Trucks are primarily valued for their capabilities rather than the amount of money spent during their use. This isn’t just about small expenses like coffee or fast food stops fuel is by far the most costly resource consumed in and around a truck.
While hybrid systems have become common in several truck models, they are typically designed to enhance torque and power when needed, rather than to significantly reduce fuel costs.
Whether a truck runs fully on gasoline or uses some form of electrification, nearly all of the top fuel-efficient trucks achieve their ratings within a narrow range.
One notable exception is the most fuel-efficient truck available, which uses a Toyota-derived hybrid system that nearly doubles the miles per gallon compared to trucks at the lower end of the scale. Regardless, finding a truck that achieves well over 20 mpg combined is quite common today.
Pickups With 20+ MPG Highway
To make your search easier, we’ve put together a helpful list ranked by EPA combined mpg ratings this rating combines city and highway efficiency to give a comprehensive picture of a truck’s overall fuel economy covering compact, midsize, and full-size trucks.
2025 Toyota Tacoma
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.4L marks the fourth generation of the Tacoma, completely redesigned for 2024.
It features a new platform shared with the Tundra and Sequoia, updated styling, a larger infotainment screen, and most notably, new powertrain options.
The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.4-liter i-Force, while an i-Force MAX hybrid powertrain is also available.
Although one might assume the hybrid would offer the best fuel economy, it’s actually tuned more for extra power rather than efficiency and is only offered on higher trims that are heavier and come with larger tires.
Instead, the midlevel engine, delivering 278 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque in the SR5 and above trims, provides the best fuel efficiency because it’s paired with lighter models and more street-friendly tires.
According to the EPA, the SR5 crew-cab with rear-wheel drive achieves up to 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, making the Tacoma the most fuel-efficient midsize truck available for 2025.
Its pros include a modern design, a torque-rich engine, and a new coil-sprung rear suspension, while its downsides are that the price escalates quickly, the rear seats are cramped, and the engine produces some grit.
The base MSRP is $47,795, and the truck is powered by a 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 278 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.
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2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
As one of only two compact trucks available, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is evaluated somewhat differently compared to the large, rugged trucks that typically dominate this segment.
Similar to the Honda Ridgeline, the Santa Cruz is more of a utility vehicle for those who don’t require massive towing capacity. Its lockable tonneau cover over the small bed essentially turns it into a very large, deep trunk.
While the bed is not suited for hauling the same loads that even midsize trucks can handle, the Santa Cruz benefits from easier driving and parking, along with lower fuel costs compared to any midsize truck.
Under the hood, the Santa Cruz offers either a turbocharged or a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine.
The turbocharged engine provides more power, with 281 hp compared to the 191 hp of the naturally aspirated option, which is slightly more fuel-efficient.
Choosing the turbo engine which is only paired with all-wheel drive reduces combined fuel economy by 1 mpg to 22 mpg, but improves highway fuel efficiency to 27 mpg versus 25 mpg for the non-turbo model.
While these numbers are impressive on their own, the Ford Maverick is generally better optimized for both truck tasks and fuel economy. However, the Santa Cruz presents a unique mix of economy, towing capacity, and affordability.
Pros of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz include updated styling, new technology, and carlike driving manners. On the downside, it has a small pickup bed, the turbo engine adds significant cost, and it is not as utilitarian as the Maverick.
The Santa Cruz has a base MSRP of $29,895 and comes equipped with a 2.5L inline-4 engine producing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive model is 22 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.
Every era in automotive history has produced its own version of what could be considered a “mullet on four wheels.” Once, it was the Chevrolet El Camino—a fusion of a station wagon and a pickup truck.
Later came the Subaru Baja, built on the unibody platform of the Legacy and Outback. Now, Hyundai embraces this quirky legacy with the Santa Cruz, which is essentially a Tucson SUV reimagined with a pickup bed.
For 2025, this hybrid creation undergoes a significant refresh, receiving updated interior and exterior styling, expanded technology offerings including larger screens, and a more capable XRT off-road trim. The Santa Cruz’s closest direct competitor is the Ford Maverick, the only other compact pickup on the market.
However, it’s also worth comparing the Santa Cruz to midsize pickups like the Chevrolet Colorado, Honda Ridgeline, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Tacoma.
The 2025 Santa Cruz features several changes. Its updated exterior includes redesigned headlights, grille, daytime running lights, and new wheel designs. The XRT off-road trim has been revised, and new color options—Rockwood Green and Canyon Red—have been added.
A new towing drive mode is now available on the Limited and XRT trims with the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. The interior also sees notable updates, such as larger available screens, new Medium Gray seat upholstery, a rear seat center armrest with cupholders, and several advanced tech additions.
These include Forward Attention Warning, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims, software and firmware over-the-air updates, a memory system for the front seats and side mirrors, a digital key, USB-Type-C ports, Hyundai Pay for in-car payments, and a fingerprint scanner.
In recent years, smaller trucks have seen a resurgence in popularity, carving out space beneath the well-established full-size segment.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz, introduced in 2022, is part of this shift. Since its debut, we’ve appreciated its distinctive styling, enjoyable driving dynamics, and overall utility. With the 2025 update, Hyundai appears to have refined the Santa Cruz formula even further.
Its main rival remains the Ford Maverick, a compact pickup that offers remarkable value and a hybrid powertrain. However, the Maverick doesn’t quite match the premium feel expected from the refreshed Santa Cruz, which may be enough to attract buyers looking for more refinement in their compact truck.
Hyundai continues to offer two engine choices for the 2025 Santa Cruz. Lower trims feature a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and offers either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Fuel economy is expected to remain similar to the 2024 model’s ratings of 21-22 mpg city and 25-26 mpg highway. Higher trims come equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
This version includes a standard eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Notably, Limited and XRT trims with this engine now include a dedicated towing drive mode. When properly equipped, the turbocharged Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
While we haven’t yet tested the base engine, the turbo variant delivers strong performance, sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds. For the 2024 model year, this setup achieved fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
The XRT trim, Hyundai’s off-road-inspired version of the Santa Cruz, made its debut in 2024 with several unique styling cues. These included multi-tone wheels with orange anodized center caps, 245/60R19 Kumho Crugen HP71 all-season tires, black exterior accents, and model-specific badging.
The trim also featured a turbocharged engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, along with widened fender flares.
For 2025, Hyundai enhances the XRT even further. New features include trim-specific front and rear bumpers, a redesigned grille, and front tow hooks that improve approach angles for off-road driving. Additionally, the XRT now rides on exclusive 18-inch wheels wrapped in 245/60R18 all-terrain tires for better trail performance.
A 360-degree camera system, blind-spot view monitor, and embossed XRT logos on the front seatbacks are also part of the new package. As with previous models, the 2025 Santa Cruz XRT remains a pleasure to drive, combining rugged appeal with practical enhancements.
Safety continues to be a strong focus for Hyundai in the 2025 Santa Cruz. A new Forward Attention Warning system uses a steering column-mounted camera to monitor the driver’s face for signs of distraction or fatigue.
This feature complements the Santa Cruz’s standard SmartSense suite, which includes blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and rear occupant alert. Adaptive cruise control and parking sensors are also expected to be available.
Hyundai is likely aiming for a strong performance in safety testing once again. The pre-refresh Santa Cruz earned the IIHS 2024 Top Safety Pick, the institute’s second-highest safety accolade. It also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, although this applied only to early-production 2024 models. Later models did not carry an overall score.
2025 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra 1500 Diesel
Is the fuel economy of the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Diesel and GMC Sierra 1500 Diesel worth the higher initial cost?
The answer depends on your specific needs, but for long-distance towing or regular driving where diesel fuel is widely available, the Duramax I-6 diesel engine is a strong contender in GM’s light-duty 1500 series.
Both trucks offer the diesel engine at a reasonable price point, and the 3.0-liter turbodiesel delivers a robust 460 lb-ft of torque.
While fluctuating diesel prices compared to gasoline might affect the overall value, diesel’s superior mileage per gallon means you’ll travel farther on each tank.
The lowest trim to offer the diesel option is the Silverado LT, which comes at roughly a $13,000 premium over the base Silverado, with a similar upcharge for the Sierra.
This upgrade, however, earns you the best fuel economy in the full-size truck segment. Pros for these trucks include an efficient diesel engine, impressive diesel torque, and strong off-road capabilities.
Cons include diesel fuel costs and the styling of the Chevy trucks, which some may find polarizing. The base MSRP is $54,535 for the Sierra and $52,385 for the Silverado.
The engine is a 3.0L turbodiesel inline-6, producing 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel economy estimates are 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.
Also Read: Top Engines That Can Survive Without a Working Cooling Fan
2025 Ford Maverick
Though the hybrid Maverick often gets the most attention and drives the majority of sales much to the surprise of many truck enthusiasts the gas-only 2025 Ford Maverick Ecoboost ranks as the second most fuel-efficient pickup on gasoline alone.
It benefits from turbocharged power and available all-wheel drive, which the hybrid model now also offers.
The FX4 off-road package is exclusive to the Ecoboost-powered Mavericks. Simply put, no other truck with a bed can match the Maverick’s fuel economy, even without hybrid technology.
This is especially noteworthy considering its practical starting price under $30,000, allowing buyers to save money while still enjoying true truck utility and a distinctive style compared to most crossover SUVs.
Pros of the Maverick include its enjoyable driving experience, authentic truck appearance, and affordable price. On the downside, it comes with only one cab and bed configuration, the Santa Cruz offers more towing capacity, and the 2025 models are arriving late.
The Maverick starts at a base MSRP of $29,010 and is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine that produces 238 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Its EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 23 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.
The 2025 Ford Maverick delivers a strong mix of affordability, practicality, and efficiency, making it a standout option in the compact pickup segment. Among its key strengths is a low starting price, particularly for base models, which makes it an appealing choice for budget-conscious buyers.
The Maverick also offers a wealth of available equipment aimed at boosting its towing and off-road capabilities, allowing it to handle tasks typically reserved for larger trucks.
Its available hybrid powertrain sets it apart from the competition by providing excellent fuel economy, while those seeking more power can opt for the turbocharged engine that delivers impressively quick acceleration.
Despite its many advantages, the Maverick does have a few shortcomings. Ride quality can be rough, especially over uneven terrain, and several desirable features are locked behind expensive optional packages.
The interior design and materials leave something to be desired, as the cabin can feel inexpensive and somewhat unrefined. Furthermore, the range of adjustment for the driver’s seat and steering wheel is limited, which may hinder comfort for some drivers.
For 2025, Ford has made a number of updates to the Maverick. A new performance-focused trim called the Lobo joins the lineup, offering a sportier take on the compact pickup.
Additionally, a larger center touchscreen has been introduced, along with some minor changes to the availability of standard and optional features. These updates enhance the Maverick’s overall appeal without straying from its value-first approach.
As pickup trucks have steadily grown in size over the past decade, the need for a smaller, more manageable option has become evident. The Maverick fills this void effectively.
Smaller and more affordable than Ford’s F-150 and Ranger, it still delivers solid utility for drivers who need more than what a typical small SUV can offer.
It can easily accommodate home improvement materials—its bed is wide enough to carry 4-foot sheets of plywood or drywall, though longer pieces like 8-foot boards will extend past the tailgate. With a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds, it’s more than capable of hauling small trailers.
Driving costs are another area where the Maverick shines. According to estimates based on North Dakota fuel prices and driving conditions, the hybrid Maverick XL model costs just around $101 per month to operate, assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually.
In comparison, the average monthly fuel cost for compact trucks is approximately $213, meaning the Maverick could offer substantial yearly savings. These numbers make a compelling case for its efficiency, especially in the hybrid configuration. Overall, the 2025 Ford Maverick offers a refreshing take on the pickup truck formula.
While it may not match the brute strength or spaciousness of full-size or even midsize pickups, it delivers in the areas that matter most to many buyers: practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability. With smart updates and thoughtful design, the Maverick remains a top contender in the growing compact truck category.
2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid
The 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient truck on the market by a wide margin.
Its hybrid system excels especially in city driving, easily achieving mpg figures above 40, and it even outperforms diesel-powered Silverado and Sierra models on the highway.
The hybrid powertrain remains the base option for the Maverick in 2025, offering serious utility, attractive styling, and exceptional value for under $28,000.
Additionally, Ford has introduced all-wheel drive as an option for the hybrid, which was previously available only with front-wheel drive.
Pros for the Maverick Hybrid include its highly efficient hybrid powertrain, outstanding value, and the fact that it remains a true truck.
Its cons are relatively low towing and payload capacities, a single cab and bed configuration, and short seat cushions.
The hybrid Maverick’s base MSRP is $27,990, powered by a 2.5L inline-4 hybrid engine producing 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel economy estimates are 42 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 37 mpg combined.
Pickups Under 16 MPG
In an era defined by electrification, autonomy, and ride-sharing services like Uber, the demand for traditional full-size pickup trucks remains strong.
Last year, Ford sold more than 100 F-Series pickups worldwide every hour, and the half-ton pickup segment in the United States dominated by the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan remains fiercely competitive.
However, the battle for dominance in this class has shifted. In the past, the focus was primarily on horsepower, towing capacity, and maximum payload. Today, a truck’s fuel efficiency has become a critical factor.
To meet the growing demands for both power and economy, manufacturers are increasingly using exotic materials, turbocharged engines, diesel options, and 10-speed transmissions.
Despite these advancements, some trucks are improving their fuel economy faster than others. Below is a list of the thirstiest full-size half-ton pickups currently available.
2021 GMC Sierra
The 2021 GMC Sierra offers a range of engines, including a turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four, with many models featuring eight- or 10-speed automatic transmissions to boost fuel efficiency.
However, some trims still come with a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V-8 paired with a six-speed automatic, an older transmission that significantly reduces mileage.
This setup delivers a combined fuel economy of just 16 mpg in both two- and four-wheel drive, making it the thirstiest option in the lineup.
Other configurations, like the 2WD models with the 4.3-liter V-6 and six-speed transmission, or the 6.2-liter V-8 with a 10-speed automatic, offer slightly better ratings at 17 mpg combined.
When the 5.3-liter V-8 is matched with an eight-speed automatic, mileage improves to 18 mpg and rises to 19 mpg with the 10-speed.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado
Similarly, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado shares much of its mechanics with the Sierra, including engines and transmissions, given that both are products of General Motors.
The Silverado also offers the turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four and a 3.0-liter turbo diesel, with most engines paired with eight- or 10-speed automatics for better fuel economy.
Yet, certain trims, including the Trail Boss, still feature the 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V-8 with a six-speed automatic, which limits fuel efficiency to a combined 16 mpg in both two- and four-wheel drive.
Switching to the eight-speed automatic boosts mileage to 18 mpg, and the 10-speed transmission pushes it further to 19 mpg.
2021 Toyota Tundra 4WD
Toyota’s Tundra has struggled in the full-size pickup market and remains one of the least fuel-efficient options.
The 2020 Tundra uses a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V-8 engine paired with a dated six-speed automatic transmission, which hurts its fuel economy.
Four-wheel-drive versions get only 14 mpg combined, while two-wheel-drive models improve slightly to 15 mpg. Even the Nissan Titan, which also offers only V-8 engines, manages better fuel efficiency. Despite its strong 381-horsepower engine, the outdated transmission is the main reason behind the Tundra’s poor mileage.
For the 2021 model year, Toyota introduces fresh additions to the Tundra lineup, starting with the Nightshade appearance package. Available exclusively on the Limited trim, this package includes black 20-inch wheels, black exterior accents, and black leather upholstery, lending the truck a sleek and aggressive aesthetic. A
nother notable addition is the Trail Special Edition, limited to just 5,000 units. This model is based on the SR5 crew cab configuration, also known as CrewMax, and comes equipped with all-weather floor mats, black exterior badging, and black upholstery highlighted by tan contrast stitching.
It also features a body-color grille from the premium 1794 Edition, a lockable storage unit in the cargo bed, and distinctive 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. In addition, Toyota has teased the next-generation Tundra, anticipated for the 2022 model year, with a shadowed image that hints at a bold new front-end design.
While even the most luxurious trims don’t quite match the refinement of mid-range Ram 1500 models, the Tundra stands out for its off-road capabilities, especially in the TRD Pro variant.
This version features a rugged suspension and unique styling, although it doesn’t fully justify a preference over more specialized trucks like the Ford F-150 Raptor. A more practical and budget-conscious choice would be the SR5 trim with optional four-wheel drive.
Because the crew cab is limited to a 5.5-foot cargo bed, buyers might prefer the extended cab paired with the standard 6.1-foot box. Choosing the base TRD Off-Road package adds value by enhancing the truck’s performance in challenging terrain with trail-tuned dampers, underbody protection, front tow hooks, and 18-inch wheels.
It also includes functional upgrades such as a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen, an expanded fuel tank for longer range, and front bucket seats replacing the standard bench, complete with a center console.
In terms of performance, the Tundra still relies on a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. While rear-wheel drive is standard and four-wheel drive is optional, not every cab and bed combination offers both.
Although the engine is capable of solid performance, it lacks an exciting exhaust note, and the six-speed automatic transmission feels outdated and slow to respond.
The Tundra is not unpleasant to drive, but it does feel behind the times, especially when compared to lighter and more modern competitors. Its firm suspension means road imperfections are easily felt inside the cabin, resulting in a stiff ride on rough surfaces.
These shortcomings are slightly lessened in the TRD Pro model, which embraces a tougher, off-road-ready character. TRD Off-Road-equipped models benefit from modestly improved ride quality and better control during cornering. However, steering remains light and numb, requiring frequent adjustments at higher speeds.
The brakes are serviceable, stopping the truck from 70 mph in about 190 feet, but the pedal feel is inconsistent and lacks feedback, rounding out a driving experience that, while competent, is noticeably outdated by today’s standards.
2020 Ford F-150 Roush Performance
The 2020 Ford F-150 Roush Performance is a tuner-special version of the F-150 available with two- or four-wheel drive, modified by Roush, a Michigan-based company founded by NASCAR legend Jack Roush.
For an additional \$24,900 over a base F-150, the Roush Supercharged Package adds a roots-type supercharger to the 5.0-liter V-8 engine, along with suspension and exterior upgrades.
This supercharger delivers 12 pounds of boost, increasing output from 395 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque to 650 hp at 6300 rpm and 610 lb-ft of torque. Due to this high performance, fuel economy is low, with a combined rating of just 12 mpg.
Ram 1500 TRX
At the top of the thirstiest list is the Ram 1500 TRX, equipped with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi engine producing 702 horsepower.
This powerhouse is found in multiple FCA vehicles, including Chargers, Challengers, Durangos, and Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawks, but the Ram 1500 TRX is especially notable for its size and speed.
It is taller, wider, and heavier than the standard Ram 1500 and can reach a top speed of 118 mph, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds making it the quickest truck tested.
However, such performance comes at a cost, as the TRX averaged just 9 mpg during testing and carries a combined EPA estimate of 12 mpg, reflecting its high fuel consumption.
For instance, amenities like a heated steering wheel and heated front seats are only offered through the Level 1 package, which adds nearly $4000 to the price tag.
However, that package also bundles in a wealth of upgrades, including leather-trimmed seating, cargo-box lighting, a leather and microsuede flat-bottom steering wheel, under-seat storage in the rear, and more. Opting for the Trailer-Tow package is also recommended for buyers who want to maximize the truck’s towing capabilities.
The heart of the TRX is a supercharged Hemi 6.2-liter V-8—widely recognized as the Hellcat engine—delivering an impressive 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque.
This immense power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. During testing, the TRX hit 60 mph in a blistering 3.7 seconds and completed the quarter-mile in 12.3 seconds at 110 mph, making it the fastest pickup ever tested.
Despite its size and weight, the TRX remains surprisingly composed and easy to control on paved roads. Its supercharged V-8 doesn’t just offer brute strength—it also produces a thrilling soundtrack through the exhaust.
Built for much more than highway runs, the TRX is engineered to tackle rough terrain with a reinforced steel frame and a high-travel suspension system offering over 13 inches of movement. It rides on 35-inch all-terrain tires wrapped around 18-inch wheels, providing 11.8 inches of ground clearance.
According to Ram, this beast can ford up to 32 inches of water. Every TRX is armored with extensive underbody protection, Bilstein remote-reservoir dampers, an electronic-locking rear differential, and massive 15.0-inch front brakes.
While the TRX doesn’t match the maximum towing ratings of other Ram models—which can pull up to 12,750 pounds—it still manages a solid maximum towing capacity of 8100 pounds, only 100 less than the Ford F-150 Raptor. Its payload capacity tops out at 1310 pounds, slightly trailing the Raptor by 80 pounds.
However, when it comes to fuel efficiency, the TRX performs poorly. It’s estimated to return just 10 mpg in the city and 14 mpg on the highway, far below the Raptor’s 15 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. During our 75-mph highway fuel economy test, the TRX delivered only 13 mpg. For more official data, consult the EPA’s website.
Inside, the Ram 1500 TRX carries forward the brand’s reputation for upscale truck interiors. Known for refined materials and impressive sound insulation, the TRX continues this legacy.
