Best Gas Mileage Trucks for 2024 and 2025
By James Diaz
| Updated 3 Days Ago
As the pickup truck landscape evolves, drivers increasingly prioritize advancements in fuel efficiency. The 2024 and 2025 markets introduce an impressive array of mid-size and full-size trucks with quality mileage and effective powertrains. The 2024 Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz excel in the mid-size category, offering ideal towing and fuel economy, while hybrid options enhance lineups without compromising performance.
In the full-size truck category, the 2025 Ram 1500 and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 mark a significant step forward in fusing efficiency and utility by blending sporty performance with practical utility. Several 2024 and 2025 model-year pickups can take you the distance, whether on or off the clock.
2024 Ford Maverick
MotoPickers Rating: 8.1/10
The 2024 Ford Maverick is a compelling compact truck, starting at $23,815. This entry-level model precedes the mid-size Ranger, combining crossover agility and comfort with practical truck utilities. Starting prices peak at $34,855 across three trims, from the basic XL to the luxurious Lariat. Ford’s 2024 Maverick presents a seamless blend of functionality and style with a four-cylinder engine, 162 to 250 horsepower output, and fuel efficiency ranging from 20 to 42 MPG city and 24 to 33 MPG highway, in both FWD and AWD formats.
Inside, the Maverick comfortably seats five, offering a balance of practicality and aesthetic appeal in its cabin, which includes rear under-seat storage and an 8” touch display. Despite its compact size, it leverages a maximum 1,500-lb payload capacity, asserting notable cargo versatility. Its 2024 refresh introduces enhanced engines while unibody construction ensures adept handling, affirming the model’s versatility for city drives and longer journeys. With its various configurations, the Maverick offers a unique blend of value, performance, and utility.
2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
MotoPickers Rating: 8.1/10
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 starts at $36,800 and offers a range of prices up to $69,900 across nine trims, making it a versatile choice for work and leisure. It boasts an engine lineup from a 305 horsepower option to a more powerful 420 horsepower variant, including a new diesel engine in the ZR2 model for more efficient powertrain selections. The vehicle also features standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.
The Silverado 1500 boasts a 2,260-lb payload and 13,300-lb towing capacities, underscoring its robust design and engineering. While its base trims emphasize functionality over luxury, the Crew Cab model impresses with its spacious interior. Mileage reaches up to 23 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The truck’s ride can be firm, but its intuitive handling and well-tuned powertrains promise a reliable and straightforward driving experience, solidifying its position as a dependable half-ton contender.
2024 GMC Sierra 1500
MotoPickers Rating: 8.3/10
The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500, with starting prices ranging from $46,700 to $82,500, caters to diverse needs, from towing and hauling to family transportation. The Crew Cab model emphasizes comfort with its spacious seating, proving ideal for long journeys. This full-size truck’s engine lineup starts with a 305 horsepower unit and can reach 420 horsepower, providing substantial power for acceleration and demanding tasks.
This versatile vehicle offers rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options, addressing the demand for a truck capable on city streets and off-road. Drivers can optimize fuel economy with a 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel option offering 23 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The 2024 enhancements, such as active exhaust systems power-retractable side steps and the AT4X’s trim’s new standard diesel engine, add to the truck’s versatility, ensuring it delivers reliable performance across a broad spectrum of uses.
2024 Ford F-150
MotoPickers Rating: 8.3/10
The 2024 Ford F-150 revitalizes the full-size pickup truck experience with a standard 12” touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, bridging the gap between practical workhorse and luxurious off-road champion. Varied powertrain options include EcoBoost engines and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Starting at $36,770, the F-150’s strength impresses, offering 325 to 720 horsepower across its models, alongside fuel-efficient variants with ratings of up to 22 MPG city and 25 MPG highway.
The F-150 reinforces confidence with class-leading 13,500-lb maximum towing and 1,755-lb payload ratings. It accommodates up to six people comfortably, with options for 4WD or RWD to navigate challenging terrains smoothly. The introduction of the Pro Access Tailgate highlights its enhanced utility, allowing drivers to access the bed when trailering more easily. However, potential buyers should note the Raptor model’s lower fuel efficiency and the reported less responsive brakes on the hybrid version.
2024 Ram 1500
MotoPickers Rating: 8.6/10
Starting at $39,420 and peaking at $96,585, the 2024 Ram 1500 defines luxury in the full-size pickup segment, boasting an interior that surpasses its rivals in comfort. It offers a powertrain spectrum from a 305 horsepower V6 to a potent 702 horsepower V8, catering to various driving needs with strength and versatility. This model is celebrated for its smooth ride and robust job-handling capabilities, yet the scarcity of standard driver-assistance features is worth noting.
With a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds, the Ram 1500 slightly trails behind some competitors but remains a formidable choice. It provides flexibility with RWD and 4WD options, extended and crew cab styles, and two bed lengths. Despite its size, the Ram 1500 achieves up to a respectable 20 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. As 2024 marks the end of the TRX trim and the diesel V6 engine, upcoming 2025 updates are eagerly anticipated.
2024 Jeep Gladiator
MotoPickers Rating: 8.7/10
Starting at $37,895, the 2024 Jeep Gladiator introduces a bold new design with a rounded grille inspired by the Jeep Renegade, moving away from the previous model’s sharp angles. It has a robust 285 horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 gasoline engine, excluding the previously available diesel option. All trims now feature a standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen, enhancing the driving experience with a user-friendly interface in a spacious cabin designed for comfort and utility.
The Gladiator impresses with a towing capacity of up to 7,000 pounds and a payload limit of 1,250, showcasing significant strength for off-road adventures. Its 4WD system ensures reliability across all terrains, complemented by new wheel designs and additional luxury features in the Mojave X and Rubicon X trims, such as steel bumpers, 12-way power-adjustable leather seats, and integrated side curtain airbags for improved safety. Despite its 19 combined MPG, the Gladiator’s on-road handling might not match other mid-size pickups. Still, its off-road capabilities remain unmatched.
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
MotoPickers Rating: 8.7/10
Starting at $26,900, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz distinguishes itself in the compact truck segment by melding comfort with utility, delivering a car-like driving feel paired with modern amenities. It features an optional 10.25” touchscreen for a tech-rich interior and achieves fuel efficiency of 19-22 MPG in the city and 25-27 MPG on the highway, depending on a FWD or AWD configuration.
At its core, the Santa Cruz houses a 191-horsepower four-cylinder engine in the SE and SEL trims, offering commendable fuel economy. For those seeking more vigor, the Night, XRT, and Limited trims provide a 281-horsepower turbocharged engine with AWD, enhancing driveability on diverse terrains. Despite its smaller bed, the Santa Cruz offers innovative storage solutions, although its towing capacity remains modest at 5,000 lbs.
2024 Toyota Tundra Hybrid
MotoPickers Rating: 8.9/10
The 2024 Toyota Tundra Hybrid, starting at $57,625, introduces luxury to the hybrid truck market. Its hybrid system combines a twin-turbocharged V6 with an electric motor, providing a robust 437 horsepower output that boosts towing capacity to 12,000 lbs and enhances performance while maintaining fuel efficiency at 19 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway.
Aesthetically, the Tundra Hybrid marries style with function, offering the TRD Off-Road package’s black exterior accents and color-keyed grille. The Limited trim’s Nightshade package introduces unique styling elements for added distinction. While the hybrid battery’s placement under the rear seats slightly limits interior storage, the 2024 Tundra Hybrid still offers ample cargo space, ensuring a blend of comfort, utility, and power suitable for daily driving and adventures. This model stands out for those desiring a more powerful hybrid pickup.
2024 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2
MotoPickers Rating: 9.0/10
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2, starting at $73,590, is an ideal full-size truck for those seeking a balance between power and fuel efficiency in the off-road segment. It is powered by a 305-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax diesel engine, delivering 495 lb-ft of torque, or an optional 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 engine, providing 460 lb-ft of torque. Each is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission for significant power across tough terrains and 21 combined MPG.
For off-road enthusiasts, the ZR2 is equipped with a 4WD system, electronic-locking front and rear differentials, and a suspension system designed for challenging environments. It’s supported by 18-inch wheels, a unique skid-plate package, and a high-mounted steel bumper for a 31.8-degree approach angle, enhancing capability on steep inclines.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers your most pressing queries about the fuel efficiency of 2024 and 2025 truck models, focusing on hybrid vehicles, small trucks, and other general advancements in fuel economy.
What are the top fuel-efficient hybrid trucks expected in 2024?
The 2024 Ford Maverick is set to distinguish itself with a hybrid engine, promising unmatched fuel efficiency among pickups.
This feature positions the Maverick as a leader in sustainable driving within its segment, appealing to eco-conscious drivers seeking efficiency without sacrificing utility.
Which small trucks are projected to offer the best gas mileage in 2024?
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz stands out among fuel-efficient small trucks, known for its car-like handling.
This characteristic ensures a smooth and responsive driving experience. Additionally, its impressive warranty significantly boosts its attractiveness, offering peace of mind to owners alongside a competitive maximum 27 MPG highway fuel rating.
What advancements in fuel economy are anticipated for full-size 4×4 trucks in 2024?
Manufacturers plan to enhance the fuel economy of 2024 full-size 4×4 trucks through innovations such as advanced aerodynamics, lighter materials, and more efficient powertrains.
These improvements aim to reduce fuel consumption without compromising the pickup segment’s utility and performance.
Which upcoming trucks are likely to achieve 30 mpg or more?
The 2025 Ram 1500, equipped with its EcoDiesel engine, is a leading contender for exceeding the 30 MPG threshold.
This development highlights the trend towards eco-friendly performance in the full-size truck category, specifically within diesel powertrains.
How are truck manufacturers planning to increase fuel efficiency in 2025 models?
The 2025 models are set to leverage electrification, enhanced transmission systems, and auto start-stop technology. These advancements aim to redefine fuel efficiency standards.
By incorporating these technologies, manufacturers target significant improvements in fuel economy, setting new benchmarks for efficiency across models.
What are the leading fuel-efficient trucks in the mid-size category for 2024?
The Ford Ranger, especially in the XL SuperCrew trim, features a 2.3L I4 Turbo engine, promising 21 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on highways for an impressive balance of power and economy.
A 4WD configuration only drops this standard fuel efficiency rating by one mile.