William Irvin Lewis and Joe Santos| MotorTrend
Fuel efficiency might not be the first factor most truck buyers consider when shopping, but it’s still important. Whether you frequent job sites, pick up the kids, run errands, or do all of the above, a more efficient truck allows you to do more of it between fill-ups. Thankfully, automakers have introduced far more efficient hybrid and turbocharged powertrains over the years, making many pickup trucks on the market (relative) fuel-sippers instead of the gas-guzzlers they used to be known as.
Additionally, smaller trucks like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz have emerged in the marketplace over the past couple of years, offering a wider range of options for smaller budgets. If you’re in the market for a new truck that’s not only capable of hauling all your wares and towing your toys, but is also fuel-efficient, check out this list. We gathered up the most fuel-efficient trucks you can buy in 2024 and sorted them using their EPA-estimated combined fuel-economy ratings.
Take note: Most of the most efficient trucks forgo four-wheel drive, bigger and more powerful engines, and richer features—after all, weight is the enemy of efficiency, and two-wheel drive and more basic features simply weigh less, while smaller engines often use less fuel.
15. 2024 Chevy Silverado 2WD 2.7L | 20 MPG Combined (18 City/22 Hwy)
For 2024, the Chevy Silverado has a long list of available powertrain options including a new 2.7 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder dubbed the TurboMax. This small, fuel-efficient powerplant makes and impressive 310 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. of torque while still managing 20 mpg combined.The Silverado remains a solid choice in the ½ ton truck arena.
2024 Chevy Silverado 2WD 2.7L | Key Specs
- Base Price: $36,800
- Powertrain: 2.7L turbo 4-cylinder (310 hp, 420 lb-ft)
- EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb): 18/22/20 mpg
14. 2024 GMC Canyon 2WD 2.7L | 20 MPG Combined (19 City/23 Hwy)
The 2024 GMC Canyon gets the best of all worlds in the American brand’s lineup. It gets the most powerful turbo engine from the related Chevy Colorado, an aggressive and boxy style, and a cabin filled with all the tech goodies you need—including an intuitive infotainment display. It’s also plenty powerful with its turbocharged engine and very capable with its variety of bed sizes.
Speaking of that turbocharged engine, the 2.7-liter inline-four boasts an impressive 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. It’s also fuel-efficient and returns an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in combined driving situations.
2024 GMC Canyon 2WD 2.7L | Key Specs
- Base Price: $37,595
- Powertrain: 2.7L turbo 4-cylinder (310 hp, 430 lb-ft)
- EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb): 19/23/20 mpg
13. 2024 Nissan Frontier 2WD 3.8L | 21 MPG Combined (18 City/24 Hwy)
The 2024 Nissan Frontier sticks to its reputation for being a reliable workhorse with its non-turbo V-6 engine. The engine produces 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque, which is good enough to tow over 6,500 pounds and haul over 1,500 pounds. There’s no doubt the Frontier can get the job done like many other trucks, but it also does so in a fuel-efficient manner.
The EPA estimates the Frontier is capable of up to 18/24 mpg city/highway, efficient for a truck of this size and on par with competitors from Honda and Toyota. That rating is unaffected by body configuration; both the entry-level King Cab (extended cab) and Crew Cab body styles earn the same EPA ratings. Additionally, the Frontier was redesigned over the past couple of years, so it's relatively fresher than its ancient predecessor.
2024 Nissan Frontier 2WD 3.8L| Key Specs
- Base Price: $32,020
- Powertrain: 3.8L V-6 (310 hp, 281 lb-ft)
- EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb): 18/24/21 mpg
12. 2024 Honda Ridgeline AWD 3.5L | 21 MPG Combined (18 City/24 Hwy)
It’s 2024, but there are still plenty of truck enthusiasts who wouldn’t classify the Honda Ridgeline as a real truck. Sure, the Ridgeline may lack the body-on-frame architecture that larger and older rivals may have, but it’s still a truck. Some of its most notable features include a 5-foot bed with in-bed storage, a dual-action tailgate, and a bevy of in-cabin storage solutions.
Under its hood is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that pushes out 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, which is good enough to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The stout V-6 is efficient, as well, earning up to 21 mpg in mixed driving situations, according to the EPA. And that's with all-wheel drive, which is standard across the Ridgeline lineup. One note: The new-for-2024 Ridgeline TrailSport model carries a lower EPA rating of 20 mpg combined, thanks to its more aggressive off-road tires.
2024 Honda Ridgeline AWD 3.5L | Key Specs
- Base Price: $41,145
- Powertrain: 3.5L V-6 (280 hp, 262 lb-ft)
- EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb): 18/24/21 mpg
11. 2024 Ford F-150 2WD 2.7L | 21 MPG Combined (19 City/25 Hwy)
It’s no secret the Ford F-150 is America’s best-selling vehicle and Ford is wise to not mess with a good thing. Powertrains run the gamut from gasoline to hybrid to the electric Lightning; offering something for everyone. Similar to the Chevy Silverado, the smallest engine offered in an F-150 is a 2.7 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder make 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft. of torque while netting 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. These are impressive fuel economy numbers for a truck that is one of the strongest competitors in the full-size segment.
2024 Ford F-150 2WD 2.7L | Key Specs
- Base Price: $43,895
- Powertrain: 2.7L EcoBoost turbo 4-cylinder (325 hp, 400 lb-ft)
- EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb): 19/25/21mpg
10. 2024 Toyota Tundra 2WD 3.4L/2.7L | 22 MPG Combined (20 City/24 Hwy)
Toyota has always been known for producing stellar hybrid vehicles like the Prius and Camry, but the Tundra Hybrid is a worthy addition to the roster. The words “hybrid” and “truck” may sound like they don’t belong in the same sentence, but those willing to delve into what this hybrid truck has to offer may be in for a pleasant surprise.
To start, the 2024 Toyota Tundra Hybrid uses a series hybrid system, which allows the truck to run on the electric motor alone in some driving situations. The powertrain also produces 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque, which allows it to tow over 11,000 pounds, but its fuel efficiency is even more impressive. The Toyota Tundra Hybrid is EPA-rated for up to 20/24 mpg city/highway, substantial figures given the truck’s size, though the hybrid is only available on the higher-spec Tundra Limited trim and beyond, which means pricing starts just shy of $60,000.
2024 Toyota Tundra 2WD 3.4L/2.7L | Key Specs
- Base Price: $59,620
- Powertrain: 3.4L twin-turbo V-6 hybrid (437 hp, 583 lb-ft)
- EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb): 20/24/22 mpg
9. 2024 Chevy Colorado 2WD 2.7L | 22 MPG Combined (20 City/24 Hwy)
Modern truck looks and modern truck fuel economy are the tip of the 2024 Chevrolet Coloradoiceberg. We named the Colorado our 2024 Truck of the Year, and one reason was powertrain excellence. For 2024 the Colorado comes with one engine, but two states of tune. Both come within a mile per gallon in combined mpg, but the upsell provides a generous 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The Colorado is not the best truck overall on gas, it isn’t even the midsize class leader, but it comes within a stones throw while being thereabouts the best at everything else.
2024 Chevy Colorado 2WD 2.7L | Key Specs
- Base Price: $31,095
- Powertrain: 2.7L turbo 4-cylinder (237-310 hp, 259-430 lb-ft)
- EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb): 20/24/22 mpg
8. 2024 Ford Ranger 2WD 2.3L | 22 MPG Combined (21 City/26 Hwy)
If you need to do truck things, like hauling cargo and towing, but don’t need something full-sized like an F-150, the midsize 2024 Ford Ranger presents an excellent value proposition in its category with its aggressive styling, stout capability, and a sub-$40,000 price tag.
It’s also very fuel efficient, provided you pick the turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine. It provides 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty of power. But what makes it even better is that it delivers up to 24 mpg in mixed driving situations, so you’ll have plenty of fuel to do truck things.
2024 Ford Ranger 2WD 2.3L | Key Specs
- Base Price: $34,265
- Powertrain: 2.3L turbo I-4 (270 hp, 310 lb-ft)
- EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb): 21/26/24 mpg
7. 2025 Ram 1500 HFE | 23 MPG Combined (20 City/26 Hwy)
The highway economy numbers of the 2025 Ram 1500 HFE aren’t bad at all, but the old Pentastar V-6 just isn’t enough engine for a full-size truck. One reason the V-6 Ram 1500 gets a middling-at-best 20 mpg in the city is because the engine has to work so hard to get even an unloaded Ram moving around town. If you need to save some nickels in highway mileage and on the purchase price it might be a decent sacrifice, but the Hurrican twin-turbo I-6 is the better engine option for the Ram 1500, despite the decidedly worse economy and roughly $2,500 upsell.
2025 Ram 1500 HFE | Key Specs
- Base Price: $43,055
- Powertrain: 3.6L V-6 eTorque (305 hp, 217 lb-ft)
- EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb): 20/26/23 mpg
6. 2024 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.4L | 23 MPG Combined (21 City/26 Hwy)
The Toyota Tacoma was completely redesigned for 2024 and is now in its fourth generation. Some of the enhancements include a new platform (shared with the Tundra and Sequoia), new styling, a larger infotainment screen, and most important, new powertrains. The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.4-liter i-Force engine, but an i-Force MAX hybrid powertrain is also available.
You might think the hybrid powertrain is the one to pick for the best overall mileage, but think again. It’s only available on higher-level (read: heavier and larger-tired) trim levels. Instead, choosing the midlevel engine, which makes 278 hp and 273 lb-ft in the SR5 and up, is the best fuel-sipping option, as it’s included on lighter variants with more streetable tires. According to the EPA, the SR5 crew-cab, rear-drive model achieves up to 21/26/23 mpg city/highway/combined.
2024 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.4L | Key Specs
- Base Price: $38,765
- Powertrain: 2.4L turbo I-4 (278 hp, 273 lb-ft)
- EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb): 21/26/23 mpg
5. 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 23 MPG Combined (22 City/26 Hwy)
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz isn’t as capable as some of the larger trucks on this list. It can’t out-tow a Ford F-150 or haul more than a Ram 1500. In fact, it’s not even as big as those trucks. The Santa Cruz is smaller in size and is essentially a compact Hyundai Tuscon SUV with a truck bed, a boon for fuel efficiency, as the smaller frontal area and lighter curb weight help it achieve small-SUV-like mpg figures.
Sure, the decent-sized truck bed is good for hauling small furniture, there’s an in-bed storage compartment to store things securely, and you’ll enjoy plenty of crafty in-cabin storage solutions. Additionally, under the truck’s hood is either a turbocharged or naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. The former gives you more power (281 hp vs. 191 hp), while the latter gives you more fuel efficiency, if only just. Opting for the turbo engine, which only comes with all-wheel drive, dings combined fuel efficiency by 1 mpg (to 22 mpg) but brings higher highway fuel economy (27 mpg versus the non-turbo's 25).
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz FWD | Key Specs
- Base Price: $28,275·
- Powertrain: 2.5L I-4 (191 hp, 181 lb-ft)
- EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb): 22/26/23 mpg
4. 2024 Ford F-150 4WD Hybrid | 23 MPG Combined (22 City/24 Hwy)
For $70,000, you should expect a lot of truck, and the 2024 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid largely delivers. 570 lb-ft of torque means the Hybrid F-150 can tow just about anything confidently, while being capable of a sportscar-worrying 5.3 second 0—60 run. All that said, what the hybrid system is biased towards is apparent in the PowerBoost name. Overall economy is good considering the depth of power this F-150 can bring forth, but power is certainly the priority. Other tricks up the Ford’s sleeve include a mobile generator system good for an available 7.2kW through four 20-amp outlets.
2024 Ford F-150 4WD Hybrid | Key Specs
- Base Price: $67,390
- Powertrain: 3.5L V-6 (430 hp, 570 lb-ft)
- EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb): 22/24/23 mpg
3. 2024 Chevy Silverado Diesel & GMC Sierra Diesel | 26 MPG Combined (23 City/29 Hwy)
Is good economy worth the price of admission with the 2024 Chevy Silverado Diesel & GMC Sierra Diesel? Depends on the individual use case, but for long-distance towing or just for daily driving where diesel is abundant, the Duramax I-6 makes a good argument. The engine comes at a relatively reasonable price in both GM trucks, and the 460 lb-ft of torque provided by the 3.0-liter machine isn’t bad at all. The varying price of diesel in relation to gas might offset the cost-benefit ratio, but you’ll always go further on a gallon of diesel in a Duramax.
2024 Chevy Silverado Diesel & GMC Sierra Diesel | Key Specs
- Base Price: $55,785
- Powertrain: 3.0L I-6 Diesel (277 hp, 460 lb-ft)
- EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb): 23/29/26 mpg
2. 2024 Ford Maverick | 26 MPG Combined (23 City/33 Hwy)
While the hybrid Maverick tends to get all the press and most of the sales (to the shocked disbelief of the truck community), the gas-only 2024 Ford Maverick Ecoboost is the second-best pickup on the market on gas. Turbocharged thrust and available AWD sweeten the deal. The FX4 off-road package can only be equipped on Mavericks with the Ecoboost engine for now, as well. Put simply, nothing else with a truck bed comes close to the Maverick’s economy, even without hybrid gear. This is especially important for a truck with an actually down-to-earth price tag under $30,000 to start, meaning one can save money all around while still getting truck utility and a vehicle with a more interesting vibe than every other crossover SUV on the road.
2024 Ford Maverick | Key Specs
- Base Price: $25,515
- Powertrain: 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (250 hp, 277 lb-ft)
- EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb): 23/33/26 mpg
1. 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid | 37 MPG Combined (42 City/33 Hwy)
The 2024 Ford Maverick is the least expensive and nearly the smallest offering in the American automaker’s lineup. Don’t let its diminutive size or price fool you, though; the compact Maverick pickup is big on practicality and efficiency. Its bed is good for hauling small (but relatively heavy) loads, and its thoughtful cabin provides plenty of storage.
It also has two powertrains to choose from, including the standard turbocharged I-4 engine and a hybrid variant. We would suggest going for hybrid option (an extra $1,500), as it’s rated at an impressive 42/33 mpg city/highway, though it’s only available with front-wheel drive and can’t tow quite as much as the turbo engine.
2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid | Key Specs
- Base Price: $26,910
- Powertrain: 2.5L I-4 hybrid (191 hp, 155 lb-ft)
- EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb): 42/33/37 mpg
The Most Fuel-Efficient Pickups You Can Buy in 2024
- 2024 Chevy Silverado 2WD 2.7L | 20 MPG
- 2024 GMC Canyon 2.7L | 20 MPG
- 2024 Nissan Frontier 2WD 3.8L | 21 MPG
- 2024 Honda Ridgeline AWD 3.5L | 21 MPG
- 2024 Ford F-150 2WD 2.7L | 21 MPG
- 2024 Toyota Tundra 2WD 3.4L/2.7L | 22 MPG
- 2024 Chevy Colorado 2WD 2.7L | 22 MPG
- 2024 Ford Ranger 2WD 2.3L | 22 MPG
- 2025 Ram 1500 HFE | 23 MPG
- 2024 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.4L | 23 MPG
- 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 23 MPG
- 2024 Ford F-150 4WD Hybrid | 23 MPG
- 2024 Chevy Silverado Diesel & GMC Sierra Diesel | 26 MPG
- 2024 Ford Maverick | 26 MPG
- 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid | 37 MPG
The Most Fuel-Efficient Pickups You Can Buy in 2023
- 2023 Honda Ridgeline | 21 MPG
- 2023 Toyota Tacoma | 21 MPG
- 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid | 22 MPG
- 2023 Ford Ranger 2WD SuperCab | 23 MPG
- 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 23 MPG
- 2023 Jeep Gladiator Diesel | 24 MPG
- 2023 Ford F-150 Hybrid | 25 MPG
- 2023 Ram 1500 Diesel | 25 MPG
- 2023 Chevrolet Silverado Diesel | 26 MPG
- 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Diesel | 26 MPG
- 2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid | 37 MPG
- Bonus 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Electric Platinum SuperCrew Cab | 66 MPGe
