The 11 most fuel-efficient trucks on the market today

The pickup truck is one of the most popular automobile types in the United States. Principles like Voice of the Customer in Six Sigma lead to the creation of robust, reliable vehicles for work and play. However, that doesn’t address fuel needs, which is a growing concern with recent fuel prices fluctuating.

For that, you’re looking at efficiency. Process improvement cycles can significantly increase the likelihood that trucks will consume less fuel while maintaining the same performance levels. Given how rapidly modern technology has influenced automotive development, it stands to reason that engines and drivetrains would undergo significant improvements. Today, we’re examining some of the best trucks on the market for fuel efficiency.

Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz has more in common with compact SUVs than it does with a pickup truck. Hyundai’s sole truck is a regular performer and doesn’t guzzle gas like some of its contemporaries. While it is on the smaller side, the Santa Cruz is cost-effective, offering up decent mileage alongside the utility of a work truck.

Toyota Tacoma Hybrid

Toyota has been working hard toward integrating hybrid drivetrains in most of its more popular offerings. The Tacoma has been a cult classic for years thanks to its bulletproof durability and reliable daily operation. Recent years have seen the introduction of a hybrid drivetrain, which doesn’t diminish the reliability or durability of the Tacoma by any means. If you’re after a truck for the long haul, the Tacoma Hybrid fits the bill.

Ford Ranger

The Ranger is Ford’s mid-size take on the pickup truck. Utilizing a 4-cylinder option for trim levels, you get decent fuel economy at the expense of overall performance. That said, if you’re not looking to do any sort of heavy-duty work with a pickup, the less powerful Ranger is certainly a capable vehicle. It makes for a great fit for urban drivers who might need to haul a couch or fridge now and then.

Chevrolet Colorado

Like the Ford Ranger, the Colorado foregoes the more powerful V6 engine for a more fuel-efficient 4-cylinder. The Colorado remains a popular choice for drivers after a compact, economic pickup truck. Despite the weaker engine, this is very much a mid-size truck, offering up plenty of cargo capacity with a decently comfortable interior cabin.

Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline has never been a top seller when looking at pickup trucks across the country. That said, the unibody construction makes for a deceptively smooth driving truck. That car-like handling also translates to more efficient fuel consumption. The Ridgeline is a modern cult classic when looking at any pickup; its economical fuel use only sweetens the pot.

Nissan Frontier

The Frontier is all about practicality. It might not come with the bells and whistles of a modern hybrid truck, but it offers solid performance alongside decent fuel consumption. Drivers looking for a reliable daily driver won’t be disappointed by this mid-size truck. While the Frontier has never broken records in terms of overall sales, it remains a solid choice for anyone looking for something aside from the usual suspects.

Ford F-150 Hybrid

The F-150 isn’t likely to be anyone’s first thought when it comes to overall fuel efficiency. That said, Ford is steadily moving toward a more eco-friendly production line, and the F-150 Hybrid maintains the same impressive level of performance while coming with better overall fuel consumption. When looking at just the raw miles per gallon, it’s consuming fuel at about the same rate as a regular compact pickup truck.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Duramax Diesel

When it comes to internal combustion engines, diesel is the way to go when it comes to overall efficiency. This particular trim level for the Silverado comes equipped with a powerful diesel engine capable of some serious work. That said, you’re spending less at the pump with the Silverado, at least when compared to full-size trucks using gasoline in the same market segment.

GMC Sierra 1500 Duramax Diesel

GMC’s take on the diesel truck is effectively identical to the Silverado. However, you’re getting a more plush interior, better build quality, and a selection of other top-shelf amenities when purchasing a GMC. If you can stretch your truck budget just a bit, you’re getting a great performer that won’t have you wincing at the gas pump.

Ram 1500 eTorque

Ram tends to stick to its lane when making any sort of full-size pickup truck. The eTorque is a break from the norm, using some mild hybrid drivetrain elements to create a more fuel-efficient take on the popular truck brand. While it might not beat the F-150 Hybrid in raw numbers, the eTorque is certainly worth considering if you’re looking for a reliable full-size pickup.

Data and Sources

We made use of a few different resources to put together today’s list. Edmunds is a fantastic resource for getting user consensus, especially when it comes to real-world fuel consumption. Additionally, Kelley Blue Book is great for getting general info and specs for a given car. Finally, MotorTrend is one of the best sites on the web when it comes to professional reviews.

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