Pickup trucks have long been celebrated for their hauling capability and go-anywhere ruggedness, but not traditionally for their fuel efficiency. However, as gas prices remain a significant part of any vehicle's running costs, many drivers are looking for a truck that can handle work and weekend duties without requiring constant trips to the pump. The good news is that today's market offers more fuel-conscious options than ever before. From innovative hybrid powertrains in compact pickups to efficient diesel engines in full-size models, automakers are finding new ways to balance utility with economy.
Choosing a truck with good gas mileage doesn't have to mean sacrificing the features that make these vehicles so practical. The best options blend impressive miles per gallon (MPG) ratings with comfortable interiors, modern technology, and the versatile cargo space you expect. Whether you need a light-duty truck for occasional hardware store runs or a capable hauler for long-distance towing, this list highlights models that prioritize efficiency. We'll explore how different engine choices, from turbocharged four-cylinders to mild-hybrid V6s, impact real-world performance and help you find a truck that fits both your lifestyle and your budget.
The Best Gas Mileage Trucks
- Ram 1500
- Ford F-150
- GMC Sierra 1500
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Ford Maverick
- Hyundai Santa Cruz
- Ford Ranger
- Honda Ridgeline
- Chevrolet Colorado
- Nissan Frontier
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1. Ram 1500
CarGurus expert rating: 8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 35.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple powertrain options | Advanced safety features are not standard |
| Premium interior materials in high-end models | No base two-door work truck |
| Luxurious and off-road-ready models offered |
For a gas-mileage-focused truck shopper, the 2026 Ram 1500's biggest advantage is choice. The lineup starts with a 3.6-liter V6 with eTorque mild-hybrid assist (305 hp, 271 lb-ft of torque), and it's the configuration that also supports the truck's highest payload rating (up to 2,360 lbs), which can matter if your "efficient" truck still has to haul. Step up to the 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six (420 hp, 469 lb-ft), and Ram notes it delivers superior fuel economy versus the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft), by about 2 mpg in a four-wheel drive (4WD) truck, while also running on regular gas (mid-grade is recommended for the Hemi). The Hemi's return will please V8 loyalists, but if saving fuel is the priority, the numbers point you toward the V6 or the standard-output Hurricane.
Efficiency doesn't have to mean giving up day-to-day comfort, either. Inside, the Ram's cabin is roomy in Crew Cab form, and the controls are easy to live with thanks to physical audio and climate knobs and buttons that keep the big, optional touchscreens from becoming a distraction. Tech features like standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available digital gauges, and options like a head-up display and a passenger screen can make long highway miles feel less taxing—exactly the kind of driving where fuel economy matters most. Standard driver assists like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring (with trailer coverage) help, too, though Ram keeps some of the more advanced safety tech tied to packages and upper trims.
The CarGurus Verdict: "There's a lot to like about the 2026 Ram 1500, including its characterful Hemi V8. But if you're looking for the best version of Ram's popular pickup, you should think long and hard about how you plan to use the truck. With 10 trim levels and two cab sizes and bed lengths to go along with its four powertrain choices, there are plenty of ways to configure a Ram truck to your exact needs." - Jeremy Korzeniewski
Read our most recent Ram 1500 review
2. Ford F-150
CarGurus expert rating: 7.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 35.4%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sweet-sounding V8 engine | Poor fuel economy |
| Impressive technology | Poor maneuverability |
| Capable on and off the road | Average value proposition |
The 2025 Ford F-150's huge lineup matters if you're shopping for gas mileage, because efficiency depends heavily on which engine and configuration you choose. In our test of the off-road-oriented Tremor, Ford's standard 5.0-liter V8 delivered 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, but it's not the pick for saving fuel: the V8 is rated at 17 mpg combined, while the optional twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is rated at 18 mpg combined. In real-world use, our V8 Tremor returned 17.1 mpg on a longer highway-leaning loop and averaged 15.7 mpg over a week, illustrating how quickly bigger tires, 4WD, and everyday driving can pull mileage down.
If you want a truck that's easier to live with while you chase better mpg, the F-150 also brings a lot of day-to-day advantages that can help you stay relaxed on long commutes: supportive SuperCrew seating, effective climate control, and storage solutions like the available Mobile Office setup. Tech is a strong point, too, with a 12-inch driver display and a 12-inch Sync 4 touchscreen that pair well with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus available trailering and camera assists that can reduce the stress (and wasted time) that often goes along with towing and tight parking. That said, cost-effectiveness is merely average versus some rivals, and Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving includes a shorter included trial than some competing systems, so it pays to compare the total ownership picture alongside fuel economy.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The depth and breadth of the 2025 Ford F-150 lineup are downright staggering. Fortunately for Ford, each version of this truck boasts serious substance, and while some rivals may be more appealing in one way or another, considered as a whole, the F-150 is the best light-duty pickup truck your money can buy." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent 2025 Ford F-150 review
3. GMC Sierra 1500
CarGurus expert rating: 7.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 34.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple powertrain options | Not all advanced safety features are standard |
| Easy-to-use technology | Poor value for money |
| Fuel-efficient diesel engine |
If you're shopping for a full-size truck with strong fuel economy numbers, the Sierra 1500's best answer is the available Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six. It makes 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, and it's EPA-rated at 25 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and 24 mpg combined with 4WD—impressive for a body-on-frame pickup. In real-world driving, we saw an indicated 22.3 mpg over a week in a 4WD test truck, plus a 30-mpg highway stint using Super Cruise, showing how relaxed cruising and low-rev torque can translate into fewer fuel stops.
The Sierra lineup also includes the TurboMax 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder (310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque) and two V8s, but those gas engines drop into more typical truck fuel-economy territory—so it pays to prioritize the diesel if mpg is your main goal. Beyond efficiency, the Sierra leans into easy daily use with available 13.4-inch infotainment (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on SLE and higher trims), plus practical truck touches like the Multi-Pro tailgate to make loading easier. Just keep in mind that not all advanced safety and driver-assist features are standard, and higher trims can get expensive quickly if you start adding luxury and tech options.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that can be configured as a basic work vehicle, an off-roader, or a luxurious long-distance cruiser. However, that can also be said of the rival Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra, as well as the GMC's twin—the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. In order to stay competitive with its rivals, the Sierra 1500 offers a number of notable features that combine for a well-executed pickup." - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent GMC Sierra 1500 review
4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
CarGurus expert rating: 5.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 33.8%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spacious | Poor fuel economy |
| Easy-to-use technology | Blind-spot warning not standard |
| Diesel engine option | Concerning safety ratings |
For a "best gas mileage trucks" shortlist, the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a bit of a split decision: the standard TurboMax 2.7-liter turbo-four (310 hp, 430 lb-ft of torque) is rated at 18 mpg combined by the EPA in 4WD form, but our real-world drive returned 15.4 mpg on a mountainous loop. If fuel costs are a priority, the available Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six is the Silverado's key advantage, with an EPA-estimated 23–24 mpg combined (depending on configuration), making it one of the few half-tons that still offers a diesel path to better efficiency.
Even in trims that aren't positioned as efficiency leaders, the Silverado's day-to-day livability helps if you're racking up miles: a roomy crew-cab layout, useful storage solutions (including a fold-down center seatback that doubles as a console), and a tailgate/bed setup designed for regular use. Higher-volume trims also benefit from a modern tech-forward cabin with Google built-in on a large touchscreen, which can make long highway stints easier—though shoppers focused on the safest, easiest commuter experience should note that some common driver assists (like blind-spot monitoring) aren't standard on every configuration, and the truck's Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) results were described as subpar in key tests.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Chevrolet needs to go back to the drawing board to design and engineer a competitive full-size pickup truck. Keep the Duramax, the Google-built-in infotainment system, the CornerStep bumpers, and the Super Cruise option. Ditch everything else, because brand loyalty can't support sales forever, and time is running out." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Chevrolet Silverado 1500 review
5. Ford Maverick
CarGurus expert rating: 7.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 30.3%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Standard hybrid powertrain | Price has crept up |
| Charming and functional interior | Advanced safety features are not standard |
| Fun-to-drive Lobo model | Excessive touchscreen controls |
The 2025 Ford Maverick remains one of the easiest ways to get real truck utility without paying a big fuel-economy penalty. The standard hybrid powertrain (a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor and continuously variable transmission (CVT)) makes 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque, and it's rated as high as an EPA-estimated 38 mpg combined (42 mpg city, 35 mpg highway) in front-wheel drive (FWD) form; the new all-wheel drive (AWD) hybrid is close behind at 37 mpg combined (40 mpg city, 34 mpg highway). That efficiency comes with daily-driver manners thanks to the Maverick's unibody platform (shared in basic architecture with vehicles like the Escape), so it feels more like a compact crossover from behind the wheel than a traditional body-on-frame pickup.
For shoppers who want a fuel-sipping truck that still does truck jobs, the Maverick's flexibility is a big part of the appeal: a 4.5-foot bed with smart tie-down and divider solutions, plus available towing up to 4,000 pounds with the 4K Towing Package on most models (base towing is 2,000 pounds). Tech is also much more modern for 2025 with Sync 4 and a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a new eight-inch digital instrument cluster—though key climate and seat functions living in the screen can be frustrating. It's also worth noting that some advanced driver-assist features require stepping up trims, and while the truck earned a four-star overall National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rating, pricing has climbed compared with the Maverick's early bargain days.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Maverick is still a great vehicle, but it's not quite the bargain it once was." - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent Ford Maverick review
6. Hyundai Santa Cruz
CarGurus expert rating: 8.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 30.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fun to drive | On-pavement handling with all-terrain tires |
| Impressive technology | Cramped back seat |
| Great warranty | Not much cargo space |
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact "sport truck" built for ultra-light-duty use, and that mission matters when you're shopping for a gas-mileage-friendly pickup. With the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder, it's geared more toward everyday errands, hardware-store runs, and hauling adventure gear than heavy towing, and that's typically where smaller, lighter trucks have an efficiency advantage. The Santa Cruz's EPA estimates vary by trim and drivetrain; for example, an SEL Activity with AWD is rated at 24 mpg combined, while turbocharged versions trade some efficiency for stronger performance, with the Limited AWD rated at 22 mpg combined.
If you're tempted by the turbocharged setup, it brings real punch—281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque on regular gas—but the XRT trim is the least efficient of the lineup at 21 mpg combined, and its all-terrain tires also blunt on-road precision. Still, the Santa Cruz has smart "daily driver" features that fit the light-truck lifestyle, including a 4-foot bed with a locking in-floor trunk and available retractable tonneau cover for secure cargo, plus a high-tech cabin with a 12.3-inch infotainment system (wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and standard driver assists. Value-wise, the warranty is a big plus, and 2025 models also include three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, which helps offset ownership costs even if you prioritize fuel economy and keep your truck a long time.
The CarGurus Verdict: "We realize the Santa Cruz's styling isn't broadly appealing, so if this Hyundai trucklet's appearance is just too hard to accept, its direct rival, the Ford Maverick, might be more to your liking. If you like the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, consider getting a turbocharged version. It's not as fuel-efficient, but it's a ton more fun to drive." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Hyundai Santa Cruz review
7. Ford Ranger
CarGurus expert rating: 7.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 32.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple powertrain options | Interior materials feel cheap |
| Great handling | Sluggish touchscreen response |
| Quiet cabin | Advanced safety features are not standard |
If you're shopping for a gas-saving pickup but still want real truck capability, the Ranger's powertrain spread lets you pick where efficiency matters most. The standard 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder makes 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque and returns EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined with 4WD; stepping up to the 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 brings 315 hp and 400 lb-ft while dipping slightly to 19/23/20 (city/highway/combined) with 4WD. On road trips and daily commuting, the Ranger's quiet cabin and stable steering help it feel more like an everyday vehicle than a work rig, which can make it easier to live with if you're logging lots of miles.
Efficiency isn't just about the engine, either—it's also about how easy a truck is to use day to day. Every Ranger comes as a crew cab with a five-foot bed, and the longer wheelbase adds meaningful rear-seat space for carpools or family duty. The bed includes handy bumper steps and a damped tailgate, and it can be set up with liners and even an available 400-watt outlet for camping or jobsite needs. Tech highlights like a standard portrait touchscreen (10 inches on XL, 12 inches on other trims) and smartphone integration help with navigation and route planning, though the menus can feel slow, and key safety assists aren't standard on the base XL trim.
The CarGurus Verdict: "With new V6 engines and a Raptor trim, the 2024 Ford Ranger offers greater choice and capability to finally match the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma." - Clifford Atiyeh
Read our most recent Ford Ranger review
8. Honda Ridgeline
CarGurus expert rating: 7.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 29.1%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable | Limiting towing capacity for a midsize pickup |
| Great handling | Outdated technology |
| Standard all-wheel drive |
The Honda Ridgeline's crossover-like, unibody design makes it a natural fit for drivers who want a truck that won't punish them on daily commutes. Most trims are EPA-rated at 21 mpg combined (18 mpg city/24 mpg highway), and while that won't beat compact hybrids, it's solid for a V6-powered midsize pickup with standard AWD. The 3.5-liter V6 makes 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, and it pairs well with the nine-speed automatic—smooth around town, quick to kick down on the highway, and generally more refined than a traditional body-on-frame truck.
That refinement also helps the Ridgeline feel like the kind of truck you'll actually want to drive every day, which matters when fuel stops are part of the ownership equation. Its independent suspension and torque-vectoring AWD contribute to stable, confident road manners, while practical touches—like the dual-action tailgate and the 7.3-cubic-foot lockable in-bed trunk—make it easier to use the space you have without needing a bigger, thirstier full-size pickup. Tech is functional rather than flashy (wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto help), and the Ridgeline's five-star NHTSA overall safety rating adds reassurance for families using a truck as their main vehicle.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It doesn't offer the towing capacity or off-road capability of more traditional trucks, but the Ridgeline is much easier to live with." - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent Honda Ridgeline review
9. Chevrolet Colorado
CarGurus expert rating: 6.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 30.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Poor fuel economy |
| Fun to drive | Interior materials feel cheap |
| Easy-to-use technology | Poor ergonomic design |
If you're shopping The Best Gas Mileage Trucks, the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado is a bit of a reality check: it's an impressive midsize pickup in many everyday ways, but efficiency isn't its calling card—especially in off-road-leaning trims. Every Colorado gets the same turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder (310 hp, 430 lb-ft of torque) and an eight-speed automatic, with RWD or 4WD. Chevy says RWD models can return up to 21 mpg combined, but our Trail Boss test truck (with a lift and all-terrain tires) averaged 17.5 mpg, and the review notes that bigger tires, more lift, and frequent turbo use can quickly raise fuel costs. Using Auto 4WD for wet roads can help traction, but it may also nudge real-world economy down versus staying in 2-Hi when conditions allow.
That said, the Colorado's simple lineup—crew cab and short bed only—can make it easier to focus your search on the most efficient configuration, rather than getting lost in endless powertrain and cab/bed combinations. It also delivers strong everyday usability for a midsize truck, including smart storage, an easy-to-access bed with Chevy's CornerStep bumper and available EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate, plus excellent in-cab tech with an 11.3-inch Google built-in touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The catch for mpg-focused shoppers is that the same "authentic truck" feel that helps the Colorado off-road (and contributes to its fun-to-drive personality) comes with tradeoffs: the review calls out poor fuel economy, along with disappointing crash-test results that may factor into the overall ownership equation.
The CarGurus Verdict: "In most ways, the 2026 Colorado is an impressive midsize truck. However, it plays runner-up to the Toyota Tacoma, which is not only more versatile and available with a wider range of dealer accessories, but also trades on its legendary reputation for long-term reliability." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Chevrolet Colorado review
10. Nissan Frontier
CarGurus expert rating: 6 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 28.2%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful V6 engine | Low payload rating |
| Comfortable driver's seat | Cramped back seat |
| Impressive Fender stereo | Outdated technology |
The 2026 Nissan Frontier earns its spot in a gas-mileage-focused truck conversation because it pairs a familiar, non-turbo 3.8-liter V6 (310 hp, 281 lb-ft of torque) with respectable real-world efficiency for a body-on-frame midsize pickup. In CarGurus testing with a Pro-4X (4WD), it returned 18.3 mpg on a Southern California loop, edging the EPA's 18-mpg combined estimate for that kind of configuration; other Frontiers are rated up to 21 mpg combined with RWD, which is where shoppers who prioritize fuel economy should start. It's also a truck that feels old-school in the way it rides and steers, but that traditional character comes with a solid, simple, durable vibe that some buyers prefer for daily driving and long highway stretches.
If your "best mpg" checklist also includes truck usefulness, the Frontier adds practical wins without overcomplicating things: it can tow up to 7,150 pounds (more than a Toyota Tacoma), and it offers straightforward controls, a supportive driver's seat, and smart storage up front. The trade-offs matter, especially for families and commuters: the back seat is cramped, there are no rear air vents, and the tech experience lags rivals despite a 12.3-inch touchscreen and available wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto—made worse by a frustrating voice assistant. Safety is another mixed area, with a four-star overall NHTSA rating and a concerning three-star front-crash score, so it's worth weighing the Frontier's efficiency and V6 smoothness against newer designs with more advanced driver-assistance tech.
The CarGurus Verdict: "We like the 2026 Nissan Frontier despite its old-school nature. It feels solid, it's simple, it exudes quality, and it's reasonably fuel efficient. Plus, it can tow more than a Toyota Tacoma. An obtuse digital assistant and a concerning crash-test rating are primary reasons to consider alternatives." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Nissan Frontier review
The Best Gas Mileage Trucks FAQs
Which truck on this list gets the best gas mileage? The 2025 Ford Maverick with its standard hybrid powertrain is the most fuel-efficient truck on this list. The front-wheel-drive hybrid model is EPA-rated at up to 38 mpg combined, with the new all-wheel-drive hybrid close behind at 37 mpg combined.
Are there any full-size trucks with good gas mileage? Yes. For those who need the capability of a full-size truck, the GMC Sierra 1500 and its sibling, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, offer an available 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine. This powertrain delivers impressive fuel economy for the class, with EPA ratings reaching up to 25 mpg combined in rear-wheel-drive configurations.
What is the advantage of a unibody truck for fuel economy? Unibody trucks, such as the Ford Maverick and Honda Ridgeline, are built on a platform similar to a car or crossover. This construction is generally lighter and more aerodynamic than the traditional body-on-frame design used for most pickups. The reduced weight and improved aerodynamics contribute directly to better fuel efficiency and more comfortable on-road handling.
How much does 4WD affect a truck's fuel economy? Opting for four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) almost always results in lower fuel economy. The additional components, such as a transfer case, extra driveshafts, and differentials, add weight and create more mechanical drag. This typically reduces a truck's MPG rating by one to three miles per gallon compared to an identical model with two-wheel drive.
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