Characteristics of the Most Fuel-efficient Full-size Trucks
A full-size truck with the best MPG follows a slightly different set of rules than your regular heavy-duty workhorse.
- They don’t have quite as much power as their thirstier brethren
- They achieve moderately respectable mileage figures
- They can still tow very heavy loads, though they seldom achieve the best capacities
- They usually cost a bit more than your run-of-the-mill models
What to Consider When Buying Full-size Trucks With the Best MPG
People buy cars for a lot of different reasons, but sometimes, those reasons can be at odds. A fuel-efficient work truck is a bit of an oxymoron, and trying to get the best of both worlds means making sacrifices, and you have to ask yourself if the cons are worth the pros.
Pros
- Decent amounts of power and towing capacities
- Long-term savings on the fuel bill
- Some of the most reliable cars in the world
- Plenty of body and cab options
Cons
- Less capable than V8 gas options
- Higher initial purchase price
- Fuel-efficient options are more limited in terms of models and configurations
FAQs
What are the full-size trucks with the best MPG?
Most trucks come with a choice of powertrains, but official fuel economy figures can be difficult to come by. It is generally those with a diesel engine on the list that achieve the best numbers, like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. It manages 23/33 mpg city/highway, which is very impressive. The Ram 1500 gets a similar 21/29 mpg.
What is the price of the full-size truck with the best gas mileage?
You normally have to pay a few grand extra to equip a pickup, but the cheapest Chevy Silverado with the diesel engine sells for $55,000. The diesel-powered Ram 1500 is slightly cheaper at around $45,000.
How much can the most fuel-efficient pickup tow?
The most economical Chevrolet Silverado can tow 13.300. This is close to the 12,700 lbs of the full-hybrid Ford F-150.
How reliable are full-size pickup trucks with the best mpg?
Believe it or not, a diesel engine is far more durable and rugged than your average V6 or V8 block, so the most fuel-efficient variants for the various pickup trucks normally last over a decade when purchased new, far exceeding their warranties.