When the price of gas rises, many people start looking for fuel-efficient vehicles to save money on their daily commute. However, some people need a vehicle that is capable of hauling heavy loads while still providing decent gas mileage. Pickup trucks are a popular choice for people who need both utility and fuel economy. But which pickup truck is the most fuel-efficient? Let’s find out.
Factors that Affect Fuel Efficiency
Before we dive into the list of fuel-efficient pickup trucks, it’s important to understand the factors that affect fuel efficiency. These factors include:
- Engine Size: A smaller engine is generally more fuel-efficient than a larger one.
- Transmission: A manual transmission is often more fuel-efficient than an automatic.
- Aerodynamics: A truck with a sleek design is more aerodynamic and therefore more fuel-efficient than a truck with a boxy design.
- Tires: Low rolling resistance tires are more fuel-efficient than tires with high rolling resistance.
- Weight: A lighter truck is more fuel-efficient than a heavier one.
Now that we have a basic understanding of the factors that affect fuel efficiency, let’s take a look at some of the most fuel-efficient pickup trucks on the market.
Top 5 Fuel-Efficient Pickup Trucks
- Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck that gets an impressive 21 city/26 highway miles per gallon. It comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Ranger also has a 10-speed automatic transmission that helps to improve its fuel economy.
- Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon
The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are also midsize pickups that offer decent fuel economy. The Colorado gets 20 city/26 highway miles per gallon, while the Canyon gets 19 city/25 highway miles per gallon. Both trucks come with a six-speed automatic transmission and offer a choice of either a gas or diesel engine.
- Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a popular midsize pickup truck that gets 20 city/23 highway miles per gallon. It comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. The Tacoma also offers a six-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission.
- Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that gets an impressive 20 city/25 highway miles per gallon. It comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivers 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. The Ram 1500 also offers an eight-speed automatic transmission that helps to improve its fuel economy.
- Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is the best-selling pickup truck in the country and it also offers decent fuel economy. The F-150 gets 19 city/25 highway miles per gallon, thanks in part to its lightweight aluminum body and turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The F-150 also offers a variety of other engines, including a V6 and a V8.
Conclusion
When it comes to fuel-efficient pickup trucks, there are several options on the market. The Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, Ram 1500, and Ford F-150 all offer decent fuel economy for their respective sizes and capabilities. If you’re in the market for a pickup truck but also want to save money on gas, consider one of these fuel-efficient options.