Potent Pickups: Ranking Trucks by Efficiency and Power

Fuel efficiency has never really been the focus in the world of pickups. Fuel efficiency has often taken a backseat to perform in this traditionally blue-collar segment. While the average fuel efficiency of cars, crossover SUVs, and even full-size body-on-frame SUVs has steadily risen for the last 30-plus years, pickups have lagged by a significant margin. In fact, it was only in 2019 that the segment’s average fuel economy topped 19 MPG. That might not sound too shoddy until you consider that it took pickups 32 years to beat the previous average set in 1987.

That said, the segment is getting greener all the time. Automakers are increasingly turning to forced induction to up their fuel economy average, outfitting even entry-level pickups with turbocharged engines that squeeze more power out of a smaller, more efficient block. Hybrid and all-electric pickups are upping the bar even further, allowing the pickup segment to shed its gas-guzzling reputation once and for all. That said, some models are doing a lot better than others. How do today’s new and pre-owned pickups stack up when it comes to striking a balance between fuel economy and power? Join us as we look at some of the most efficient pickups you might find at your used truck dealer and see which factors are the most impactful in fuel economy.

Factors That Affect Fuel Efficiency

From aerodynamics and tire size to the height and the size of an engine itself, countless factors impact a truck’s fuel economy. While some of these apply to every vehicle on the road, others-like four-wheel drive versus two-wheel drive-are unique to the pickup and SUV segments. Before we get into the most powerful and fuel-efficient trucks on the market, let’s see which parts and features can improve fuel efficiency and which will have you pulling up to the pump more often than you’d like.

Weight

 You can underestimate the impact of weight on fuel efficiency. The heavier a pickup is, the harder the engine has to work, which is a large part of why the pickup segment has historically lagged so far behind cars, vans, and SUVs. Automakers have integrated a host of fuel-saving technologies into pickups over the years, but these improvements simply haven’t been enough to outweigh the ever-expanding girth of the average pickup. Consumers have gravitated towards larger and larger models, making it difficult for the segment to outrun its gas-guzzling reputation. Case in point: in 1975, the average pickup outweighed a new sedan or wagon by 45 pounds. By 2018, that gulf had grown to almost 1,700 pounds. Pickups became 30 percent heavier over that period, while the typical car shrunk by around 13 percent. This illustrates how important a pickup’s size can be for overall fuel efficiency, which is why so many gas-conscious drivers tend to gravitate towards midsize and compact pickups instead of full-size options.

Height

There’s nothing like riding high in the cab of a lifted truck, but that extra height can take a real toll at the pump. In large part, this comes down to aerodynamics. The more space under your truck, the more drag you create, especially when moving at high speeds. The added weight of an aftermarket lifted suspension can also cost you when it comes to your average MPG. Upgraded, heavy-duty suspension parts are-you guessed it-heavy, which confers some obvious disadvantages when it comes to fuel economy. Off-road-ready models like the F-150 Raptor, F-150 Tremor, and Ranger Tremor are offered with a factory lift of up to two inches, so it’s important to read the fine print before making your purchase.

Tires

Tires are vital when it comes to maximizing traction, especially on challenging off-road terrain, but they can also hurt your wallet when it’s time to refuel. The larger the tire, the heavier it is, but that’s not the only factor that can impact fuel economy. Larger tires, especially off-road products, typically have a more aggressive tread pattern that creates higher rolling resistance as you move down the road. The more effort your engine has to put into making the wheels spin, the worse your gas mileage, which is why you might reconsider outfitting your truck with the largest tires you can find. In addition to their rolling resistance and weight, large tires are also less aerodynamic, further impacting fuel economy.

Gear Ratio

Many four-wheel drive (4WD) pickups come with a transfer case that allows drivers to change the vehicle’s gear ratio on the fly. This is a vital feature when it comes to off-roading and towing, where being able to tailor your gear ratio to the job at hand can mean the difference between a successful outing and one that ends in frustration. We’ll spare you the mechanical engineering lecture, but in basic terms, the higher the gear ratio, the better the torque and acceleration. Conversely, a lower gear ratio will improve top speed and fuel economy at the cost of torque. Take the F-150, for example. The pickup’s transfer case has a High ratio of 1.00:1, while Low mode shifts it to 2.64:1.

Engine Size

This one isn’t going to blow any minds, but the smaller the engine, the more fuel-efficient it can be. Larger engines burn more fuel per combustion cycle, which, while resulting in more power, can also put a real strain on your gas tank.

There’s also the matter of weight, as a larger engine will always tip the scales at a few more pounds than a smaller design. That said, a smaller engine doesn’t necessarily mean less power. Advancements in forced induction technology have seen automakers squeeze more and more power out of smaller blocks thanks to the addition of turbochargers, which increased efficiency by pumping more air into the engine during the combustion cycle.

Diesel Versus Gas

As you’ll notice when browsing the list of fuel-efficient pickups listed below, diesel-powered trucks tend to fare a lot better than their gas-powered cousins. Diesel is an inherently more efficient fuel than gas due to its relatively high density and compression ratio and its ability to excel in low RPM applications. Diesel engines can produce more energy with less fuel than their gas counterparts, which goes a long way in offsetting the price difference between the two. So, how much more efficient are diesel engines? Estimates vary, but a diesel engine can be up to 20 percent more efficient than gas.

2WD vs 4WD

Four-wheel drive can be a godsend when you need it, but it’s not doing you any favors when it comes to fuel economy. The logic is pretty easy to follow on this one: a truck that’s only sending power to two wheels will always be more efficient than one that’s being called on to power both axles at once. Four-wheel drive systems always weigh more than their two-wheel drive counterparts, which impacts overall fuel efficiency. Luckily, most trucks can alternate between two- and four-wheel drive at the push of a button, allowing drivers to tailor the drivetrain to their current task.

Most Fuel Efficient Pickups

Ford Maverick HEV

Fuel Economy: 37 combined

Horsepower: 191

When you’re looking for the ideal combination of fuel economy and power, it’s tough to beat the compact pickup segment. Ford’s compact offering regularly tops its class in terms of fuel efficiency. The 2024 model gets an EPA-estimated 42 MPG city/33 highway. If these numbers seem like they should be reversed, there’s good reason: the Maverick’s is most efficient in its two-wheel drive hybrid mode, as hybrids are more efficient during stop-and-go driving thanks to their regenerative braking systems. The hybrid version of Ford Maverick features an electric motor that complements the 191 hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine, but Ford also offers a more traditional setup powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine putting out 250 hp. Fuel economy does suffer a bit with the switch to all-gas, giving the 2022 Maverick a combined 25 MPG.

Ford Ranger

Fuel Economy: 23 combined

Horsepower: 270

The Ford Ranger offering is another segment-topper, offering better fuel economy than any other 2WD midsize model. Powered by a lone 270 hp, 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Ranger is also a standout in terms of torque with 310 lb-ft. Ford is redesigning the Ranger for 2024 and will add new engine options as part of the overhaul, so it remains to be seen how future Rangers will rank in fuel economy. If you’re looking for a well-rounded pickup that’s easy on the wallet while offering the sort of horsepower and torque that are so important in this working-class segment, the Ranger is definitely worth a closer look.

Jeep Gladiator

Fuel Economy: 24 combined

Horsepower: 270

The Ford Ranger might be the pickup to beat when it comes to 2WD midsize models, but the Jeep Gladiator edges it out when it comes to 4WD (at least in its diesel form). The brand’s lone pickup offering does the Jeep name proud with the sort of off-road performance drivers have come to expect from the company, and 4WD has long been a part of that equation. Under the hood, drivers will find a 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel engine that boasts an impressive 24 MPG combined, and this efficiency doesn’t come at the cost of power. The midsize pickup is able to wrestle 260 hp out of its turbocharged engine, but it’s the diesel’s torque that really makes the Gladiator a standout. With 470 lb-ft of torque, the Gladiator has the type of towing chops that allow it to compete with some of the big boys in the full-size segment. That said, the pickup’s fuel economy takes a serious hit when switching to the gas engine, which ups the horsepower to 285 but sees a five MPG decrease in efficiency.

Chevy Colorado

Fuel Economy: 23 combined

Horsepower: 237

The midsize Chevy Colorado makes the list, but there’s one major caveat. To achieve the 23 MPG combined, you’ll have to go with the diesel engine, which was discontinued after the 2022 model year. If you can find a preowned, diesel-powered Colorado, you’ll enjoy some solid fuel efficiency along with 237 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque, but those left with the gas-powered version will be limited to just 22 MPG combined. The current iteration’s base 2.7-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine is nothing to write home about, but a high-output version does sweeten the pot with 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque.

Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra

Fuel Economy: 26 combined

Horsepower: 305

If you’re surprised to see two trucks with identical fuel economy and horsepower stats, there’s a good reason: there’s basically the same truck. Chevy and GMC are both owned by GM, and their full-size offerings share everything but a badge and some styling traits. When optioned as a 2WD model, the Silverado and Sierra both offer a best-in-class combined 26 MPG, which is a surprisingly high figure in the full-size segment. Unsurprisingly, you’ll need to opt for the diesel engine to achieve this lofty figure, with the Silverado/Sierra’s 3.0-liter, four-cylinder Duramax turbo-diesel producing some 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. Upgrading to 4WD sees a modest hit to the overall figure-24 MPG to the 2WD’s 26-which is still impressive given the pickups’ size. Going with the gas engine will bring those numbers back down to earth with the 2WD version of the turbocharged 2.7-liter, four-cylinder engine achieving just 20 MPG.

Ford F-150

Fuel Economy: 25 combined

Horsepower: 430

Hybrid engines are really changing the game when it comes to fuel efficiency and power, and the Ford F-150 is a great example. Ford’s full-size offerings-which also just so happens to be America’s best-selling vehicle-can post an impressive 25 MPG combined in its 2WD hybrid form, but it’s the truck’s power that represents the real highlight. By combining a 35-kW electric motor with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, the F-150 manages to produce 430 hp along with 570 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough power to give the pickup an imposing 12,700-pound towing capacity when properly equipped, which speaks to some of the inherent advantages of the hybrid setup. Add in an EPA-estimated range of over 700 miles, and the F-150’s best-seller status starts to make a lot of sense.

The pickup segment might not be the most likely suspect for those seeking a fuel-efficient ride, but that reputation is quickly becoming out-of-date. Advancements in truck technology have seen the category close the gap in recent years, driven largely by the growing prevalence of turbochargers and hybrid engines. Automakers know that power is the name of the game for pickups, but the increased focus on fuel economy has been a welcomed change. Of course, not every pickup is playing along. Off-road pickups, luxury trucks, and other trims that come packed with a full slate of creature comforts tend to lag behind on fuel economy due to their increased weight, larger tires, and 4WD, but these models set a better mileage example. If you’re seeking the ideal mix of power and fuel economy, it’s as easy as weighing a few crucial factors. Curb weight, tire size/design, height, customizable gear ratios, drivetrain, and engine size can all have a dramatic impact on performance and efficiency, so make sure to do plenty of research before rolling off the lot in your next pickup.

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