Despite low popularity in the Asian region, pick-up trucks do have a different fan base in the Western region.
Although there are tons of pick-up models you could choose for your next heavy-duty ride, a lot of factors come into the hand while choosing the right pick-up. When buying any truck for that matter, mileage is a significant factor to look for.
Trucks, by their very nature, are not very good at mileage due to heavy usage. However, there are some models available in the market that at least outperform the race of other fuel-drinking competitors.
To make the Truck buying game easier for you, here in this article, we will be clearly listing and explaining to you the Best Trucks for Gas Mileage.
Factors that affect the mileage of Pick-up trucks
Weight
One of the major factors that not only relates to the trucks but any other vehicle's mileage for that matter is the vehicle’s weight.
The weight of the vehicle is inversely proportional to its mileage. This implies, the more the weight of the vehicle, the lesser will be its mileage. Meanwhile, if the vehicle is lighter, the four-wheeler’s engine won’t require a heavy power dump to jumpstart itself which in turn will improve the fuel efficiency.
Aerodynamics
The airflow in the vehicle is also a common factor that affects the truck’s gas mileage. If the airflow in the vehicle is smooth, it creates less drag and increases gas efficiency.
Driving Style
Yes, the driving habit of the rider also determines his truck's fuel economy. If you are an aggressive driver, be careful as you might be the one killing your machine’s fuel efficiency as aggressive driving disturbs the vehicle’s engine, while also back-fire essential elements like fuel-efficient tyres and aerodynamics.
Well, these were some of the crucial factors that directly affect the mileage of the trucks.
Now, let’s discuss some of the older trucks with good gas mileage.
Old Trucks with Good Gas Mileage
2013 Toyota Tacoma
This mid-sized pick-up inherited from the Japanese family is one of the most celebrated trucks for several years.
Flaunting a spacious and comfortable and spacious cabin with ample space for legroom, the Toyota Tacoma is not only known for its design but for significant engine performance and off-road capability as well.
This durable and reliable truck can tow up to 6500 pounds. Moreover, it is also available in a variety of configurations- 2 Wheel Drive to 4 Wheel Drive, a V6 long-bed, a four-cylinder engine, and so on.
The price of the 2013 Toyota Tacoma starts from $11,600 in the US market.
Specifications
|
Engine |
Gas I4, 2.7L |
|
Drivetrain |
Rear Wheel Drive |
|
Passenger Capacity |
4 |
|
Transmission |
4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission w/(ECT-i) |
|
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx (gal) |
21.1 |
|
Gas Mileage (as per EPA) |
19 mpg City/24 mpg Hwy |
|
Weight |
3915 pounds |
2016 GMC Canyon
Next on the list appears to be the popular GMC Canyon. This 2016 model from the American auto giant is nevertheless the most popular mid-size truck in the market.
Particularly when it comes to fuel efficiency, and towing capacity, the GMC Canyon is a deal breaker.
The GMC branding, up front alongside the muscular looks driven by the quality interior, loading capacity, and other alluring features definitely makes GMC Canyon a perfect old truck with good fuel economy.
The price of the 2016 GMC Canyon starts from $22,700 to $36,000.
Specifications
|
Engine |
2.5L DOHC / 3.6L V-6 VVT / 2.8L Turbo-diesel |
|
Power |
200bhp / 305bhp / 181 bhp |
|
Torque |
269lb-ft / 365Nm / 500Nm |
|
Transmission |
6-speed Manual/Automatic |
|
Ground Clearance |
214 mm |
|
Weight (in kgs) |
1778-1837 |
|
Gas Mileage |
22mpg city / 31mpg highway |
2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid
Up next in the room, we have another competitor coming from an American family as well. The Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid ticks up all the boxes when it comes to older trucks with good gas mileage.
Powered by a 6.0L V8 engine alongside a 300-volt V8 energy storage system, the Silverado serves a perfect blend of mileage both on the city and highways.
Although residing from the same family, its gas-powered sibling offers 50% less city mileage compared to the hybrid one.
Covered by a classic pickup look and unibody construction, this old pickup delivers a perfect blend of handling and performance as well. Being a decade-old machine, you won’t receive the funky and chunky looks in its interior, as modern-day machines.
However, when it comes to performance, this old horse easily can beat its rivals.
The price of the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid truck starts from $38,020.
Specifications
|
Engine |
V-8, alum block/heads plus elec motor |
|
Horsepower |
332 hp @ 5100 rpm (gas)/80 hp (elec) |
|
Torque |
367 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm (gas)/184 lb-ft (elec) |
|
Transmission |
Electrically variable auto w/4 fixed gears |
|
Ground Clearance |
9.0 inch |
|
Weight |
5650-5900 lb |
|
Max Towing Capacity |
5900-6100 lb |
|
Gas Mileage |
22mpg city / 24mpg highway |
Best Gas Mileage Full-Size Truck 4x4
2023 Ford F-150
Remaining a best seller for decades, the Ford F-150 is undoubtedly the most-sold full-sized pick up in the US market. Meanwhile, the affordability and numerous trim options make the Ford F-150 a continuous deal breaker.
This versatile-looking truck with a spacious cabin delivers a city mileage of 19MPG alongside 22MPG on the highway.
Specifications
|
Engine |
V6 Flex Fuel 3.3 Liter |
|
Horsepower |
290BHP@6,500rpm |
|
Torque |
265lb-ft@4,000rpm |
|
Transmission |
SelectShift® 10 Speed Automatic with Manual Mode Select- Automatic |
|
Towing Capacity |
8,200 lb |
|
Weight |
4,025 lb |
The price of the new 2023 Ford F-150 starts at $35,730.
2023 RAM 1500
Next up, on our list, is the RAM 1500 which is well-known for its world-class suspension and engine pickup as well.
Meanwhile, the truck is also well-known for its classy interior and smooth riding capability.
What differentiates RAM 1500 from its tough competitors such as Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the Ford F-150, is its coil-spring rear suspension. Moreover, the power machine also benefits from several engine options to choose from, a stout diesel, mild hybrids, and a supercharged V8 engine that churns out a massive horsepower of 702bhp.
The towing capacity of the most eligible variants happens to be around 12,750 pounds which cannot be placed at a striking mark, comparing its competitors.
Specifications
|
Engine |
V6 3.6 Liter Pentastar |
|
Horsepower |
305bhp@6,400rpm |
|
Torque |
269lb-ft@4,175rpm |
|
Weight |
4,849 lb |
|
Transmission |
8 Speed Automatic with Manual Mode Select 845RE |
|
Gas Mileage |
19MPG (City) / 24MPG (Highway) |
The price of the new 2023 RAM 1500 starts at $38,995.
2023 GMC Sierra 1500
The final 4x4 model on our list arrives from the American family- GMC. This macho-looking GMC truck is comparatively the most rugged and aggressive looking 4x4 best gas mileage truck on our list.
Designed with a comfy-looking interior alongside modern-day tech, GMC has not left any stone unturned when designing the machine. The 5-seater GMC Sierra 150 is available in a total of 8 trims with a diesel engine option that fulfills the mileage criteria as well.
Not only its macho look but the riding feel and power efficiency of the Sierra 1500 also makes it quirky from its competitors.
Specifications
|
Engine |
2.7L Turbocharged Gas I4 |
|
Horsepower |
310bhp @ 5600rpm |
|
Torque |
430lb-ft @ 3000rpm |
|
Transmission |
8-Speed Automatic |
|
Towing Capacity |
13300 lbs |
|
Weight |
4817 lbs |
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 delivers a gas mileage of 18MPG in the city and 20MPG on the highway.
Coming on to the price of the machine, the 2023 GMC Sierra’s rate starts at $38,995.
Honorable Mentions (4x4 Trucks with good gas mileage)
2023 Nissan Titan (starts at $41,495)--> 23MPG avg. mileage
2023 Jeep Gladiator (starts at $38,305)--> 24MPG avg. mileage
Truck Gas Mileage Chart (as of 2022 Reports)
Best Gas Mileage Mid-Size Truck
|
Rank |
Models |
Engine Type |
Transmission |
Avg. Price Range |
Combined MPG |
|
1 |
Ford Maverick |
DOHC 16-valve 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle turbocharged and intercooled inline-4 |
8-speed automatic |
$29,219 |
26 |
|
2 |
Jeep Gladiator |
DOHC 24-valve V-6 |
8-speed automatic |
$52,674 |
24 |
|
3 |
Hyundai Santa Cruz |
Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4 |
8-speed dual-clutch automatic |
$34,878 |
23 |
|
4 |
GMC Canyon |
DOHC 24-valve V-6 |
8-speed automatic |
$41,272 |
23 |
|
5 |
Chevrolet Colorado |
Turbocharged Gas I4 |
8-speed automatic |
$37,861 |
23 |
|
6 |
Ford Ranger |
Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
10-speed Automatic |
$38,944 |
23 |
Best Gas Mileage Full-Size Trucks
|
Rank |
Models |
Engine Type |
Transmission |
Avg. Price Range |
Combined MPG |
|
1 |
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 |
Turbocharged Gas I4 |
8-speed automatic |
$49,554 |
27 |
|
2 |
GMC Sierra 1500 |
Pushrod 16-valve V-8 |
10-speed Automatic |
$55,641 |
27 |
|
3 |
RAM Pickup 1500 |
Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve diesel V-6 |
8-speed automatic |
$55,254 |
26 |
|
4 |
GMC Sierra 1500 Limited |
Pushrod 16-valve V-8 |
10-speed automatic |
$60,060 |
26 |
|
5 |
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Limited |
Turbocharged Gas I4 |
8-speed automatic |
$51,988 |
26 |
|
6 |
Ford F-150 |
Twin-turbocharged and inter-cooled DOHC 24-valve V-6 |
10-speed automatic |
$53,919 |
25 |
Best Small Trucks for Gas Mileage
Well, above were all the talks of big and humpy trucks with good gas mileage. However, here we will be discussing some of the great small to mid-size pickups currently available in the market that arrives with noteworthy fuel economy.
2023 Jeep Gladiator
Although not a truck with a massive capacity and size, the Gladiator ticks all the boxes when it comes to utility, performance, and off-road supremacy.
Available in more than 10 trims, the Jeep Gladiator is very popular for its alluring design. Like its other sibling- Wrangler, the Gladiator is a 5-seater mid-size truck with the perfect blend of interior and exterior as well.
Moreover, when it comes to the off-road adventure and comfortability of the riders, the Jeep Gladiator beats all its rivals such as the Honda Ridgeline, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Tacoma as well.
Specifications
|
Engine |
3.6L Regular Unleaded V-6 |
|
Horsepower |
285bhp @ 6400rpm |
|
Torque |
260lb-ft @ 4400 |
|
Transmission |
6-speed automatic |
|
EPA Fuel Economy, combined/city/highway (mpg) |
19 / 16 / 23 |
|
Towing Capacity |
4000 pounds |
|
Weight |
4651 pounds |
2023 Jeep Gladiator Price: starts at $45,880.
2017 Honda Ridgeline
This attractive truck from the Japanese automaker also remains the top choice for most pick-up lovers. Although an old-designed pickup with not so sophisticated interior and simple design, the Honda Ridgeline is one of the most fuel-efficient machines.
This one delivers an average gas mileage of 26mpg. Although not the sportiest one in the room, the Honda Ridgeline fits all the criteria to stand out on the list of good pickup trucks.
If you are someone who loves old classy pickups with a budget that won’t empty your bank, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline is definitely a deal breaker.
Specifications
|
Engine Type |
3.5L V6 SOHC 24-valve |
|
Transmission |
6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode |
|
Power |
280 hp @ 6000 rpm |
|
Transmission |
6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode |
|
Cargo Capacity |
3174L |
|
Vehicle Weight |
2731 kg |
|
Gas Mileage |
26 MPG Avg. |
Honda Ridgeline Price: $17,999 (starting)
Also Read: Best Cars for Roadtrips in 2023>>>
2023 Ford Ranger SuperCab
The 2023 Ford Ranger SuperCab is very well-known for its amazing towing capacity and off-road capability it comes with.
In addition, the truck also arrives with exciting tech features such as Trail Control (Off-road cruise control), Forward collision warning, Ford Co-Pilot360, FordPass Connect, Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control, and so on.
If you are someone planning on bringing home the Ford Ranger, this 2023 variant can definitely become a deal breaker not only in terms of the costs but its towing and payload capacity and excellent fuel economy as well.
Specifications
|
Engine |
2.3L 4-cylinder engine |
|
Horsepower |
270bhp |
|
Torque |
310lb-ft |
|
Transmission |
10-speed shiftable automatic |
|
Towing Capacity |
7500 pounds |
|
Weight |
4145 lbs. |
|
PA city/highway fuel economy |
21/26 mpg (RWD), 20/24 mpg (4WD), 19/19 mpg (Tremor 4WD) |
2023 Ford Range SuperCab Price: $27,400-$35,500
Conclusion
Here, in this article, we discussed a variety of Best pick-up trucks currently available in the market that has good gas mileage.
Although, a truck buying game depends on a variety of factors such as the towing capacity, engine power and performance, design and looks, durability, and whatnot.
However, in this article, we particularly discussed the best older trucks, 4x4 full-size trucks, and other mid-size and small trucks particularly based on the gas mileage they arrive with. You should keep note that the above-mentioned truck models are not numbered or aligned based on their ranking or position.
If you are a buyer who particularly focuses on the gas mileage of the vehicle as the prominent part, then we can assure you that the above-listed pick-up trucks are definitely worth every penny.
Meanwhile, our listed good mileage trucks are also based on EPA-estimated combined fuel economy ratings.
To give you a quick review of the Best Mileage Pickup Trucks for 2023, the top models on our watchlist happen to be Ford F-150, RAM 1500, Chevrolet Silverado, Ford Ranger, and our favorite- the Jeep Gladiator.
Besides this list, there are also some other pick-up trucks with excellent power and fuel performance that fall under the electric pick-up category. We will also discuss that some other time.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Which is the Best Gas Mileage Mid-size Truck?
Some of the best mid-size trucks with good gas mileage are Ford Ranger, Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Ford Maverick, etc. Most of these trucks arrive with an average mileage of 24MPG. Other honorable mentions are the Hyundai Santa Cruz, GMC Canyon, etc.
Which is the most popular fuel-efficient pick-up truck?
Currently, the Ford F-150 Lighting is very popular when it comes to an excellent range as it delivers up to 78MPG avg. in City and 63MPG on highways.
What is the most fuel-efficient full-size 4x4 truck?
Among most of the models, the 2023 GMC Sierra is the best EPA-rated 4x4 full-sized truck. The truck delivers a mileage of 24MPG in the city alongside a 29MPG mileage on the highway. Powering the GMC Sierra is a 3.0L turbodiesel six-cylinder engine.
Stay with us for more updates.
