When shopping for a pickup truck, considering fuel efficiency is a smart decision, as not all trucks consume excessive fuel. While trucks are known for their towing and hauling capabilities, some models offer impressive energy savings. With various options available, buyers can find trucks that balance power and efficiency.
Electric trucks, now included in evaluations, are rated using miles per gallon equivalent (MPG-e), making efficiency comparisons with gas-powered trucks more complex.
Factors like price, range, and capability also play a role in choosing between an EV or traditional truck. Rankings and reviews are updated throughout the year, so scores may change as new information becomes available.
1. 2024 GMC Canyon
The 2024 GMC Canyon falls into the lower half of compact pickup rankings, mainly due to its limited bed and cab configurations. However, it offers solid capabilities and advanced infotainment features.
With a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine as standard, the Canyon provides more power than its Chevrolet Colorado sibling. It comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offers the choice between rear- or all-wheel drive.
Additionally, the Canyon features an 11.3-inch touch-screen infotainment system that supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring modern connectivity for drivers. Despite its drawbacks, it remains a competitive option in its segment.
2. 2024 Nissan Frontier
The 2024 Nissan Frontier ranks lower among compact pickups due to outdated technology and fewer luxury features. However, it remains a strong choice for buyers looking for a durable truck with a robust V6 engine and an affordable price.
Powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine and paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Frontier delivers decent performance. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while four-wheel drive is available for those who need better off-road capability.
Its infotainment system includes an 8-inch touch screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, though it lacks the more advanced technology seen in competitors.
3. 2025 Honda Ridgeline
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline ranks near the top of the compact pickup class due to its comfortable, spacious cabin and smooth ride quality. Unlike traditional body-on-frame trucks, the Ridgeline features a unibody design, which enhances its handling but reduces off-road prowess.
Every Ridgeline is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive coming as standard.
Although there were no major changes for 2025, the 2024 model saw an updated infotainment system featuring a 9-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. These features contribute to its appeal for everyday drivers.
4. 2025 Chevrolet Colorado
The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado ranks in the middle of the compact truck segment, offering a balanced mix of capability and comfort. It comes in only one bed and cab combination, limiting customization options.
However, it boasts a user-friendly infotainment system, strong towing capabilities, and composed road manners. The truck is powered by a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
While the EPA has yet to release fuel economy ratings for the 2025 model, it is expected to be similar to the 2024 version. Skipping four-wheel drive in favor of rear-wheel drive helps maximize fuel efficiency.
5. 2025 Toyota Tundra
The 2025 Toyota Tundra lands in the lower half of the full-size pickup rankings due to its below-average towing capacity and cramped rear seating. However, it compensates with a smooth ride and a powerful engine lineup.
The base model features a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering solid performance. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, while four-wheel drive is available.
Its infotainment setup includes an 8-inch touch screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Although it lags behind in some areas, the Tundra remains a viable option for those prioritizing ride quality and power.
6. 2024 Ford Ranger
The 2024 Ford Ranger receives a complete redesign but still ranks near the bottom of the compact pickup segment due to its high price. Despite its cost, the Ranger stands out for its spacious cabin, strong performance, and overall comfort.
The base model features a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, which is the most fuel-efficient option in the lineup. A 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive come standard, with four-wheel drive as an option.
Additionally, the Ranger includes a 10-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring a modern and user-friendly infotainment experience for buyers.
7. 2025 Ram 1500
The 2025 Ram 1500 ranks high among full-size trucks, offering a luxurious cabin, a smooth ride, and an extensive suite of safety features. However, its towing capacity lags behind some rivals, and its range of available powertrains is more limited than competitors.
The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the choice of rear- or four-wheel drive. The Ram 1500 also comes equipped with an 8.4-inch touch screen, along with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite minor drawbacks, its upscale design and overall comfort make it a standout in the segment.
8. Toyota Tacoma
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma remains a well-rounded compact truck, offering good fuel efficiency and overall comfort. However, it is known for its noisy cabin and lower towing capacity compared to some rivals.
The Tacoma comes standard with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. The EPA ratings for the 2025 model are not yet available, but they are expected to be similar to the 2024 version.
Four-wheel drive is available, and a six-speed manual transmission is an option for base 4WD models. Standard features include an 8-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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9. 2025 Ford F-150
The 2025 Ford F-150 ranks among the top full-size trucks, thanks to its strong build quality, multiple powertrain options, and advanced technology. While some trim levels have minor drawbacks, the most efficient setup remains uncompromised.
The base model features a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 hybrid engine, which delivers the best fuel economy ratings in the lineup. Although the 2025 model has yet to be rated by the EPA, the figures are expected to align with the 2024 version.
Every F-150 includes a 10-speed automatic transmission, with most trims offering a choice between rear- and four-wheel drive. A 12-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now standard.
10. 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact unibody pickup that ranks near the top of its segment. Unlike traditional body-on-frame trucks, the Santa Cruz is more like a crossover with a truck bed, making it highly efficient and easy to maneuver.
It features a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the option of front- or all-wheel drive. The Santa Cruz stands out with its impressive fuel economy and a refreshed design for 2025.
A 12.3-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard, enhancing its tech-forward appeal for urban truck buyers.
11. 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ranks in the lower half of full-size trucks despite its strong powertrain options and technology features. While it shares many similarities with the GMC Sierra 1500, its interior materials are of lower quality.
The Silverado comes standard with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive as an option.
Inside, the truck features a 7-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Though powerful and well-equipped, its lower-ranking position is largely due to interior refinement and comfort concerns.
12. 2024 Ford Maverick
The 2024 Ford Maverick tops the compact truck rankings, offering a low starting price, strong efficiency, and appealing features. Its base powertrain is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive.
However, the Maverick is most efficient with its hybrid option, which pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, front-wheel drive, and a continuously variable transmission.
This setup provides impressive fuel economy, making it a standout in the segment. The Maverick also includes an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard features.
13. 2024 Tesla Cybertruck
The 2024 Tesla Cybertruck is a futuristic and powerful addition to the electric pickup market, though its unconventional styling and complex technology may not appeal to all buyers.
Tesla offers two powertrains for the Cybertruck, neither of which have received EPA ratings yet. The base model features dual electric motors and a 123.0-kWh battery pack, while a more powerful tri-motor variant is also available.
Both versions come with all-wheel drive and a single-speed automatic transmission. While the Cybertruck is known for its quick acceleration and impressive range, its design and advanced technology features may not suit traditional truck buyers.
14. 2024 GMC Hummer EV Pickup
The 2024 GMC Hummer EV Pickup is a high-performance electric truck that prioritizes power over efficiency. Despite its electric status, it ranks low due to its high price, heavy weight, and limited practicality.
Available in dual- and tri-motor configurations, the Hummer EV Pickup delivers extreme torque and acceleration but is not the most efficient EV option. The tri-motor model, with a massive 212.7-kWh battery pack, has an EPA rating of 59/48 MPGe.
All models come with all-wheel drive and a single-speed automatic transmission. While it’s an exciting and unique truck, its appeal remains niche due to its size and cost.
15. 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV
The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV enters its second model year with improved range, a new mid-level trim, and a lower price. While it remains a highly capable electric truck, some versions lack Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
EPA ratings for the 2025 model have not yet been confirmed, but estimates are based on the 2024 version. The Silverado EV features dual electric motors, four-wheel drive, and a single-speed automatic transmission.
Buyers can choose from three battery options, including a Max Range battery available on both the base Work Truck and top-tier RST trims, further expanding its versatility and appeal.
16. 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning
The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning ranks second among electric trucks, featuring a new midrange trim, a standard heat pump, and wider availability of Ford’s BlueCruise semi-automated driving system.
While it retains many qualities of the gas-powered F-150, such as comfort and practicality, it comes with a higher price tag and lower towing and payload capacities. The F-150 Lightning features dual motors, four-wheel drive, and a single-speed automatic transmission.
For the best efficiency ratings, buyers should opt for the Extended Range 131-kWh battery pack, which provides improved mileage while maintaining the truck’s strong overall performance.
17. 2025 Rivian R1T
The 2025 Rivian R1T enters its fourth year with major updates, including revamped powertrains, an improved suspension system, and refreshed technology, securing its top ranking among electric pickups.
Offering multiple powertrain configurations, the R1T includes two-, three-, and four-motor setups, with the two-motor model available with three different battery options. The most efficient variant, the Performance Dual-Motor version with the Max 149-kWh battery, delivers the best EPA ratings.
However, larger wheels and more powerful configurations can reduce range. Regardless of setup, the R1T comes with all-wheel drive and a single-speed automatic transmission, ensuring strong capability and performance.
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