If you’re in the market for a new pickup truck, you’ll want to know which vehicles offer the best gas mileage. Heavy-duty pickup trucks can be great for hauling and towing, but they can also be expensive to operate. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best heavy-duty pickup trucks when it comes to fuel economy. We’ll also discuss what factors affect fuel economy and how you can improve yours.
What 2500 series (3/4-ton) trucks get the best gas mileage?
When it comes to picking the best 2500 series pickup truck, the Ford F-250 is the clear winner. Not only does it have the best gas mileage of 15.8 miles per gallon with the 6.7L V8 Turbo-Diesel, but it also has a ton of other great features. For instance, it has a payload capacity of 4,323 pounds and a towing capacity of 22,800 pounds.
Plus, it comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. In other words, the Ford F-250 is the perfect 2500 series pickup truck for anyone who needs a reliable and powerful truck that can handle any task.
| Truck | Engine Option | Gas Mileage | Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-250 | 6.7L V8 Turbo-Diesel | 15.8 | 10,000 pounds |
| Ram 2500 | 6.4L V8 Hemi | 15.4 | 10,000 pounds |
| GMC Sierra 2500 | 6.6L V8 | 14.2 | 10,850 pounds |
| Chevrolet Silverado 2500 | 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 | 12.5 | 10,850 pounds |
What 3500 series (1-ton) trucks get the best gas mileage
The GMC Sierra 3500 is the latest pickup truck in the 3500 series from GMC. It boasts a powerful 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 engine that delivering an impressive 463 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. With a towing capacity of up to 36,00 pounds, it’s no wonder that the GMC Sierra 3500 has become a favorite among truck enthusiasts.
And now, with its best-in-class gas mileage of 13.6 miles per gallon, the GMC Sierra 3500 is sure to appeal to even more drivers. Whether you’re looking for a workhorse or a weekend warrior, the GMC Sierra 3500 is the perfect pick.
| Truck | Engine Option | Gas Mileage | Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Sierra 3500 | 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 | 13.6 | 11,500 pounds |
| Ram 3500 | 6.7L Turbo-Diesel | 13 | 11,400 pounds |
| Chevrolet Silverado 3500 | 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 | 12.8 | 11,400 pounds |
| Ford F-350 | 6.7L Turbo-Diesel V8 | 12.8 | 12,400 pounds |
What is the difference between a 2500 and 3500 series truck?
The differentiating factor between a 2500 and a 3500 series pickup truck comes down to the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of the pickup in question. 2500 series pickups generally start a little below or right above 10,000 pounds GVWR, while 3500 series pickups start at a GVWR of well over 10,000 pounds, and are typically over 11,000 pounds. This of course is more on the marketing side at this point, rather than specific numbers.
3500 series pickup trucks are also generally used as heavy duty work trucks, while 2500 series trucks are used more commonly by a general consumer that needs a bit more than what a light duty pickup will allow for.
You will also more commonly find 3500 series with a dually setup in the rear of the truck (2 wheels on each side).
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How much more can a 3500 tow than a 2500?
The max towing capacity between a 3500 and 2500 can be quite extensive! For example, the max towing capacity of a Ram 2500 is 20,000 pounds, while the 3500 can go all the way up to 37,090. This means the difference is 17,090 pounds between the lower 2500 and the 3500 series truck. Ford is quite similar with a difference in max tow capacity of 14,200 pounds.
| Brand | 3500 Series | 2500 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Ram | 37,090 | 20,000 |
| Ford | 37,000 | 22,800 |
| Chevrolet | 36,000 | 18,500 |
| GMC | 36,000 | 18,500 |
Conclusion
The fuel efficiency of heavy-duty trucks has come a long way in recent years. While there are still some laggards, the majority of manufacturers have made significant strides in improving the gas mileage of their trucks.
As a result, today’s truck buyers have a wide range of options to choose from, whether they’re looking for the best possible fuel economy or the most power for their money. With so many choices on the market, there’s sure to be a heavy-duty truck that’s right for your needs.
