of the Lincoln Mark LT and as such has since inspired many luxury car buyers are well.

In 2009 when the Platinum debuted, it came only with the 5.4L V-8. The 5.4L was thirsty anyway and it needed the 3.73's to pull heavy.

When the 5.4L went to pasture, the "i gotta have a 3.73 axle" remained the mindset for a while till people eventually realized that the 5.0L and 3.5L engines are very capable and more economical with taller gear sets.

IMHO, a Plat with the 3.31's will have tons of power and still get great MPG's.

Our FTE brother MCDavis has a 2013 model with this same config and I believe he's very happy with his fuel economy.

 

Big Blue, shown in the sig and with 3.55's, gets about 17.5 MPG and I drive like the grandpa I am. However, the vast majority of the miles have been at 70+ MPH, and with the 3.55 gears and truck aerodynamics that's not the best combo. In fact, a trip at 65 MPH during a driving rainstorm and with the transfer case locked in AWD netted about 18.5 MPG.

Since I only have 5,800 miles on the clock and you are looking at 3.31 gears, I'm confident that the Platinum you are looking at will return 18+ MPG if driven reasonably once it is broken in. And if your driving is typically slower than mine you should do better than that.

 

Thanks, especially Gary, since you have a '15 Platinum, only difference is differential ratio. I'm currently in another of my 400 mile highway trips, resting in hotel room right now, so this is the trips I want at least 19 mpg on. I set cruise control about 73, drive conservatively, but will put my heel to the steel if needed. I'll let y'all know if I get it. I want to test drive when I return Tuesday.

Oh, this one is not max tow, but rated to tow 10,700 lbs according to Ford's spec sheet. 2,070 (?) pound payload too, so this one's about a dream truck! 36 gallon tank, etc., I gotta have that.