When you think of a pickup truck, versatility and strength come to mind. While pickup trucks are popular for their powerful engines, most are lagging in fuel economy. Getting a pickup nowadays transcends utility or necessity. Good gas mileage and fuel efficiency have become more sought-after. The ideal pickup truck is not based solely on completing the task. Almost every truck has a maximum towing capacity of above 5000 lbs. While some manufacturers focused more on power and rugged design, the most fuel-efficient pickup trucks have dominated the market.
Determining Fuel Efficiency?
When we talk about fuel efficiency, we mean how far a vehicle can travel on a certain amount of fuel. This is usually measured by miles per gallon (MPG). For instance, if a vehicle travels 20 miles on one gallon of fuel, its fuel efficiency is 20 MPG. Before releasing a new line of trucks, manufacturers test the vehicle’s fuel consumption under city and highway driving conditions to ensure it’s within emission standards.
The Most Fuel-efficient Pickup Trucks
Generally, vehicles get better fuel efficiency on highways because there is less stopping and idling than in cities. Apparently, diesel engines are usually more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines. Additionally, smaller pickup trucks tend to be more efficient than larger ones. If you’re bothered about gas mileage, we’ve compiled a list of the most fuel-efficient pickup trucks in today’s market. Our list is based on city and highway fuel efficiency combined. Here we go!
1. 2018 Ford F-150 Diesel
Ford’s F-series trucks have features that appeal to the eco-conscious drivers. The 2018 F-150 is a full-sized pickup truck that comes with a Power Stroke diesel 3.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine option. With an impressive 30 MPG on highways and 22 MPG in the city, the 4×2 wheel drive model is one of the most fuel-efficient pickup trucks out there.
Although this is not ideal for off-roaders, the maximum towing capacity of 11,400 lbs is a rumble. The dashboard of the Ford truck is equipped with some amazing technological features that can make your driving experience fun and hassle-free. For instance, you can use the Sync 3 infotainment system to connect your Apple or Android phone to the truck. You can even integrate various popular apps with the truck’s touchscreen to make your journey more enjoyable.
Dynamic parking and hitch assist technology are major boosts to the maneuverability of this truck. The 2018 F-150 currently sells for between $27,705 and $37,025, qualifying it as an affordable pickup truck.
2. 2016 Chevrolet Colorado
The 2016 Chevy Colorado is an excellent midsize pickup truck with two engine options. You can opt for the 2.8-litre Duramax 4-cylinder diesel engine that significantly increases the truck’s towing capacity to 7,700 lbs and boosts fuel efficiency. The 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder gasoline engine for the base model is also an option with a fuel-efficiency rating of 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The diesel engine is slightly more fuel-efficient, making it a preferred choice for most users.
This compact pickup truck is a 5-seater with an optional off-road package perfect for family trips. The truck provides a smooth and comfortable driving experience, and the dashboard controls are easy to navigate. The infotainment touch-screen display integrated with the Apple CarPlay system offers a seamless experience. Additionally, the truck’s luxurious interior and heated front seats make it ideal for people who want to enjoy comfort while driving.
The Chevy Colorado is priced reasonably between $20,891 and $32,499. It is an affordable choice for those looking for a great pickup truck. Overall, the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado is an excellent choice for people who want a reliable and efficient midsize pickup truck perfect for city driving and long road trips.
3. 2016 GMC Canyon
If you’re looking for a midsize pickup truck, the 2016 Canyon is a great option. It offers impressive maneuverability and comes with engine options. The 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine is perfect for those who need higher towing capacity (over 7,700 lbs) and better fuel economy, with 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.
If you don’t need that much towing capacity, the base model with a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing 200 horsepower is a great choice, with a towing capacity of over 3,500 lbs. Plus, it’s about $10,000 cheaper than diesel and has a fuel efficiency of 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.
The Canyon also has some great tech features, including an overhead console, an OnStar interface with WiFi, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, steering wheel controls, and four USB ports. Both engine options are priced between $19,995 and $28,995, making it an affordable choice for one of the most fuel-efficient pickup trucks.
4. 2010 Ford Ranger
The 2010 Ford Ranger offers a combined fuel efficiency of 24 MPG, with 22MPG in the city and 27MPG on the highway. You can choose from two-seat regular or extended cab options, and a 6-foot bed is standard for both styles. If you need to haul heavy loads, the 2.3-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine option can tow up to 6,000 lbs, and the stability control system provides a high ground clearance for better maneuverability.
Although it’s one of the older models, the Ranger still provides basic features that can make your driving experience comfortable. The base model has a CD player, satellite radio, and an aux jack. Going for the range of $11,469 to $16,995, the 2010 Ford Ranger is a great option if you’re looking for a simple yet reliable pickup truck.
5. 2015 Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a compact truck popular for being reliable. If you’re in the market for one of the most fuel-efficient pickup trucks, it’s hard to do better than the 4-cylinder gas engine 2015 Tacoma offering 21 MPG combined gas mileage. Toyota’s reputation for reliability guarantees you good resale value.
With a maximum towing capacity of 6,400 lbs, its four-wheel drive package makes up in performance. For a fee between $23,992 and $31,450, you get excellent off-road handling with superb suspensions for a mid-size truck. The compact size boosts its maneuverability. The 2015 model has two options: the extended and crew cab. The cargo bed is lined with a sturdy composite material and comes equipped with a versatile utility rail system.
You can also opt for built-in storage and a power outlet to simplify your hauling tasks. The truck features a user-friendly touchscreen interface, seamlessly integrating with your mobile apps. Additionally, you can add a rear-view camera to enhance your safety on the road. The fuel tank capacity is 21.1 gallons and requires regular gasoline, varying slightly by trim.
6. 2022 Nissan Titan
This remarkable full-sized pickup truck packs a powerful V6 engine capable of producing up to 400 horsepower. Despite its size, it offers a decent fuel economy of 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, with a combined 18 mpg. The V8 engine of this truck is popular. But they also produced the V6 version, which has a good fuel economy system.
The vehicle’s interior is equipped with a state-of-the-art 8″ and 9″ touchscreen display that is both functional and stylish. The LED headlights and 20″ aluminum-alloy wheels give the truck a sleek and modern look, while the tow mirrors and active brake limited slip (ABLS) ensure a smooth and safe driving experience.
The dual panoramic moonroof is a great addition to the appealing interior. The Titan is available in various metallic shade body color options, and recent models come with luxurious interior upholstery that is both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
With a 26-gallon fuel tank that requires regular unleaded gas, the Nissan Titan is a reliable and efficient vehicle that is available in today’s market for about $31,556.
7. 2018 Nissan Frontier
This 2018 Frontier pickup truck may not have the most luxurious interior, but it offers great value for its price. It comes with a manual transmission option that can give you a decent performance of 19 MPG in the city and 23MPG on the highway. The base extended cab model is one of the more affordable new trucks on the market, and it comes with a rearview camera, a 5-inch display, steering wheel audio controls, an AUX jack, and Siri Eyes Free voice command as standard.
The Frontier’s size and good sightlines make it a perfect vehicle for city driving and easy to park anywhere. The truck has a spray-in bedliner and handy tie-downs, which are great features for loading cargo. However, its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine has a maximum towing capacity of just 3,500 lbs. Despite this limitation, the Frontier is still a versatile and reliable truck that can handle most everyday tasks. With a starting price of around $18,990, it’s a great choice for those looking for a practical and affordable pickup truck.
Also, the truck offers safety features such as a blind-spot warning, automatic emergency brakes, and a panoramic view monitor, amongst others. The engine produces up to 300 horsepower.
8. 2018 Honda Ridgeline
This is a mid-size truck with a sleek design. The 218 horsepower producing 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder engine gets 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. Its chassis and suspension system boosts its stability.
The Ridgeline has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. Although it is not ideal for off-roading, nice features like a two-way tailgate and a locking trunk in the bed are impressive for a truck that costs between $29,730 and $43,220.
The Ridgeline is only a 4-door crew cab with a tow hitch, push-button starter, and a 4.2-inch dashboard screen. Additional features like smartphone connectivity and safety features can be added on.
The Ridgeline has four trims: the Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition. All trims come with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Ridgeline runs on regular gas and has a fuel tank capacity of 19.5 gallons. The upper models offer added features such as leather-trimmed seats, a moonroof, and a wireless phone charger.
Let’s wrap it up…
Our selection of most fuel-efficient pickup trucks includes a variety of fuel-efficient options. American car manufacturers offer many pickup trucks to suit every need, from comfortable family rides to adventure machines and heavy-duty workhorses. Whatever your budget or requirements, there are multifunctional truck options available that are both reliable and offer excellent gas mileage.
