Trucks With the Best MPG | 2023 Ratings

Characteristics of Trucks With The Best Gas Mileage

leaner than their competitors. It is more than just swapping out a gas-guzzling engine for something more refined. Here are the qualities that make these particular vehicles lighter on fuel than the majority of their contemporaries:

Powertrain: While it may be the only factor, an engine that relies less on brute displacement to put out loads of power is probably the most significant contributor to better economy. Most automakers have turned to turbocharging to increase outputs without needing additional fuel. But, while hybrid powertrains never really took off in the pickup segment, it seems the EV technology just might.
Drivetrain: Other components that can help you save a little gas include the drivetrain and transmission. If you don’t really need 4WD for the additional traction or off-road capabilities, then a 2WD model will get you a few more miles to the gallon. The lower weight also sometimes improves maximum capacities. Similarly, swapping out a manual transmission for a smart-shiting automatic can keep you in the most efficient power band.
Size: It stands to reason that you need less power to move less weight around, so smaller trucks have the best gas mileage of the lot. Even on larger models, you can try to keep weight down by opting for a two-person cabin rather than one that can support a larger family. This does mean sacrificing even more practicality in the name of money saving.

What to Consider Before Buying a Fuel-efficient Truck

While we may hope to get the best of both worlds, the fact of the matter is that you’ll likely have to accept some compromises when buying a fuel-efficient truck. To help you decide if this is the best option for your new car, here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

Greater fuel economy figures
Massive savings over the long life of a truck
A variety of engines to choose from
Great torque from the diesel options
Adequate towing capacities

Cons

Still one of the thirstiest body styles
Efficient engines sacrifice power and capability
Need meticulous maintenance to maintain their credentials
You may have to spend a lot more upfront for a highly economical EV

FAQs

What 2022 truck gets the best gas mileage?

In terms of traditional, combustion-powered pickup trucks, the Ram 1500 boasts the most impressive fuel economy of 22/32/26 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles. This refers to the 2WD model equipped with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine.

Are there any affordable pickups with good fuel economy?

Since people buying fuel-efficient trucks are clearly trying to be savvy with their money, it makes sense that they’d want to save upfront, too. In this regard, the Ford Maverick perfectly balances a decent fuel economy of 23/30/26 mpg with an asking price of around $21,000.

Are there any hybrid/electric options?

Quite a few pickups use mild-hybrid technology to supplement their engines, but true hybrids are rare. Electric models are also quite scant at the moment, with only the Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla Cybertruck, Hummer EV, and Rivian R1T up for sale. However, many more are planned for release in the coming years.

Trucks With the Best MPG of 2023