Trucks That Get the Best MPG
Let's address the elephant in the room... Or should I say, the full-size pickup in the driveway. Trucks have never been the poster children for fuel efficiency, but 2025 is proving that you don't have to choose between capability and economy anymore.
Whether you're hauling gear for work, towing your weekend toys, or just appreciate sitting up high with commanding road presence, today's trucks are sipping fuel more conservatively than ever. We're talking hybrid powertrains, turbocharged four-cylinders that punch above their weight, and even a few diesel options that stretch a gallon further than you'd think possible.
The truck market has evolved beyond the old gas-guzzler stereotype, and these 12 models prove that efficiency and utility can coexist beautifully.
Ford Maverick Hybrid
The Ford Maverick Hybrid continues its reign as the fuel economy champion of the truck world, delivering an EPA-estimated 42 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. This compact pickup has become the darling of truck buyers who actually need a bed but don't necessarily need to tow a house.
The standard hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, creating a smooth and surprisingly peppy 191 horsepower. What makes the Maverick special isn't just the numbers — it's the practicality of front-wheel drive, the clever FLEXBED storage system, and a starting price that won't require a second mortgage. You're getting legitimate truck functionality with almost
Prius-like fuel economy, which feels like discovering a loophole in the laws of physics.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz takes a slightly different approach to the compact truck segment, blending crossover comfort with pickup practicality and achieving 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with the base engine. Opt for the available turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, and you're looking at 18 city and 24 highway — still respectable for a vehicle that can tow 5,000 pounds.
The Santa Cruz feels more like a lifted wagon with a bed than a traditional truck, which is exactly what some buyers are craving. Inside, you'll find a tech-forward cabin that rivals many luxury SUVs, complete with dual screens and premium materials.
It's proof that thinking outside the traditional truck box can yield something genuinely useful and efficient.
Ford Ranger
The mid-size Ford Ranger has found its sweet spot with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that delivers 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, making it one of the most efficient trucks in its class.
This turbocharged engine produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which means you're not sacrificing performance for those fuel savings. The Ranger has grown more refined over the years, offering a surprisingly comfortable ride for daily driving while maintaining legitimate off-road capability when adventure calls. With a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, it handles most weekend warrior duties without breaking a sweat — or your budget at the pump.
It's become the Goldilocks truck for many buyers: not too big, not too small, and just efficient enough.
Chevrolet Colorado
Chevrolet's Colorado offers multiple powertrain options, but the turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder stands out with 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. That might not sound revolutionary until you realize this engine cranks out 310 horsepower and can tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped.
The Colorado has matured into a well-rounded mid-size option that doesn't ask you to compromise much between efficiency and capability. The interior has been modernized with better materials and technology, making longer drives more enjoyable.
Whether you're commuting during the week or hitting trails on the weekend, the Colorado adapts without guzzling fuel like older-generation trucks.
GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon shares its DNA with the Colorado but adds a bit more refinement and upscale touches, achieving the same 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with the 2.7-liter turbo engine.
GMC has positioned the Canyon as the more sophisticated sibling, with available features like a premium sound system and advanced driver assistance technologies. The truck handles daily driving duties with composure, and the turbocharged four-cylinder provides surprising acceleration when merging or passing. At 7,700 pounds of maximum towing capacity, it competes admirably with the Ranger and Colorado while offering GMC's signature styling cues.
It's a solid choice for buyers who want efficiency without advertising that they're being practical.
Toyota Tacoma Hybrid
Toyota's addition of a hybrid powertrain to the Tacoma lineup for 2024 carries into 2025, delivering approximately 27 mpg combined, which represents a significant improvement over the previous generation.
The hybrid system pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor, producing 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque—numbers that make this the most powerful Tacoma ever. The hybrid battery adds minimal weight while providing electric assist during acceleration and improving fuel economy during city driving. Toyota's legendary reliability reputation combined with improved efficiency makes this an appealing package for buyers who plan to keep their trucks for the long haul.
The Tacoma has always been about durability and capability, and now you can add efficiency to that list.
Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline continues marching to its own drummer with a unibody construction and features that prioritize comfort, achieving 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with its 3.5-liter V6. While those numbers trail the compact trucks, the Ridgeline offers a smoother ride, a cavernous in-bed trunk, and a dual-action tailgate that's genuinely useful.
This truck appeals to buyers who need a bed occasionally but don't want to sacrifice the car-like driving dynamics Honda is known for. The V6 produces 280 horsepower and can tow 5,000 pounds, which covers most recreational needs without pretending to be a heavy-duty workhorse.
If you think of it as a very practical SUV with an open cargo area, the Ridgeline's efficiency makes more sense.
Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
The Ram 1500 with the available 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 achieves an impressive 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, making it the fuel economy king among full-size pickups. That highway number is genuinely remarkable for a truck that can tow up to 12,560 pounds when properly equipped.
The diesel engine produces 260 horsepower but more importantly delivers 480 lb-ft of torque, giving it effortless towing capability and surprising acceleration. Ram's luxurious interior and smooth ride quality make this an excellent choice for buyers who rack up highway miles regularly.
Yes, diesel fuel costs more, but if you're doing serious towing or long-distance driving, the math often works in your favor.
Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid
Ford's F-150 PowerBoost hybrid combines a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor to deliver 24 mpg combined, which is impressive for a full-size truck with 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system also enables a maximum towing capacity of 12,700 pounds, proving that efficiency doesn't mean sacrificing capability.
One of the coolest features is the onboard Pro Power generator that can supply up to 7.2 kW of exportable electricity—perfect for job sites, tailgating, or emergency home backup. The PowerBoost drives like a standard F-150 with the added benefit of electric assist that smooths out acceleration and saves fuel.
It's technology that actually enhances the truck experience rather than just adding complexity.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Turbo
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder achieves 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, making it one of the more efficient full-size truck options. This engine produces 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, which is more than adequate for daily driving and light towing duties up to 9,500 pounds.
The turbo four-cylinder provides surprisingly strong acceleration and doesn't feel overwhelmed even when the truck is loaded. Chevrolet's full-size truck offers plenty of cab configurations and bed lengths to suit different needs while maintaining decent efficiency. \
For buyers who need full-size dimensions but don't require V8 power, this powertrain hits a sweet spot.
GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X
The GMC Sierra 1500 with the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel delivers 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, giving it impressive range between fill-ups for a full-size truck. This inline-six diesel produces 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, providing effortless towing capability up to 13,300 pounds.
The diesel engine's smooth power delivery and quiet operation make it easy to forget you're driving something with "max" in its name. GMC adds its signature upscale touches and advanced technology, making the Sierra feel more premium than its EPA ratings might suggest.
For buyers who prioritize long-distance comfort and towing capability, this diesel option delivers on both fronts.
Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier rounds out our list with its 3.8-liter V6 delivering 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, which are solid numbers for a mid-size truck with 310 horsepower. The Frontier has been completely redesigned in recent years, shedding its outdated image for a more modern and competitive package.
This V6 provides linear, predictable power delivery and can tow up to 6,720 pounds when properly equipped. Nissan has improved the interior materials and technology while keeping the price competitive, making it an appealing value proposition.
The Frontier proves that you don't need cutting-edge hybrid technology to achieve respectable efficiency in a capable mid-size truck.
Conclusion
The landscape of fuel-efficient trucks in 2025 offers more choices than ever before, from hybrid-powered compacts to diesel-sipping full-sizers. What's particularly encouraging is that these efficiency gains haven't come at the expense of capability—most of these trucks can still tow your boat, haul materials, and venture off-road when needed.
Technology has been the great enabler here, with turbocharging, hybrid systems, and advanced transmissions squeezing more miles from every gallon. The best truck for you depends on your specific needs, but it's clear that choosing a pickup no longer means resigning yourself to frequent gas station visits.
Whether you're drawn to the Maverick's Prius-like numbers or the Ram EcoDiesel's highway-crushing range, efficiency and utility are finally on speaking terms.