17+ What Pickup Truck Has the Best Gas Mileage Options

The question of what pickup truck has the best gas mileage sparks curiosity among budget-conscious drivers seeking efficiency without sacrificing capability.

Historically, pickups were built for hauling and towing, leading to large engines and low fuel economy. Over the past decade, advances in hybrid powertrains, lightweight materials, and aerodynamic styling have shifted the landscape, allowing some models to achieve 20+ miles per gallon in combined city/highway conditions. For example, the 2024 Ford F‑150 PowerBoost hybrid delivers 24 mpg combined, a remarkable figure for a full‑size truck.

Understanding how different factors—engine size, drivetrain, weight, and maintenance—interact will help consumers determine which truck best meets their fuel efficiency goals. This article examines key aspects, offers real‑world examples, and provides actionable tips to optimize mileage.

1. What pickup truck has the best gas mileage?

When evaluating the best gas mileage among pickups, the EPA’s combined fuel economy rating serves as the primary benchmark. It reflects typical city and highway driving conditions, offering a realistic measure for most owners. Current leaders include the 2024 Ford F‑150 PowerBoost hybrid (24 mpg), the 2024 Ram 1500 eTorque (21 mpg), and the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD 3.6L (20 mpg). These models combine efficient powertrains with modern aerodynamic designs, setting them apart from traditional gasoline counterparts.

Choosing the best truck depends on balancing fuel economy with payload, towing capacity, and intended use. A high mpg rating may come with reduced towing power, while a larger engine can provide more torque at the expense of fuel savings. Owners must weigh these trade‑offs based on their daily driving patterns and workload.

2. Fuel economy myths

• Engine size equals fuel consumption

  Many believe larger engines always consume more fuel, yet modern turbocharged 4‑ or 6‑cylinder engines can deliver comparable or better efficiency than older V8s when driven correctly. For instance, the 3.0L EcoBoost in the 2024 Ram 1500 offers 21 mpg while maintaining competitive towing capability.

• Heavier trucks are inherently less efficient

  Weight reduction through lightweight materials and component placement can offset the fuel penalty of a large truck. The 2024 Toyota Tundra Hybrid uses aluminum body panels and a lightweight chassis to achieve 20 mpg despite its size.

• All hybrid pickups perform identically

  Hybrid technology varies; some use mild hybrids that only assist the engine, while others employ full hybrids capable of electric‑only operation. The Ford PowerBoost, a full hybrid, delivers 24 mpg, whereas the Ram eTorque, a mild hybrid, achieves 21 mpg.

• Fuel economy is static once a vehicle is purchased

  Maintenance, tire pressure, and driving habits continuously influence mileage. Regular tune‑ups and proper tire inflation can preserve or even improve fuel economy over time.

3. Hybrid and electric options

• Full hybrid powertrains

  Full hybrids combine an internal combustion engine with a battery‑powered electric motor that can drive the vehicle alone at low speeds. The 2024 Ford F‑150 PowerBoost uses a 2.7L V6 and a 12kWh battery to deliver 24 mpg combined, significantly outperforming its gasoline-only sibling.

• Mild hybrid assistance

  Mild hybrids use a small electric motor to assist the engine during acceleration and deceleration, improving efficiency without the complexity of a full battery system. The Ram 1500 eTorque achieves 21 mpg with a 1.1kWh battery that charges via regenerative braking.

• Plug‑in hybrid potential

  Plug‑in hybrids offer an electric range that can cover daily commutes, reducing gasoline use. Though not yet common in full‑size pickups, the 2025 Dodge Ram 1500 Plug‑In Hybrid is projected to deliver 15 mpg gasoline plus 30 miles electric range.

• All‑electric pickups

  Fully electric trucks such as the 2024 Rivian R1T provide zero tailpipe emissions and high torque but rely on battery capacity for range. They appeal to eco‑conscious buyers prioritizing emissions over mpg numbers.

4. Engine size and drivetrain choices

Engine displacement, cylinder count, and forced induction significantly influence fuel economy. Turbocharged small engines can deliver power comparable to larger naturally aspirated engines while consuming less fuel. Additionally, selecting an automatic transmission with an overdrive gear and a 4WD system that can be disengaged in light‑load scenarios can further improve mileage.

Front‑wheel drive configurations generally yield better fuel economy than rear‑wheel or 4WD, but many pickups still offer 4WD for off‑road versatility. Owners can choose a 4×2 variant for daily driving to save fuel, upgrading to 4×4 only when necessary.

5. Weight and aerodynamics

Reducing curb weight through material substitution—such as aluminum or high‑strength steel—lowers the energy required for acceleration. Aerodynamic enhancements like roof rails, side skirts, and grille shutters reduce drag, especially at highway speeds, translating into measurable mpg gains.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 incorporates a streamlined front fascia and active grille shutters that close at high speeds, reducing drag coefficient from 0.34 to 0.31 and improving fuel economy by approximately 1.5 mpg.

6. Maintenance and tire selection

• Regular oil changes

  Using manufacturer‑recommended oil viscosity and performing timely oil changes reduce engine friction, enhancing fuel efficiency. Switching to synthetic blends can lower friction further.

• Low‑rolling resistance tires

  Choosing tires with a low rolling resistance coefficient can shave off 0.5–1% of fuel consumption. A 2024 Chevy Silverado owner replaced stock tires with Michelin Defender LTX A/S, noting a noticeable difference on long hauls.

• Proper tire pressure

  Maintaining tire pressure within the manufacturer’s specified range eliminates excess rolling resistance. Under‑inflated tires increase drag, reducing mpg by up to 2%.

• Wheel alignment and balance

  Misaligned wheels or unbalanced tires cause uneven wear and increased drag. Regular alignment checks can preserve fuel economy and extend tire life.

7. Real-world usage patterns

Daily driving habits heavily influence fuel economy. Short trips, stop‑and‑go traffic, and aggressive acceleration typically lower mpg. Planning routes to avoid congestion, using cruise control on highways, and keeping the engine warm before heavy loads can improve overall efficiency.

For owners who tow heavy trailers, selecting a truck with an integrated towing package that optimizes fuel usage—such as a power‑train tuned for low‑rpm operation—can mitigate fuel penalties associated with towing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are common inquiries addressed for those seeking clarity on pickup fuel efficiency.

Question 1: Which pickup offers the highest fuel economy?

Answer: As of 2024, the Ford F‑150 PowerBoost hybrid leads with 24 mpg combined, followed by the Ram 1500 eTorque at 21 mpg and the Chevy Silverado 1500 at 20 mpg.

Question 2: Do hybrids tow as well as gasoline pickups?

Answer: Full hybrids provide sufficient torque for moderate towing; however, heavy‑towing applications still favor larger gasoline engines for maximum payload capacity.

Question 3: How does tire choice affect mileage?

Answer: Low‑rolling resistance tires can improve mpg by 0.5–1%, while proper inflation maintains optimal performance and extends tire life.

Question 4: Is fuel economy consistent across all driving conditions?

Answer: Fuel economy varies between city and highway use; hybrids perform better in stop‑and‑go traffic, whereas gasoline engines may excel on long, steady highway drives.

Question 5: What maintenance routine preserves fuel efficiency?

Answer: Regular oil changes, tire maintenance, wheel alignment, and timely replacement of worn components keep engines running smoothly and fuel consumption low.

Question 6: Can I retrofit an older pickup for better mileage?

Answer: Installing a fuel‑efficient engine, upgrading tires, and adding aerodynamic accessories can improve mileage, but the gains may be limited compared to newer models.

Tips for Maximizing Fuel Efficiency in Pickup Trucks

Follow these actionable steps to keep mileage high without compromising performance.

Tip 1: Opt for a lightweight chassis. Lighter vehicles accelerate faster and consume less fuel.

Tip 2: Choose a turbocharged engine. Small, forced‑induction engines deliver power with less displacement.

Tip 3: Select a full hybrid if towing lightly. Electric torque assists acceleration, improving mpg.

Tip 4: Use low‑rolling resistance tires. They reduce drag and improve fuel economy.

Tip 5: Maintain proper tire pressure. Under‑inflated tires increase fuel consumption.

Tip 6: Keep the engine warm before heavy loads. Cold engines consume more fuel.

Tip 7: Plan routes to avoid congestion. Idling wastes fuel; smoother routes improve mpg.

Tip 8: Use cruise control on highways. It maintains consistent speed, reducing fuel use.

Tip 9: Shift to 4×2 when towing lightly. Disengaging 4WD saves fuel.

Tip 10: Perform regular oil changes. Low‑friction oil keeps the engine efficient.

Tip 11: Replace worn spark plugs promptly. Misfiring plugs reduce engine efficiency.

Tip 12: Use high‑octane fuel only if recommended. Unnecessary high octane adds cost without fuel gains.

Tip 13: Keep the cabin weight low. Extra cargo increases drag and fuel use.

Tip 14: Use aerodynamic accessories wisely. Roof racks should be removed when not needed.

Tip 15: Inspect and replace air filters regularly. Clean filters improve airflow and efficiency.

Tip 16: Check engine light promptly. Faults can lower fuel economy.

Tip 17: Consider a plug‑in hybrid for short commutes. Electric mode reduces gasoline consumption.

Conclusion

Determining which pickup truck has the best gas mileage involves evaluating EPA ratings, engine technology, drivetrain options, and maintenance practices. Hybrid models such as the Ford F‑150 PowerBoost currently lead the market, but traditional gasoline pickups remain competitive for towing and payload requirements.

By integrating lightweight construction, efficient powertrains, proper tire maintenance, and smart driving habits, owners can significantly improve fuel economy while still enjoying the versatility of a pickup. Future advancements in battery technology and aerodynamic design promise even greater mileage gains, ensuring that the next generation of trucks will deliver both power and efficiency.