In the American automotive market, pickup trucks have a special place. These rugged workhorses have always been cult favorites for their power, capability, versatility, durability, and ability to conquer all kinds of terrain. However, with rising fuel prices and environmental concerns, the demand for more efficient options in the segment has arisen. Americans are not moving away from trucks; they simply want the more efficient variants.
Traditionally, fuel efficiency has not been the strongest suit of pickups. However, with the rise in demand for more efficient trucks, more and more automakers are working on delivering what is asked of them.
So, if you are in the market looking for the best full-size pickup trucks with the best gas mileage, this guide is for you. Here, I’ve reviewed the top nine best options on the market that offer superior efficiency without sacrificing performance.
The Rise of Fuel-efficient full-size Pickups
Since their introduction in the American car market, pickups have always been viewed as giant machines powered by massive engines that guzzle down fuel like we do with water.
They were ideally preferred by people who have tough jobs, like moving heavy items on a regular basis. However, with advancements in technology and engineering, trucks have become like any other vehicle you see on the road. More and more people are now buying them as their daily commuters.
This was all good, and America’s top truck manufacturers, like the car brands that starts with F, Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and others, were building trucks that could be driven on both city and country roads.
However, with the rise in environmental concerns and frequent fluctuations in fuel prices, manufacturers have responded by developing more environment- and pocket-friendly options without compromising on the robust performance that is expected from the trucks.
Review The Top 9 Full-Size Pickup Trucks With Best Gas Mileage:
Now that you know what to look for when buying a family-size truck, it is time to move forward and explore the best options currently available in the market.
America’s love for pickup trucks is pure and generational, and the country is never going to get over its beasty rides. Whether you are someone who will be buying a truck for the first time or someone who has had their first driving lesson in one, there is something for everyone here.
Check out the best full-size pickup trucks of 2024 below, which are highly efficient and suitable for both rookies and experienced drivers.
1. Ford F-150 4WD Hybrid | 23 MPG Combined (22 City / 24 Highway)
- MSRP: From $36,875
- Engine: 2.7 L V6, 3.5 L V6, 5.0 L V8, 5.2 L V8
- Horsepower: 325 to 720 hp
- MPG: Up To 22 City / 24 Highway
- Towing Capacity: 7,400 to 10,800 lbs
- Payload Capacity: 2,445 lbs
The new Ford F-150 Hybrid features a 3.5-liter PowerBoost V6 engine coupled with an electric motor, offering a great blend of power and efficiency.
This full-size pickup boasts improved fuel economy compared to non-hybrid models and gives you strong towing and payload capacities. Its 4WD system ensures excellent traction and stability across various terrains, making it a versatile choice for both everyday driving and work.
The Ford F-150 lineup is the best-selling pickup in American history and one of the top choices in the segment for cross-country road trips.
2. Ram 1500 HFE | 23 MPG Combined (20 City / 26 Highway)
- MSRP: From $41,060
- Engine: 3.0 L 6-cylinder, 3.6 L V6
- Horsepower: 305 to 420 hp
- MPG: Up to 20 city / 26 highway
- Towing Capacity: 6,740 lbs
- Payload Capacity: 1,221 lbs
The 2025 Ram 1500 High Fuel Efficiency (HFE) truck is designed to offer exceptional miles per gallon without sacrificing performance. It comes equipped with efficient V6 powertrains capable of channeling up to 420 hp. The all-new HFE model retains the Ram 1500’s renowned comfort, capability, and advanced features, making it an eco-friendly and practical choice for those who need both utility and efficiency.
3. 2024 Toyota Tundra Hybrid | 22 MPG Combined (20 City / 24 Highway)
- MSRP: From $57,625
- Engine: 3.4 L V6
- Horsepower: 437 hp
- MPG: Up to 20 city / 24 highway
- Towing Capacity: 10,340 to 11,450 lbs
- Payload Capacity: 1940 lbs
The Toyota Tundra Hybrid is brawny, refined, and loaded with advanced tech that makes your drive easier than before. It features a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an electric motor and 10-speed automatic, channeling 437 hp to rear- or four-wheels.
The classy cabin offers the utmost comfort for both short and long drives. The front row is spacious, whereas the rear is slightly cramped. The new Tundra’s hybrid system cleverly maintains its rugged durability, making it an ideal choice for people seeking a versatile and efficient full-size truck.
4. 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV | 63 Combined (67 City / 59 Highway)
- MSRP: From $94,500
- Engine: All-Electric
- Horsepower: 754 hp
- Range: 440 mi battery-only
- Fastest charging: About 308 miles in 35 minutes (80% charged)
- Towing Capacity: 10,000 lbs
- Payload Capacity: 1,547 lbs
If you are seeking a fully electric large pickup truck with the best gas mileage, the Chevrolet Silverado EV is for you. This well-rounded truck comes with a potent powertrain, offering impressive performance and zero emissions.
You get an excellent driving range, decent handling, a spacious interior, and substantial towing and payload capacities. The Silverado EV’s high-tech interior integrated with advanced connectivity and driver assistance features make it a forward-thinking choice for truck enthusiasts.
5. 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 | 25 MPG Combined (23 City/29 Highway)
- MSRP: From $37,700
- Engine: 2.7 L 4-cylinder, 3.0 L 6-cylinder diesel, 5.3 L V8, 6.2 L V8
- Horsepower: 305 to 420 hp
- MPG: Up to 23 city / 29 highway
- Towing Capacity: 8,700 to 9,500 lbs
- Payload Capacity: 1,410 to 2,270 lbs
The latest GMC Sierra is one of the most versatile full-size pickup trucks you can buy. It is highly reliable and proficient in towing, hauling, off-roading, and shuttling around with family. It has an amazing lineup of muscular engines, both diesel and gasoline, producing up to 420 hp. Its interior is premium, with ample space to sit comfortably across two rows.
Top tech and safety features like automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, a 7-inch touch screen, a six-speaker audio system, forward automatic emergency braking, a rearview camera, and more ensure your ease and safety on the road.
6. 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 19 MPG Combined (23 City / 29 Highway)
- MSRP: From $36,800
- Engine: 2.7 L 4-cylinder, 3.0 L 6-cylinder diesel, 5.3 L V8, 6.2 L V8
- Horsepower: 305 to 420 hp
- MPG: Up to 23 city / 29 highway
- Towing Capacity: 8,900 to 9,500 lbs
- Payload Capacity: 2,260 pounds
If full size pickup is the only thing you want but cannot afford to spend much, then the present-day Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is an excellent option to consider, especially its base-level models. It comes with various V6 and V8 engine options under its hood, producing up to 420 hp. You can use this ride freely for your heavy site job as well as for long family road trips.
The three body styles, intuitive infotainment setups, cavernous interior, easygoing handling, and comfortable seating for up to six people make it a great ride for conscious buyers.
7. 2024 Ram 1500 Classic | 17 MPG Combined (17 City / 25 Highway)
- MSRP: From $38,705
- Engine: 3.6 L V6, 5.7 L V8
- Horsepower: 305 to 395 hp
- MPG: Up to 23 city / 29 highway
- Towing Capacity: 4,360 to 8,060 lbs
- Payload Capacity: 1,530 to 1,927 lbs
The Ram 1500 Classic continues the tradition of the popular car brand that starts with R, offering durable and reliable full-size pickup trucks. It features a range of powerful engine options, including a V6 and a HEMI V8, delivering strong performance for different tasks. The interior combines comfort with essential technology, providing a practical and user-friendly experience. Known for its robust capacity, the Ram 1500 Classic is a versatile and budget-friendly choice for both work and everyday driving needs.
8. 2024 Nissan Titan | 17 MPG Combined (15 City / 21 Highway)
- MSRP: From $46,690
- Engine: 5.6 L V8
- Horsepower: 400 hp
- MPG: Up to 15 city / 21 highway
- Towing Capacity: 9,050 to 9,299 lbs
- Payload Capacity: 1,710 pounds
The new Nissan Titian is a capable work truck; however, compared to its top competitors, it does not offer a well-rounded experience to make it stand out. It comes with a powerful V8 engine combined with a 9-speed automatic transmission under its hood, producing and directing 400 hp to either its rear wheels or all four wheels. Its smooth ride quality makes it suitable for both heavy-duty tasks and daily driving.
The Titan features a well-equipped interior with modern infotainment and assistance technologies, offering you comfort, entertainment, and safety at its best.
9. 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD | 13.8 MPG Combined (18 City / 21 Highway)
- MSRP: From $44,400
- Engine: 6.6 L V8, 6.6 L V8 diesel
- Horsepower: 401 to 470 hp
- MPG: Up to 18 city / 21 highway
- Towing Capacity: 14,500 to 16,000 lbs
- Payload Capacity: 3,395 to 3,975 lbs
The Silverado 2500HD is a versatile and powerful pickup with plenty of nifty cargo-hauling solutions and competitive towing and hauling abilities. It boasts a well-crafted, spacious interior that will support you 24/7. You now get refined interior and exterior styling, a more powerful optional turbodiesel engine providing robust performance and exceptional torque, and an updated infotainment system.
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is a dependable choice for those seeking a reliable workhorse for demanding jobs.
Key Factors To Consider When Buying Pickup Trucks with Best Gas Mileage
Before we dive in and explore the best energy-efficient trucks of 2024, let us first learn how to find the right one. Buying a pickup is like buying any other vehicle. There are several factors at play. To ensure you are making the right purchase, you need to find a ride that checks all the boxes related to these key factors.
Below, I have listed some of the top factors that every buyer must look out for, as they are non-negotiable if you want an automobile that stays with you for a long time.
- Fuel Efficiency Ratings: Look for trucks that offer high fuel efficiency ratings. Do not simply believe in the ratings you find on a brand’s website. Compare them with the EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings to get a clear picture. This will help you stack different models against each other and get a clear picture.
Note: The fuel efficiency ratings for each vehicle mentioned on this list are taken from the official EPA website.
- Engine Options: Auto manufacturers now offer a variety of engine options to their customers, tailored to different needs. You can get everything from hybrid powertrains, diesel engines, or advanced gasoline engines with technologies like turbocharging and cylinder deactivation.
Note: Please understand that just because we are talking about fuel-efficient vehicles, it does not mean gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles do not fall under this category.
- Towing and Payload Capacity: Trucks are built to offer you an extra hand. Assess your towing and payload requirements. Sure, you want an efficient ride, but ensure that it can handle tough tasks without any strain.
- Interior Comfort and Features: Also, consider the interior amenities of your truck. As you will be spending a considerable amount of time riding it, you need to ensure that it is comfortable and comes with the tech and safety features you desire. Look exclusively for features like infotainment systems, connectivity options, and driver-assist technologies that enhance comfort and convenience.
- Budget: Factor in the purchase price. Decide on how much you can spend on a new vehicle or whether you can purchase one at all. Make a car buying budget based on your financial situation, and do not go overboard. If a brand new ride seems expensive, you can always look for a good option in the used car market.
- Maintenance and Service: Research the availability of service centers and crucial parts for the truck model you are interested in around where you live. If you have to drive miles to get your ride checked, even for minor issues, you might want to reconsider your option.
- Insurance: No car purchase is complete without insurance. Look at how much it will cost you to insure your purchase. The pricier the ride, the more expensive the insurance can be. If you have a good credit score and a clean driving history, you can go for minimum coverage as per your state. However, if you have made claims in the past or been in an accident, simply having liability insurance will not do.
- Resale Value: Generally, certain car brands and models tend to hold their value better over time. If you look for such a truck, it can be beneficial to you, especially if you decide to sell or trade your truck down the road.
- Test Drive: Taking the vehicle to practice driving is one of the crucial factors that you cannot miss. Test driving different models will help you evaluate their handling, comfort, and overall suitability for your needs.
- Environmental Impact: If your main aim behind buying a fuel-efficient pickup truck is to reduce your carbon footprint, then you should look for hybrid or electric options. Automakers across the globe are heavily investing in eco-friendly technologies to meet consumer demands.
What Are The Best Places To Buy Pickup Trucks?
Simply knowing what are the best truck choices for you to explore is not enough. If you are serious about purchasing them, you also need to learn about the best places where you can buy them. Luckily, several buying options can cater to different preferences and needs. So, whether you need a pickup for heavy-duty work or for everyday driving, the purchasing places mentioned below can help you equally.
- Dealerships: The authorized dealerships across the country offer new and certified pre-owned trucks. With your purchase, you will get warranty and service packages that will add peace and security to your purchase.
- Online Marketplaces: There are several online marketplaces, such as Autotrader, Cars.com, and official car brand websites, that allow you to compare models across multiple dealerships and private sellers, make an offer, and even book your purchase in advance.
- Classified and Auctions: If you are on a tight budget and can only afford a used truck, then explore the local auctions and classified ads, as sometimes they can help you get good deals. However, to be safe, have the ride thoroughly inspected by a trusted mechanic and consider any potential risks associated.
- Lease: Consider leasing a pickup if you desire low monthly payments. Explore your options, and you will undoubtedly discover a variety of acceptable lease deals from different manufacturers. With leasing, you get to ride your dream truck, plus it comes with the option to upgrade to newer models more frequently.
Choosing the right full-size pickup truck with the best gas mileage involves considering various factors, from efficiency, performance, and comfort to budget and personal preferences. By taking these factors into account, you can easily make an informed decision that meets both your present and future needs.
So, which latest, efficient pickup truck caught your attention?
