10 Trucks with the Best MPG
Jan 31st 2025
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Pickup trucks are an American pastime, with new models pushing the limits of what these trusted workhorses can do. Today’s haulers are made for various applications, from running errands to moving tens of thousands of pounds of valuable cargo. The larger the truck, the more it can tow and the more fuel it consumes. The trucks have the best MPG ratings on the market. Learn how they compare and how much you can expect to spend on fuel based on the latest driving estimates.
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10 Trucks with the Best MPG Ratings
1. Ford Maverick
The gas-powered version gets 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway, while the hybrid version gets an estimated 42 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.
2. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The diesel-powered Silverado nets up to 23 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, a noticeable increase compared to the gas-powered version, which gets 20 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway.
3. Hyundai Santa Cruz
Compact and lightweight, it gets 22 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
4. Ford F-150
The best-selling truck in America with a classic V-6 engine gets 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The hybrid version upgrades to 22 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
5. Toyota Tundra Hybrid
The hybrid Tundra gets an estimated 20 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway, but real-world tests averaged closer to 19 MPG.
6. Ram 1500
The latest light-duty RAM gets 17 MPG in the city and 23 on the highway.
7. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
The Colorado averages around 17 MPG in the city and on the highway. The rear-wheel-drive option performs slightly better than the all-wheel-drive model, getting between 20 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
8. Honda Ridgeline
Affordable and compact, the Ridgeline nearly ties the Colorado with up to 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
9. Toyota Tundra
Unlike the hybrid version, the V-6 gas engine still gets an impressive 19 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway.
10. Nissan Frontier
The V-6 engine-powered Frontier gets a similar rating of up to 19 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway.
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Choosing a Fuel-Efficient Pickup Truck
You should consider more than the topline MPG rating when comparing truck makes/models. Calculate the full cost of the vehicle based on how long it will last and the average fuel price.
Hybrid trucks use electricity and internal combustion based on what’s available to help you save money at the pump, but they can add to the cost of utilities.
Diesel fuel is more efficient than gasoline, and diesel engines last up to five times as long as their combustion-powered counterparts with regular maintenance. However, diesel fuel can cost slightly more per gallon than unleaded gas.
Regardless of what type of pickup you buy, you need to maintain the fuel, air and exhaust systems to maintain the MPG rating advertised. Monitor fuel and air pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to see if the engine burns the fuel completely.
Diesel engines use oil to pressurize the fuel prior to injection, so it burns as a fine mist, sending power to the wheels that much faster. Replace the high-pressure oil pump on aging models to send oil to the injectors where the fuel is pressurized. Clean and replace your fuel, air and exhaust filters. Change your oil every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to improve lubrication and remove debris.
Choose a truck based on how much you need to tow to avoid needlessly bogging down your MPG rating with extra weight. Consider how long your ride will last and the total cost of repairs during its lifetime to get a more accurate sense of how much you’ll spend. Keep diesel parts in stock to avoid driving with a faulty pump, filter or injector that will reduce the MPG rating.