If you're shopping for a fuel-efficient pickup truck, you might assume your options are limited — but that's not the case. With a bit of research, you can find plenty of trucks that deliver real-world efficiency. Below, we've rounded up 10 of the best used trucks with EPA-estimated combined city/highway fuel economy of at least 25 mpg.
For the sake of clarity, this list focuses on trucks from 2015 to the present and excludes all-electric models. Heavy-duty trucks are also left off, as they aren't subject to standard EPA fuel economy testing.
Equipped with the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 — Ram's Ecodiesel engine — and rear-wheel drive, the 2020-2022 Ram 1500 HFE earns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined. That's an impressive figure for a full-size truck packing 480 pound-feet of torque, a towing capacity of more than 8,000 pounds, and respectable off-road capability. HFE models were built on the no-frills Ram Tradesman platform, so the interior won't win any luxury awards, but these trucks are built to last. The HFE was offered exclusively as a Quad Cab — Ram's take on the extended cab, with four front-hinged doors — and can seat up to six.
The Ford Maverick stands out as the most fuel-efficient pickup truck you can buy today. This compact truck — closer in size to a late-'90s Ford Ranger or Dodge Dakota than today's mid-size offerings — shares its platform with the Ford Escape, though it's longer and features an open bed. Hybrid versions achieve EPA-estimated fuel economy as high as 37 mpg combined, a figure that would impress in any vehicle class, let alone among pickup trucks. The Maverick seats five, though its cabin is more snug than larger trucks like the Ranger or F-150.
Certain configurations of the 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado, when fitted with the available 2.8-liter inline-four turbocharged diesel and rear-wheel drive, were EPA-estimated to return up to 25 mpg combined. The turbodiesel is no pushover either, producing 369 lb-ft of torque and a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds. Colorado models equipped with this engine were only available as crew cabs with seating for five.
If the Colorado's numbers appeal to you but you'd prefer something a little less common on the road, the GMC Canyon deserves a close look. Mechanically — and visually, to a significant extent — it mirrors the Chevy, but it carries a more refined character. From 2017 onward, the Canyon was available in the upscale Denali trim, bringing perks like heated and ventilated front seats and a wireless charging pad, all while remaining one of the most efficient trucks on this list.
Ford's hybrid take on the F-150 pairs a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor and battery pack. The result is up to 430 horsepower, 570 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined. Ford calls this setup the PowerBoost, and it comes with a useful bonus: the ability to function as a mobile generator — handy on a job site or when you want to keep the cooler running at a tailgate. This powertrain was exclusive to select crew-cab F-150s, many of which were available with a generous suite of features in higher trim levels.
Certain versions of the 2020 and 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 post fuel economy numbers that would be right at home on a mid-size sedan sticker. Seek out a rear-wheel-drive Silverado 1500 with the 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder engine and the EPA estimates an impressive 27 mpg combined. Beyond efficiency, some configurations of these full-size trucks are rated to haul a payload of up to 9,500 pounds.
Much like its corporate sibling the Silverado, the GMC Sierra 1500 can be paired with a turbodiesel engine that punches above its weight in fuel efficiency for such a large truck. While no Sierra variant quite reaches the Silverado's 27 mpg peak, rear-wheel-drive turbodiesel models are still EPA-estimated at up to 26 mpg combined — solid numbers for a truck this capable.
Ford Maverick models equipped with the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine are rated at 26 mpg combined — noticeably thirstier than the hybrid version, but considerably more powerful and still quite efficient by pickup truck standards. With the right factory-installed package, these trucks are rated to tow up to 4,000 pounds. Their relative newness also means certified pre-owned examples can often be found at Ford dealerships.
Minor updates for the 2025 model year helped Hyundai nudge the fuel efficiency of its only pickup truck from 23 to 25 mpg combined, per EPA estimates. Finding a low-mileage 2025 Santa Cruz in the used market in 2026 may take some patience, but even at 23 mpg, the Santa Cruz outpaces most larger trucks at the pump. It's not the most work-focused truck on this list, but it more than makes up for it with a refined, car-like interior and seating for up to five. If that driving experience appeals to you, the Nissan Frontier is another model worth considering.
For a short window, Ford offered its iconic full-size pickup with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine. Available exclusively as a crew cab with room for up to six passengers, this configuration earned an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined — respectable for an F-150, though it falls short of some of the other full-size entries on this list.
Diesel-powered vehicles typically consume less fuel than their gasoline counterparts. However, there are a few trade-offs worth keeping in mind before going the diesel route:
Diesel fuel typically costs more per gallon than regular unleaded, which can offset the savings from better fuel economy.
Diesel pumps aren't available at every gas station, which can limit your fueling options on longer trips.
Modern diesel trucks are equipped with complex emissions control systems that can be expensive to service and repair.
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Tips for Great Gas Mileage in Older Trucks
Improving fuel efficiency in a used or older truck comes down to two things: smarter driving habits and keeping the vehicle well maintained.
Whether you're behind the wheel of a compact pickup like a Toyota Tacoma or a full-size hauler, avoiding aggressive acceleration and staying close to posted speed limits can make a meaningful difference in how often you visit the pump. The boxy, upright shape of most pickup trucks — think the broad front ends of a Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra, or Chevy Silverado — creates significant aerodynamic drag, causing them to burn more fuel than sleeker, smaller vehicles. Reducing that drag wherever possible helps. Combining errands into single trips is another easy way to cut down on unnecessary miles. It's also worth considering a tonneau cover for the bed — while the fuel economy gains are modest, they do add up over tens of thousands of miles, eventually offsetting the cost of the cover itself.
Staying on top of routine maintenance is equally important. An engine that's current on tune-ups, fluid changes, and filter replacements will run more efficiently than one that's been neglected. Don't overlook your tires, either — running the correct size and keeping them inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure, as listed in the owner's manual, can contribute meaningfully to better fuel economy.
The Best Used Trucks With Good Gas Mileage FAQs
What is the most fuel-efficient used pickup truck you can buy?
The Ford Maverick Hybrid is the standout choice, earning EPA-estimated fuel economy as high as 37 mpg combined — a figure that's remarkable for any vehicle, let alone a pickup truck. It's a compact truck that shares its platform with the Ford Escape, so it's smaller than mid-size options like the Ranger, but it still seats five and offers an open bed for hauling.
Do diesel trucks actually get better gas mileage than gas-powered trucks?
Diesel engines do typically consume less fuel than their gasoline counterparts, which is why several of the most efficient full-size trucks on this list — including the Ram 1500 HFE, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 — rely on turbodiesel engines. That said, diesel fuel usually costs more per gallon than regular unleaded, and diesel pumps aren't available at every station, so the real-world savings aren't always as straightforward as the mpg numbers suggest.
Can a full-size truck really get 25 mpg or better?
Yes — several full-size trucks clear that bar, particularly when equipped with diesel or hybrid powertrains and rear-wheel drive. The 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Turbodiesel, for example, is EPA-estimated at 27 mpg combined in rear-wheel-drive form, and the 2021-2023 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid achieves 25 mpg combined while producing up to 570 lb-ft of torque.
What are some easy ways to improve fuel economy in an older used truck?
Avoiding aggressive acceleration, staying near posted speed limits, and combining errands into single trips can all make a meaningful dent in how often you stop for fuel. Keeping up with routine maintenance — tune-ups, fluid changes, and proper tire inflation — also helps your engine run more efficiently, and adding a tonneau cover to the bed can provide modest but cumulative aerodynamic gains over time.
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Andrew Ganz has had cars in his blood ever since he gnawed the paint off of a diecast model as a toddler. After growing up in Dallas, Texas, he earned a journalism degree, worked in public relations for two manufacturers, and served as an editor for a luxury-lifestyle print publication and several well-known automotive websites. In his free time, Andrew loves exploring the Rocky Mountains' best back roads—when he’s not browsing ads for his next car purchase.
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