Pickup trucks have ranked among the most popular vehicle segments in the United States for decades. No longer defined by barebones practicality, today’s trucks offer luxury interiors, high-tech infotainment systems, and plenty of backseat legroom. Combining the capability and versatility of a work vehicle with the comforts and conveniences of a family car or daily driver, pickup trucks sacrifice little – with one glaring exception: fuel efficiency.
Among the more than 100 pickup truck configurations available in the 2023 model year, the median combined fuel economy is just 19 miles per gallon, according to data from the Environmental Protection Agency. For context, the average fuel economy of the U.S. vehicle fleets was 36 mpg in 2021, a number the Department of Transportation mandated to rise to 49 mpg by 2026.
With U.S. gas prices topping $5 a gallon last year – an all-time high – many pickup truck owners are feeling the pinch. For cost-conscious drivers in the market for a new truck, however, some options are better than others. (Here is a look at America’s favorite pickup trucks.)
Using data from the EPA, 24/7 Wall St. identified the most fuel-efficient pickup trucks. We ranked the 15 non-electric pickup trucks on the market by combined fuel economy, considering all available engine and drivetrain packages.
For any vehicle, fuel efficiency is subject to a number of factors. Some of them are contingent on driving habits, but those related directly to the vehicle itself include weight, ground clearance, aerodynamics, drivetrain, and engine size.
Several of the most fuel efficient new trucks on the market have been recently updated or are all-new nameplates. The Ford Maverick, for example, which is capable of a segment-leading combined 37 mpg, was first introduced in 2021 and is available with a hybrid engine. Meanwhile, the Toyota Tacoma, while classified as a small pickup, has not been meaningfully updated since 2016 and gets a maximum of 24 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg combined. (Here is a look at the cars that have been completely redesigned for 2023.)
Click here to see the most fuel-efficient new trucks this year.
Click here to see our detailed methodology.
Source: jetcityimage / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
15. Nissan Titan
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 15-16 city; 20-21 highway; 17-18 combined
> Available engine(s): 8 cylinder; 5.6 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & 4×4; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $3,050 – $3,200
> Model year considered: 2023
> Base MSRP: $39,700
[in-text-ad]
Source: jetcityimage / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
14. Nissan Frontier
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 17-18 city; 22-24 highway; 19-20 combined
> Available engine(s): 6 cylinder; 3.8 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & 4×4; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,200 – $2,350
> Model year considered: 2023
> Base MSRP: $29,190
24/7 Wall St.
Source: shaunl / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
13. Toyota Tacoma
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 17-20 city; 20-24 highway; 18-21 combined
> Available engine(s): 4 & 6 cylinder; 2.7 & 3.5 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & 4×4; automatic & manual transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,100 – $2,450
> Model year considered: 2023
> Base MSRP: $27,750
Source: jetcityimage / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
12. Honda Ridgeline
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 18 city; 24 highway; 21 combined
> Available engine(s): 6 cylinder; 3.5 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,100
> Model year considered: 2023
> Base MSRP: $38,800
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Artistic Operations / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
11. Toyota Tundra
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 17-20 city; 20-24 highway; 19-22 combined
> Available engine(s): 6 cylinder; 3.4 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & 4×4; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,000 – $2,350
> Model year considered: 2023
> Base MSRP: $37,865
Source: Courtesy of Chevrolet
10. Chevrolet Colorado
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 16-20 city; 18-30 highway; 17-23 combined
> Available engine(s): 4 & 6 cylinder; 2.5, 2.8, & 3.6 liter displacement > Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & 4×4; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $1,600 – $2,050
> Model year considered: 2022
> Base MSRP: $26,135
[in-text-ad]
Source: Emirhan Karamuk / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
9. Ford Ranger
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 19-21 city; 19-26 highway; 19-23 combined
> Available engine(s): 4 cylinder; 2.3 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & 4×4; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $1,900 – $2,350
> Model year considered: 2023
> Base MSRP: $27,400
Source: Courtesy of GMC
8. GMC Canyon
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 17-20 city; 24-30 highway; 19-23 combined
> Available engine(s): 4 & 6 cylinder; 2.5, 2.8, & 3.6 liter displacement > Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & 4×4; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $1,600 – $1,850
> Model year considered: 2022
> Base MSRP: $26,800
Source: Althom / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
7. Hyundai Santa Cruz
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 19-21 city; 26-27 highway; 22-23 combined
> Available engine(s): 4 cylinder; 2.5 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $1,550 – $1,600
> Model year considered: 2022
> Base MSRP: $25,700
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Courtesy of Ram Trucks
6. Ram Pickup
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 10-21 city; 14-29 highway; 12-24 combined
> Available engine(s): 6 & 8 cylinder; 3.0, 3.6, 5.7, & 6.2 liter displacement > Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & 4×4; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $1,900 – $4,550
> Model year considered: 2023
> Base MSRP: $30,235
Source: Althom / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
5. Jeep Gladiator
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 16-22 city; 22-28 highway; 19-24 combined
> Available engine(s): 6 cylinder; 3.0 & 3.6 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×4; automatic and manual transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $2,000 – $2,350
> Model year considered: 2023
> Base MSRP: $38,775
[in-text-ad]
Source: Tramino / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
4. Ford F-Series
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 10-25 city; 15-26 highway; 12-25 combined
> Available engine(s): 6 & 8 cylinder, 6 cylinder hybrid; 2.7, 3.3, 3.5, 5.0, & 5.2 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & 4×4; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $1,750 – $3,700
> Model year considered: 2023
> Base MSRP: $34,445
Source: Courtesy of GMC
3. GMC Sierra (tied)
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 14-24 city; 17-29 highway; 15-26 combined
> Available engine(s): 4,6, & 8 cylinder; 2.7, 3, 5.3, & 6.2 liter displacement > Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & 4×4; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $1,850 – $3,650
> Model year considered: 2023
> Base MSRP: $37,200
Source: Courtesy of Chevrolet
2. Chevrolet Silverado (tied)
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 14-24 city; 17-29 highway; 15-26 combined
> Available engine(s): 4, 6, & 8 cylinder; 2.7, 3.0, 5.3, and 6.2 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): 4×2 & 4×4; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $1,850 – $3,650
> Model year considered: 2023
> Base MSRP: $36,300
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Ford Motor Co.
1. Ford Maverick
> Fuel efficiency (MPG): 20-40 city; 24-33 highway; 21-37 combined
> Available engine(s): 4 cylinder & 4 cylinder hybrid; 2.0 & 2.5 liter displacement
> Available drivetrain(s): Front-wheel-drive & AWD; automatic transmission
> Est. annual fuel cost: $1,200 – $2,100
> Model year considered: 2023
> Base MSRP: $22,195
Methodology
To identify the most fuel-efficient new pickup trucks, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data on estimated miles per gallon from the Environmental Protection Agency. Trucks are ranked on the highest EPA combined MPG available for each name plate. In the case of a tie, when possible, the truck with the highest combined MPG floor, or the lower estimated annual fuel costs, ranks higher. We considered all small and standard size pickups for the latest available model year in our analysis and did not include electric vehicles.
Though trucks are ranked by the most efficient combination of engine and drivetrain for combined city and highway driving, we also provide the range of fuel efficiency for each nameplate for all models available.
Estimated annual fuel costs are also from the EPA and assume 15,000 miles of driving – 55% city and 45% highway – with fuel costs of $3.42/gallon for regular unleaded gasoline, $3.88/gallon for mid-grade unleaded gasoline, and $4.19/gallon for premium.
Essential Tips for Investing: Sponsored
A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Editors' Picks
