Today's Most Fuel-Efficient Trucks

Pickup Trucks with the Best Fuel Efficiency

As Americans, we love pickup trucks. If you’ve ever owned one, you’ll know why they’ve proven to be so popular over the decades. They are a perfect fit with the adventurous lifestyle that Americans love to live: some space for people up front and a big open space in the back for cargo, outdoors gear, or anything else you might want to haul.

Even if you’ve never owned a pickup truck, you know why they’re great – and you’ve probably borrowed a pickup truck from a friend more than once to shift a piece of furniture, haul building supplies, or move house.

With a huge variety of pickup trucks available on the American market, which are the most economical? Below, you’ll find a look at five of the most fuel-efficient models available.

Hyundai Santa Cruz

Best for city driving

A sporty four-door pickup that combines the best attributes of a compact SUV with the ruggedness of a pickup truck, the Santa Cruz fuses interior and features of the high-tech Tucson with a short, open pickup bed. A 2.5-liter direct-injection four-cylinder produces 191 hp and, along with the car-like chassis, gives impressive fuel economy as well as smooth, car-like performance. All-wheel drive is available if you need to go off-road.

Since the Santa Cruz is based on an SUV platform instead of being a pure pickup truck, it is car-like to drive, and easier to get in and out of than a work truck. Its interior is beautifully finished and well-equipped, and standard features include a full-digital dashboard, large central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and voice control. The pickup bed is super versatile as well, with an under-floor storage compartment, power outlet, side bins, and even a drain. The tailgate even has power, hands-free operation.

• Starting MSRP: $28,750

• EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 22/30

Ford F-150 XL

Best work truck

For decades, the F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in America – and by a wide margin. Available in a huge variety of configurations for work, play, personal use and everything in between, it is the quintessential American vehicle: rugged, versatile, and up for anything. While you can spend into six figures on a tricked-out F-150 with a big engine and a luxury interior, the cheapest model, specified as a pure work truck, is also the best on fuel.

The F-150 XL’s turbo 2.7 V6 produces an impressive 325 horsepower, more than adequate for most work duties, while giving 25 MPG on the highway – not bad for a full sized truck. Its short box has more than enough room for most jobs, and it has a practical vinyl interior that is easy to keep clean. Still, you don’t lose out on technology; a standard touchscreen and Ford’s excellent Sync system keeps you connected to the world around you, while a rear-view camera, stability control, six airbags, and more keep you safe.

• Starting MSRP: $37,065

• EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 19/25

Ford Ranger

Best all-rounder

A mainstay of the Ford lineup in the eighties and nineties, the compact Ranger came back in 2021, and has become one of the most popular pickup trucks in the U.S. Compared to earlier Rangers, it is bigger, and much more capable, with a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds, despite being powered by a frugal 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbo engine. Significantly updated for the 2025 model year, its versatility, performance, and relative fuel economy helped make it North American Truck of the Year.

Thanks to a 10-speed automatic transmission and a modern chassis, which is shared with models sold in Europe and Asia, the Ranger is frugal as well as capable. We like its roomy cabin and its rugged interior, designed for tough work use. Optional extras include an excellent 8-inch infotainment system, blind spot monitors, and even an on-board 110-volt power outlet, making the Ranger a great work truck.

• Starting MSRP: $32,820

• EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 21/25

Honda Ridgeline

Best for light towing

Honda’s Ridgeline, based on the same set of components that underpins the previous-generation Pilot SUV, was one of the first pickup trucks that focused more on personal versus work use. As such, it is a far more refined and passenger-friendly pickup than almost anything on the market, without sacrificing a lot of versatility. The cabin has four doors and five seats as standard, and passengers ride in comfort and style, with low levels of wind and road noise, and plenty of upscale features including high-end upholstery, a large touchscreen infotainment system, power seats, and more. 

Ridgeline’s 280-horsepower V6 lets it tow up to 5,000 pounds, while its scratch-resistant short box has plenty of room for gear and an extra weather-proof trunk built into the bed. All-wheel drive is standard, providing stability and traction in all weather. Standard safety equipment is among the best of any pickup truck, with the Honda Sensing system including collision mitigation braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and much more. We especially like the off-road-focused TrailSport model, which looks rugged but is still refined enough to use as a family car.

• Starting MSRP: $40,150

• EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 18/24

Efficient Power Meets Everyday Utility

While pickup trucks have long been known for their power and utility, fuel efficiency is becoming an increasingly important factor for buyers. Whether you're hauling outdoor gear to the mountains, towing a trailer for a weekend getaway, or simply running errands around town, these five fuel-efficient pickups prove you don’t have to sacrifice practicality for economy. With smart engineering, advanced safety features, and creature comforts that rival luxury cars, today’s pickups are more versatile, and sustainable than ever.

As EV technology continues to reshape the truck segment, these fuel-efficient gas-powered options represent a smart middle ground, powerful, capable, and easy on your wallet.

No matter which model speaks to your lifestyle, there's never been a better time to find a pickup truck that works hard and sips fuel. The road ahead is open choose the one that gets you there with confidence and fewer stops at the pump.

Next Stop on Your Pickup Journey

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Want to compare these trucks side by side?

Check out our free GreenCars Buyer’s Guide Tool to see how they stack up on fuel efficiency, towing capacity, price, and more, all in one place.