There’s no denying that pickup trucks are an integral part of our culture. They have been instrumental in building our infrastructure and providing the public with access to remote locations and countless recreational activities. However, trucks are not known for being particularly fuel efficient, as their boxy silhouette and heavy weight have a negative impact on their fuel consumption. Times are changing and trucks are not only becoming more economical, but there are also many new, smaller alternatives. However, an efficient bend doesn’t necessarily have to be tiny. Some of the trucks with the best fuel economy have a classically bulky look.
Which truck is the most economical?
So what is the most fuel-efficient pickup truck for sale in the US? It depends on what class of truck it is. For this list, we’ll only focus on trucks with internal combustion engines. The small selection of fully electric trucks is certainly worth considering, but it is not so easy to compare electric vehicles with trucks with combustion engines. In most cases, these trucks are two-wheel drive versions because they get the best mileage. However, there are also some four-wheel or all-wheel drive models that we highlight.
Not surprisingly, the revival of the compact pickup truck has changed the truck landscape. In many cases, these small trucks are just the right size for many buyers. This is great because most owners would rather not carry around tons of weight that they don’t necessarily need.
The simplest answer to the question posed above is the Ford Maverick Hybrid. With an impressive EPA estimate of 37 mpg for combined city and highway miles, it tops this list of fuel-efficient trucks. With only 191 horsepower and a continuously variable transmission, it’s not as good for off-roading or towing as other trucks, but if all you need is something to haul stuff around, you really can’t do better. Its 4.5-foot bed has a slight advantage over its only competitor, the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which has a 4-foot bed and an estimated fuel economy of 23 mpg. So now we know which truck uses the least gas.
Which mid-size truck is the most economical?
Although they are not as popular as their larger siblings, the mid-range models offer a good balance between utility and drivability. They’re easier to navigate in a crowded parking lot and fit in more ways, earning them an Arizona pinstripe pattern. Their smaller size generally means better fuel economy, although the segment has moved away from diesel powertrains – 2023 was the last model year of the 24-mpg Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel. This leaves the 2024 Ford Ranger as the most efficient midsize car, achieving 22 mpg combined with both two- and four-wheel drive. Its 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine produces 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Ranger can also tow up to 7,500 pounds.
- 2024 Ford Ranger
- 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder engine with EcoBoost turbocharging
- 22 mpg combined (EPA estimate)
Which full-size truck is the most economical?
Full-size trucks remain the best-selling vehicle class and require fewer compromises when it comes to usability. The most fuel-efficient are the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra twins with their available 3.0-liter turbodiesels, which are rated at 26 mpg. When properly equipped, they can tow up to 13,300 pounds. There is no diesel powertrain offered in the Ford F-150, but a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid is available. It is rated at 25 mpg and towing capacity is 12,700 pounds. Ram’s 1500 diesel also deserves praise for its estimated 24 mpg.
- 2024 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra
- 3.0-liter Duramax diesel inline-six engine
- 26 mpg combined (EPA estimate)
Which heavy trucks have the best fuel economy?
For the most demanding tasks, heavy trucks are the only choice, but they are exempt from the obligation to publicly disclose their fuel consumption figures. Consumer Reports conducted their own unofficial testing for the 2023 model year and the results were fairly predictable, with best estimates being in the 15 to 16 mpg range.
That’s a far cry from the Maverick’s 37 mpg estimate, but then again, a Ford F-350 can certainly tow more than seven of these compact pickups at a time. For most buyers, price and features are important deciding factors, but this list is intended to shed some light on what’s on offer and perhaps convince some that the biggest truck isn’t always the best. It’s best to have the right tool for the job – regardless of size. After all, there’s no point in killing a mosquito with a cannon.