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Fuel efficiency is more important than ever, with higher gas prices and budget-conscious shoppers searching for a pickup that can do it all. While there aren’t many options out there right now that get over this threshold, some get pretty close! That is what we are going to talk about in this article.

Right now, the only pickup truck that gets over 30 miles to the gallon is the Ford Maverick Hybrid, which gets 42 miles per gallon in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 37 miles per gallon combined rating, according to the EPA.

1. Ford Maverick Hybrid

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42 MPG
Specifications:
  • External Dimensions: 199.7" L by 72.6″ W by 68.7″ High
  • Wheel Base: 121.1″
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 5,205 pounds
  • Curb Weight: 3,693 pounds
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The Ford Maverick is an impressive pickup! While it may not be a pickup truck in the traditional sense, as it is a car-based unibody design instead of a body-on-frame design, it does offer the capability of a truck bed. It is built to be a great work truck. It has a towing capacity of up to 4000 pounds, and its hybrid drivetrain allows it to get up to 42 miles per gallon on the highway, 33 in the city, and 27 combined.

2. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Diesel

Specifications:

  • Towing Capacity: 13,300 pounds (up to)
[Image courtesy of Chevrolet]

While the Silverado may be a full-size pickup truck, its Diesel engine variant gives it one of the best gas mileage experiences out there right now. While it may not quite reach 30mpg gallons, its highway rating sits below 29 miles per gallon (24 in the city and 26 combined). If you need a pickup truck (body-on-frame), consider getting yourself a brand-new Silverado with a diesel drivetrain.

3. GMC Sierra 1500 Diesel

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29 MPG
Specifications:
  • Towing Capacity: 13,300 pounds (up to)
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. [Image courtesy of GMC]

If the Silverado above wasn’t quite fancy enough, consider getting its corporate twin, the GMC Sierra 1500, with the identical diesel drivetrain. With everything being the same, it gets the same mileage as well, with a 29 mpg rating on the highway, a 26-mile combined rating, and, of course, 24 mpg in the city. If you want something nicer, you can get this drivetrain in the Denali trim and Denali Ultimate for a fantastic luxury experience (and the fuel mileage to match).

4. Hyundai Santa Cruz FWD

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26 MPG
Specifications:
  • External Dimensions: 195.7" L by 75" W by 66.7″ High
  • Wheel Base: 118.3″
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 5,732 pounds
  • Curb Weight: 4,164 pounds
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I am just as surprised as you are to see this compact pickup so low down on this list, as its main competitor (the Ford Maverick) is at the top. Its 26mpg highway rating is still respectable and earns its keep on this list. However, if a compact truck is in your future, and your main goal is gas mileage, the Maverick will be your better choice. The Santa Cruz ride is much more excellent, with more options than the Maverick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do diesel engines get better gas mileage?

Most people must realize that diesel fuel is more energy-dense than gasoline. A gallon of diesel contains about 30% more power than a gasoline-powered engine. While they may be more efficient, diesel engines have drawbacks, such as weight and smell.

Is 15 mpg good for a truck?

While pickups in the early 2000s and 2010s were known for their gas mileage in the 15mpg range, modern trucks can get considerably better. While only a few can get over 30mpg, plenty of others can now easily sit in the 25mpg-29mpg fuel bracket.

Why don’t trucks get good gas mileage?

Pickup trucks are generally not built for fuel efficiency, as they require a less-than-optimal design (including a truck bed), and fuel-efficient drivetrains lend poorly to towing, hauling, and longevity. Because of this, fuel efficiency is generally sacrificed in the name of usability.

Conclusion

While the Ford Maverick is the only pickup truck that can get over 30mpg, plenty of other options (primarily diesel trucks) can get up to 29mpg on the highway. This article helped you find the right truck for your needs!