When it comes to trucks, the numbers most buyers are looking for are payload and towing capacity, followed by truck bed depth, width and length. Fuel capacity is often neglected, but it is also important, especially when you’re buying your next truck on a budget. Depending on its size and the engine that sits under the hood, a truck can achieve all sorts of different mileage figures. As heavy duty trucks often don’t get full scrutiny from the EPA, their fuel mileage will not be shown on our list. So, we’ve browsed through the North American market in search for the most and the least fuel efficient trucks, and we’ve made a list of 17 trucks, sorted from gas savers to gas guzzlers.
30. Volkswagen Amarok (29city/31hwy)
With nearly 100 years of history behind them, and currently holding a spot as one of the most prolific vehicle manufacturers in the world, the Volkswagen Amarok carries a very impressive pedigree. FFuel consumption on this vehicle is around 29 mpg in city and 31 mpg on highway.With power to spare and the technology to handle some of the worst conditions you can imagine the Amarok is an absolute monster and the dominant pick up in Europe.
29. Mitsubishi L200/Triton (27city/36hwy)
Developed to participate in the Asian compact truck market next to the Toyota Hilux, the current model Triton has represented a massive step forward for the manufacturer, in technology, comfort and reliability. With testing conducted all over the world Mitsubishi have pushed hard to intrude on its non-traditional markets. With reinforced construction, and a proud parent in the background, the Triton is in the game to shake things up.
28. Fiat Toro (25city/33hwy)
Another interesting product from Fiat is a new compact-sized pickup called Toro. It will be smaller than the Fullback and will feature smaller engines but Toro will be capable of doing the same things as the Fullback while being more fuel efficient. The FCA is very close to introducing Toro to the American market, starting from 2018 so stay tuned for more information on this cute little truck.
27. Ford Super Duty (23/30)
Ford Super Duties, in all configurations, handily outperformed the equivalent Ram trucks. Ford returns 11.0/16.4/12.9 mpg city/highway/combined versus the Ram’s 9.2/15./11.4. The 2018 Super Duty on this model is stronger, lighter and more powerful than any previous generation.
26. Mazda BT-50 (22/33)
Mazda have yet to announce the release of the BT-50 pickup into the US, although it has found its spot amongst some tough competition in Australia and Asia. Lack of market penetration on markets close to home for the Japanese manufacturer might be tempering their enthusiasm to hit the broader global market, but reliability and design are not problems the BT-50 experiences. A well designed and built compact pickup, the BT-50 deserves a mention.
25. GMC Canyon (22/30)
This light pickup truck has EPA mileage rating of 22/30, at least when equipped with 181-horsepower 2.6L DOHC inline four Duramax turbo diesel engine and two wheel drive. Starting from $21,880, the GMC Canyon is one of the cheapest trucks on the market, but with the optional Duramax diesel, its price jumps significantly to $36,550 since the engine is not available in all configurations.
24. Chevrolet Colorado (22/30)
Based on the GMC Canyon, the Chevrolet Colorado small pickup offers basically the same specs as the Canyon, but with a slightly lower price tag. So, when it has the same 181-horsepower 2.6L DOHC inline four Duramax turbo diesel engine and two wheel drive, this Chevy can achieve up to 22 MPG in the city or 30 MPG on the open road. The improvements in fuel economy come at a price of $35,340, compared to the base price of $28,715.
23. Hyundai Santa Cruz (20/28)
After a very successful concept vehicle, Hyundai is preparing to enter the pickup market with a production Santa Cruz pickup. If you are expecting a tough machine you might be disappointed since the Santa Cruz will be more of a lifestyle truck, similar to the Mercedes X-Class. You can expect a 2.4-liter four cylinder as the base engine and around 200 hp. Also, a high level of interior comfort and equipment is expected. The sales should start in early 2018.
22. Ford Ranger (21/27)
Don’t get too excited…there is still a little wait for the Ford Ranger, but the model is expected to return in 2019 after an eight year hiatus. The updated version of the compact/mid-size ranger might include a 2.5L naturally-aspirated engine, the F-150’s 3.3L V-6 and an EcoBoost four cylinder.Depending again on final drive ratio and gearbox, average fuel consumption will range from 36.2 to 43.5mpg with the 2.2-litre engine. The 3.2-litre is a little more costly to run, returning an average of 33.6mpg (or 32.1mpg in automatic form).
21. Ram 1500 (20/27)
With a 3.0L diesel engine, eight-speed automatic transmission and 4×2 drivetrain, this truck can achieve up to 27 MPG on the highway and 20 MPG in city driving. However, the 3.0L EcoDiesel isn’t available in all trim levels, so the most fuel efficient Ram 1500 starts at $43,965 for the Lone Star Silver trim with said engine and transmission.
20. Honda Ridgeline (19/26)
Honda’s compact truck has EPA mileage rating of 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway, and that number counts for 4×2 Ridgelines with 3.5L V6 with six-speed automatic transmission. Apart from that, the Ridgeline was voted IIHS Top Safety Pick+, has scored five stars on NHTSA crash tests, and was also named North American truck of the year. Honda Ridgeline has a starting price of $29,475 for the base RT model.
19. Ford F-150 (19/26)
Starting at $27,110, the 4×2 Ford F-150 offers EPA-estimated mileage of 18/24 MPG when powered by a 3.5L V6 FFV engine. However, with 4×2 and a 2.7L V6 EcoBoost engine under the hood, the mileage rating climbs to 19 MPG in the city and 26 on the highway. But, when opting for a more fuel efficient engine, you should be aware that the price also goes up to $28,105.
18. Toyota Tacoma (19/24)
As estimated by the EPA, the Toyota Tacoma can achieve up to 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The base SR model starts from $24,320 and is powered by a 2.7L 4-cylinder engine as standard. The 278-horsepower 3.5L V6 with 4×2 will achieve the best mileage. However, it will also bring the price up to $30,540 compared to $24,320 starting price of the base model.
17. Nissan Navara (19/24)
Another model on the list that is not yet available in the US, Nissan’s Navara is a very tidy little workhorse. With sedan-like handling due to its specialized suspension setup, and the most efficient diesel engine in its class, the Navara opened the door for the mid-sized pickup in Australia and Asia. Designed with the attention to detail one would expect from Nissan, the Navara will grind away from sunrise to sunset.
16. Nissan Frontier (19/23)
Equipped with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 5-speed manual and 4×2, Nissan’s Frontier light pickup has an estimated fuel mileage of 19 MPG in city driving and 23 MPG on the open road. The starting price of a Nissan Frontier that fits the specs is $18,390 for the base S model. What you should also know is that the Nissan Frontier S is the cheapest truck in its class, thus on the whole truck market.
15. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (18/24)
The most fuel efficient engine for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a 285 horsepower 4.3L EcoTec V6 engine on a 4×2 version. Since it’s the base engine on the base drivetrain layout, it’s good to know that this version of the Silverado has a starting price tag of $27,785 MSRP. The 5.3L EcoTec V8 engine is also available with 4×2, but its EPA-estimated mileage is 16/23 MPG.
14. Jeep Wrangler Pickup (17/21)
One of the biggest news in the pickup world for 2018 is the introduction of long-awaited and highly desirable Jeep Wrangler Pickup. This is a model that should combine Wrangler’s ruggedness and quality with the practicality of a pickup truck. Jeep has teased the public with concepts for years but only now has decided to present a full production version. Expect it to be officially announced in late 2017 and sales to start in mid-2018.
13. GMC Sierra 1500 (16/23)
The GMC Sierra 1500 has a starting price of $28,405 which is a bit more than its Chevrolet counterpart, and its EPA-estimated fuel consumption numbers are pretty much the same: 18/24 MPG for the 2WD Sierra 1500 with 285 horsepower 4.3L EcoTec V6 engine or 16/23 for the 5.3L EcoTec V8. The V8-powered Sierra 1500 with 2WD starts at $30,895 MSRP.
12. Ford F-150 Raptor (15/21)
The ultimate off-road beast wasn’t built with fuel mileage on anyone’s mind, but its EPA-estimated numbers are 15/21. Given that those are the numbers achieved in optimal conditions and while driving steadily, they seem highly improbable in reality. That’s mostly due to the fact that the F-150 Raptor was really made to be hooned around the deserts, jumping around and flying over the sand dunes and all that.
11. Nissan Titan (15/21)
With a starting price of $29,580, the Nissan Titan is a pickup truck that has an estimated fuel mileage of 15 MPG in the city or 21 highway. The numbers apply to both the 2WD and 4WD Titan with Endurance® 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine under the hood and standard 7-speed automatic transmission. 4WD Nissan Titan single cab starts at $32,610.
10. Nissan Titan XD (15/20)
The Titan XD has a starting price of $31,590 for the 2WD single cab S model with gas engine, and its estimated fuel economy is 15/20 when equipped with the same 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 as the Titan. The Cummins 5.0-liter V8 turbo diesel engine offers slightly better fuel economy, but the EPA-estimated numbers aren’t actually available, so it’s the best to consult with your dealer.
9. Toyota Tundra (15/19)
Toyota Tundra is a full size truck that starts at $30,120 for the single cab 2WD SR model powered by a 4.6L V8 engine which produces 310 horsepower. Equipped with this engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, the Tundra can achieve EPA-estimated mileage of 15 MPG in the city or 19 MPG on the open road. On the other hand, the bigger 5.6L V8 has a fuel economy of 13/18 MPG.
8. Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD (14/19)
The heavy duty Silverado 2500HD truck has a starting price of $33,610, and its 360 horsepower Vortec® 6.0L V8 engine has an estimated fuel mileage of 14/19 MPG. There’s also an option of Duramax® 6.6L turbo diesel V8 engine, but there are no official estimates of its consumption numbers. The diesel version of the Silverado 2500HD starts at $42,615.
7. GMC Sierra 2500HD (14/19)
Much like the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, the GMC Sierra has similar consumption numbers: 360 horsepower Vortec® 6.0L V8 engine is rated at 14/19 MPG, and this truck can also be ordered with the same Duramax® 6.6L turbo diesel V8 engine. The main difference between the Sierra 2500HD and the Silverado 2500HD is again the price. The base Sierra 2500HD starts at $35,485, or $44,490 for the 6.6L diesel version.
6. Isuzu i-370 (14/18)
Isuzu are predominantly recognized as the manufacturer of commercial vehicles, including America’s best-selling Low Cab Forward truck. With that lineage, it is no surprise that when the same team developed the i-370 Pickup it would prove to be a robust and durable machine. Hindered in the technology front due to their small range of vehicles on offer, nonetheless the Isuzu truck is in for the long haul.
5. Toyota Landcruiser 70 (13/18)
Only the Ford F series trucks can boast a history that matches the Landcruiser 70 Series. Beginning life as the Toyota Jeep BJ in 1950, the current model 70 Series Landcruiser is touted as being indestructible, and that is not a claim Toyota makes lightly. 67 years of development and refinement in some of the most trying conditions imaginable have produced a contemporary vehicle that is powerful, robust, and essentially immortal.
2. Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD (13/16)
In its ultimate form, Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD has a starting price of $34,710 and its observed fuel economy sits at 13 MPG in the city and 16 MPG on the open road. The Silverado 3500HD is powered by the same 360 horsepower Vortec® 6.0L V8 engine with an optional Duramax® 6.6L turbo diesel V8 engine as the Silverado 2500HD. However, the difference in fuel economy comes primarily from added weight of the 3500HD compared to the Silverado 2500HD.
1. GMC Sierra 3500HD (13/16)
GMC’s counterpart of the Silverado 3500HD is called Sierra 3500HD, and it is powered by the same two engines, the 360 horsepower Vortec® 6.0L V8 or the Duramax® 6.6L turbo diesel V8. With that in mind, the fuel consumption numbers are the same – 13MPG city and 16 MPG highway for the petrol V8, and there are no fuel consumption ratings for the 6.6L turbo diesel.