If you’re after a fuel-efficient pickup truck, you may not think there are many options. They’re out there, though. You might just have to do a little digging to find them. Here’s a look at 10 of the best trucks that offer EPA fuel economy estimates of at least 25 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
For simplicity’s sake, this list only looks at trucks offering the best gas mileage from 2015 to now, and it doesn’t cover all-electric trucks. We’ve also left out heavy-duty models, which do not have to be tested according to EPA standards.
The Best Used Trucks With Good Gas Mileage
- 2020-2022 Ram 1500 HFE
- 2022-Present Ford Maverick Hybrid
- 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado Diesel
- 2016-2018 GMC Canyon Diesel
- 2021-2023 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid
- 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Turbodiesel
- 2020-2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Turbodiesel
- 2022-Present Ford Maverick Turbo
- 2022-Present Hyundai Santa Cruz
- 2019-2020 Ford F-150 Turbodiesel
- Diesel vs. Gasoline Truck Fuel Economy
- Tips for Great Gas Mileage in Older Trucks
2020-2022 Ram 1500 HFE
The 2020-2022 Ram 1500, equipped with the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine—known as the Ecodiesel engine—and rear-wheel drive, delivers 26 miles per gallon combined fuel economy estimates. This is excellent for a full-size truck with 480 pound-feet of torque, the ability to tow upwards of 8,000 pounds, and decent off-road chops. HFE models were based on the workhorse Ram Tradesman model, so they’re not exactly lavish in terms of interior features but have tons of durability. It came only as a Quad Cab—Ram’s name for an extended cab, albeit with four front-hinged side doors—and can squeeze in six passengers.
2022-Present Ford Maverick Hybrid
The most fuel-efficient truck today is definitely the Ford Maverick. This compact truck—closer in size to a late 90s Ford Ranger or Dodge Dakota than modern mid-size trucks—is based closely on the Ford Escape, though it’s longer and has an open bed. Hybrid models boast EPA test estimates as high as 37 mpg combined, which is great for any vehicle, let alone for a pickup truck. The Maverick is a five-seater, though its cabin lacks the stretch-out space of larger models like the Ranger or F-150.
2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado Diesel
When fitted with the available 2.8-liter inline-four turbocharged diesel engine and rear-wheel drive, select versions of the 2016-2018 Chevy truck were estimated to return as high as 25 mpg combined. The turbodiesel engine is no slouch, cranking out 369 lb-ft of torque and a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds. With the turbodiesel, the Colorado midsize pickup came only as a crew cab with five seats.
2016-2018 GMC Canyon Diesel
If the Colorado’s specs appeal to you, but you want something a bit less common, look to the GMC Canyon. It’s mechanically—and physically, at least to a degree—similar to the Chevy, but it’s a bit snazzier. Beginning in 2017, the Canyon could be had in the dressy Denali trim with such niceties as heated and ventilated front seats and a wireless device charging pad, all while remaining one of the most efficient trucks on our list.
2021-2023 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid
The hybrid version of the Ford F-150 features a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine paired with an electric motor and battery pack. This setup delivers up to 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque, as well as a 25-mpg combined fuel economy estimate. The PowerBoost powertrain—that’s what Ford calls it—can even turn these trucks into a mobile generator for use at, say, a work site or to power your refrigerator while tailgating. This powertrain was only offered in select crew-cab versions of the F-150, most of which could be very well-equipped with features in higher trim levels.
2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Turbodiesel
Some versions of the 2020 and 2021 Chevrolet Silverado tout fuel-economy estimates more in line with mid-size sedans than big pickup trucks. Shop carefully and you can find a rear-wheel drive Silverado 1500 with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder engine, which the EPA test pegs at an impressive 27 mpg combined. Some versions of these full-size trucks can handle a payload of up to 9,500 pounds.
2020-2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Turbodiesel
Like the Silverado, the GMC Sierra can be had with a turbodiesel engine that has decent fuel mileage for such a big pickup truck. Though no version can eke out the 27 mpg of its corporate cousin, these big bruisers are still rated as high as 26 mpg combined with the turbodiesel and rear-wheel drive.
2022-Present Ford Maverick Turbo
At 26 mpg combined, Ford Maverick models with the available turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder Ecoboost engine are a lot thirstier than their hybrid siblings. But they’re a lot more powerful and still pretty fuel-efficient for a pickup truck. They’re rated to tow up to 4,000 pounds, at least when equipped with a special package from the factory, and their relative youth means used approved examples can be found on Ford dealership forecourts.
2022-Present Hyundai Santa Cruz
Minor tweaks for the 2025 model year helped Hyundai increase the fuel efficiency of its sole pickup offering from 23 to 25 mpg combined, according to EPA test estimates. It may be tough to find a low-mileage 2025 model if you're in the markeet for a used pickup, but luckily at 23 mpg, the Santa Cruz is still more fuel efficient than most larger trucks. Though not the most capable truck here, the Santa Cruz nonetheless has a comfortable, car-like cabin with seating for up to five passengers. If that’s the kind of thing you’re after, then the Nissan Frontier is also worth a look.
2019-2020 Ford F-150 Turbodiesel
Ford briefly offered its full-size trucks with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, which came exclusively as a crew cab with seating for up to six passengers. This setup is rated at an EPA test-estimated 25 mpg combined, which is good for an F-150 but trails some of the other full-size trucks on our list.
Diesel vs. Gasoline Truck Fuel Economy
Diesel-fueled vehicles tend to use less fuel than those that run on gasoline. That said, there are some downsides to owning a diesel pickup:
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Diesel generally costs more at the pump than regular unleaded, which cuts into any cost savings.
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Not every fuel station carries diesel, so you may have fewer options for filling up.
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Modern diesel trucks have various emissions-regulation devices that can be costly to maintain.
Tips for Great Gas Mileage in Older Trucks
Saving fuel in a used car or old truck can be done by adjusting your driving habits and ensuring the truck is in tip-top condition.
Whether you have a small pickup like a Toyota Tacoma or a full-size pickup, avoiding hard acceleration and maintaining the posted speed limit are major keys to reducing fuel consumption. The blocky, non-aerodynamic shape of a pickup truck — think of the stout front bodywork of a Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra or Chevy Silverado — makes these vehicles consume fuel at a higher rate than smaller or curvier cars, so anything you can do to reduce air resistance will help. Additionally, consider combining trips whenever possible to reduce the mileage you put on the truck. Some bed covers — also known as tonneau covers — may also contribute to improved fuel economy, though admittedly, it will likely take many thousands of miles of driving to pay off the initial purchase price.
Maintaining your truck can help save fuel. An engine that is up-to-date on basic maintenance like tune-ups, fluid changes and filter replacement will have better fuel economy than an engine with overdue maintenance. Additionally, ensuring that your tires are the correct size specified by the manufacturer and that they have been filled to the specifications listed in the owner’s manual can also contribute to better fuel economy.
