Pickups with the Best Fuel Economy

The History of Fuel Economy

Fuel economy has faced its ups and downs over the past half a century. As technology progressed, so did environmental legislation, which often led to the implementation of restrictive emissions systems that, while positively impacting tailpipe emissions, negatively impacted fuel economy. In this section, we’re analyzing fuel economy by generation, emphasizing pickup trucks.

1960s: The Early Days

Our story starts in the 1960s, which some view as the automobile’s golden age. Round contours gave way to sharp, angular bodylines, muscle cars boomed into popularity, and the only metrics for performance were horsepower and torque. 

During the 1960s, fuel efficiency was hardly on the radar. Gasoline costs an average of 31 cents per gallon, and the big three dueled for the lowest quarter-mile times. During this period, fuel economy rarely surpassed the double digits, and emissions systems were little more than rudimentary smog pumps.

1970s: The Clean Air Act

The 1970s brought several technological advancements, like the digital camera, Sony Walkman, and email. Unfortunately, several viewed automotive developments as a step in the wrong direction. 

During this era, muscle cars gave way to feeble attempts at sporty economy cars like the abominable Ford Mustang II. The 70s also gave us catalytic converters, the EPA, the NHTSA fuel economy standards, and the Clean Air Act, which mandated a 27.5 MPG fuel efficiency standard within 10 years. 

Fortunately, these averages only applied to passenger vehicles, as light trucks were subjected to different standards. During this time, pickups averaged around 16 MPG.

1980s: Reagan and the NHTSA

By the mid-80s, average fuel economy had doubled to the required average of 27.5 miles per gallon. The average pickup truck's fuel efficiency was said to be approximately 19 MPG in the 80s, though that number is likely inaccurate. 

Throughout the 80s, GM and Ford, alongside President Reagan, lobbied against the NHTSA to reduce fuel economy standards to save the American auto industry. Though these standards varied throughout the decade, the 80s ended with mandates of 27.5 MPG for passenger cars and 20 MPG for light-duty trucks.

1990s: Increased Truck Sales and Decreased Standards

Pickup sales actually increased during the 90s as trucks gained popularity for family use. The market steadily shifted away from compacts and sedans to SUVs and trucks, which lowered fleet-wide fuel economy by around 1 MPG.

In the mid-90s, congress established an anti-fuel economy rider, which revoked President Clinton’s authority to increase fuel efficiency standards for five years, remaining in effect from 1995–2000. During this time, pickup fuel efficiency had plateaued at around 21 MPG.

2000s–Current: The Light Truck Rule

During the 2000s, the old fleet-wide light truck fuel efficiency standards were retired. A new size-based system fell into place, prompting automakers to increase pickup truck and SUV sizes to skirt around the more stringent standards. This practice led to a boom in HD pickup trucks, especially diesel-powered models. 

However, 2007 saw a significant increase in fuel economy standards, which led to the development of DPF and NOx systems aboard diesel pickups. By the late 2010s, average pickup fuel efficiency hovered around 24 MPG.

The Most Fuel-Efficient Pickups

Within the past few years, we’ve seen several developments in pickup fuel efficiency, including fully electric and hybrid full-size pickups. However, these vehicles make up such a small proportion of the market that fleet-wide fuel efficiency impacts are negligible. When most individuals shop for new pickups, they’re likely eyeballing conventional, internal combustion-powered models, which we’re focusing on in this article. 

In this section, we’re covering the most fuel-efficient pickups in the mid-size and full-size pickup classes.

Mid-Size

With the recent resurgence of the North American Ford Ranger, alongside the recently redesigned Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma, mid-size pickups are as popular as ever. Typically, if you’re looking for a fuel-efficient pickup, this is the class you’ll shop in. As of 2024, the top 5 mid-size pickups regarding fuel efficiency include the following.

Ford Maverick

The Ford Maverick is a sleek, compact, unibody pickup unveiled in 2021 for a 2022 release. This pickup boasts a compact form factor and a peppy yet fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine, netting a combined 21–26 MPG.

 Ford Ranger

The T6-based Ford Ranger gained popularity in the international market long before launching in North America in 2019. Now, in the second-generation chassis, the T6 Ranger earns a second-position slot in terms of mid-size fuel efficiency, just behind the Maverick. The Ranger gets between 17 and 22 combined MPG, depending on the trim level and engine/drive configuration.

Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon

GM’s third-generation mid-size pickup, the Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon, takes the number three slot regarding fuel efficiency. The model’s turbo-charged 4-cylinder engine backed by an 8-speed automatic transmission grants the pickup an averaged combined fuel efficiency of 20-21 MPG, depending on the trim.

Honda Ridgeline

Though the Honda Ridgeline rarely makes news for performing conventional pickup feats, the SUV-based Ridgeline excels in one area: fuel efficiency. The Ridgeline offers solid efficiency with a combined average fuel economy of 21 MPG across all trims.

Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier is another often-forgotten member of the mid-size pickup class, trailing in sales behind the Colorado, Canyon, Ranger, Maverick, and Tacoma. This being said, its fuel economy is nothing to scoff at. The Frontier’s 3.8L V6 is one of the largest displacement engines in the class, yet it averages 20–21 combined MPG.

Full-Size

With mid-size pickups covered, let's shift focus to the big boys: full-size pickups. As of 2024, the top 5 full-size pickups regarding fuel efficiency include the following.

GMC Sierra 1500/Chevy Silverado 1500

GM’s full-size Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 may not be the company’s largest pickups, though they surely aren’t the smallest. With numerous V8 options, massive passenger cabins, and sizable beds, it’s a wonder GM can squeeze an average 18–24 MPG from the full-size pickups.

RAM 1500

The RAM 1500 is one of the nation’s best-selling pickups, occasionally outselling the Ford F-Series. While fuel efficiency and RAM don’t necessarily go hand-in-hand, the company’s cylinder deactivation technology and mild hybrid eTorque system, amongst other advancements, push the pickup’s combined fuel efficiency to an average of 12–22 MPG.

Ford F-150

As the nation’s best-selling pickup and the best-selling vehicle across all classes, the Ford F-Series is known for its robust reliability and efficiency. Though featuring a lower peak efficiency than the previous two models, the F-150’s average fuel efficiency only dips to a combined 19 MPG at the lowest and 21 MPG at the highest.

Toyota Tundra

While Toyota’s removal of the iForce V8 powertrain from its full-size Tundra may have seemed a mistake, the twin-turbocharged V6 replacement has proven to be a responsive and efficient engine. With an average combined fuel economy of 19–20 MPG, the Tundra won’t be a best friend to the gas pump but a mere acquaintance.

Nissan Titan

The Nissan Titan, which packs a standard V8 power plant under the hood, rounds out our list. When paired with the model’s nearly decade-old design and tech, the Titan musters a respectable 16–17 average combined MPG. While not impressive by any stretch of the imagination, the Titan won’t leave you anxiously searching for the next gas station.

Modifications that Impact Fuel Economy

While pickup modifications may improve off-road performance and aesthetics, they may also include unintended consequences for fuel economy. In this section, we’re covering some of the most popular modifications that can decrease and increase fuel economy.

Boost Fuel Economy

Manufacturers often install restrictive exhaust systems, smothered intakes, and mild tunes from the factory. While these decisions lead to a tame, quiet, and comfortable ride, they also deplete your pickup’s efficiency. Products like tuners, air intakes, and exhaust systems can increase airflow, boost exhaust flow, and modify engine parameters to net significant efficiency gains.

Reduce Fuel Economy

Alternatively, some modifications may significantly reduce fuel economy, namely, those that increase weight, drag, and rotational mass. Modifications like lift kits, bulky aftermarket bumpers, and oversized wheels and tires may reduce fuel economy, though their rugged looks and off-road performance are typically worth the trade.