Gas Guzzlers And Long-Haul Legends
Pickup trucks are built for muscle, not mileage—but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your wallet at every fuel stop. Some trucks drink fuel like it’s happy hour, while others sip it like they’re on a budget. With gas prices doing their usual rollercoaster routine, it becomes important for buyers to know which models are fuel fiends and which ones go the distance. Here’s the ultimate MPG breakdown, starting with the thirstiest trucks.
1. Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 6.4L HEMI
This V8-powered workhorse sacrifices mileage for muscle. EPA ratings hover around 12 mpg combined, with city driving dipping below 11 mpg. Moreover, in real-world towing tests, it has dropped to a mere 8 mpg, especially when hauling fifth-wheel trailers.
2021 Ram 2500 6.4L Hemi - Ownership Review by Arch417 Powersports
2. Ford F-150 Raptor (3.5L EcoBoost)
Despite the "Eco" in EcoBoost, the Raptor prioritizes power. Off-road packages and all-terrain tires reduce the truck’s mileage. Its twin-turbo V6 cranks out 450 hp but averages just 16 mpg combined. Some owners even report highway mileage falling below 13 mpg.
New FORD F150 Raptor - 3 5L Luxury Pickup Truck! by CarShow TV
3. Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 6.6L Gas V8
Rather than opting for the Duramax diesel, going gas-powered in this Silverado means settling for around 14 mpg combined. When loaded, it often sinks closer to 10 mpg. Its 36-gallon tank helps range, but refueling comes frequently under pressure.
First Drive: 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 6.6L V8 Gas Work Truck by Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk
4. Toyota Tundra (2021 And Earlier)
Older Tundra models having the 5.7L V8 were less efficient. With EPA estimates around 13–15 mpg, they lagged behind competitors even when empty. Many owners also reported single-digit mpg while towing or during city commutes, especially in the TRD Pro configuration.
5. Nissan Titan XD (Gas Version)
The Titan XD sits awkwardly between half-ton and heavy-duty classes. Its 5.6L V8 returns about 15 mpg combined, with highway numbers often struggling to exceed 17. Payload and towing don’t justify the extra fuel burden over a regular Titan.
6. GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X
The AT4X’s EPA combined rating sits at 15 mpg. Add the mud-terrain tires and aggressive gearing, and real-world numbers can fall to 13 mpg or less. Equipped with the 6.2L V8, the truck is built for off-road performance, not fuel savings.
2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X | Walkaround and Review by Walser Buick GMC Bloomington
7. Ram TRX (6.2L Supercharged V8)
This 702-hp beast achieves just 10 mpg in cities and 14 mpg on highways. Combined ratings settle at 12 mpg, and spirited driving easily drops that number. Although offering Hellcat-level thrills, the truck requires refueling every 250 miles.
2022 RAM TRX 6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8 Exhaust Sound w/ Muffler Delete! by Exhaust Addicts
8. Chevrolet Avalanche (2013 Final Model Year)
Before its discontinuation, the Avalanche struggled with efficiency. Its 5.3L V8 offered just 15 mpg combined, with a bulky build that hurt aerodynamics. The older six-speed transmission also contributed to inefficient gear ratios when climbing hills or towing loads.
9. Ford F-250 Super Duty 7.3L V8
The F-250’s “Godzilla” engine delivers reliable torque at the cost of mileage. Drivers generally expect around 12–13 mpg combined. But yet again, real-world tests with trailers frequently drop numbers to 9 mpg, and that’s without upgrading to heavier off-road packages.
Is the 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty 7.3L V8 Lariat the KING of BIG trucks? by Raiti's Rides
10. Hummer H2 SUT (2005–2009)
The Hummer H2 SUT was more about presence than practicality, and its fuel economy proved it. Powered by a 6.0L or 6.2L V8, the truck managed a dismal 10–12 mpg combined. Weighing over 6,400 pounds, it guzzled fuel even during light driving.
RL GNZLZ from Chile on Wikimedia
Thankfully, not every pickup drains your wallet at the pump. Some models balance utility and efficiency, delivering a serious range without constant refueling. Here are the top 10 examples.
1. Ford Maverick Hybrid
With a combined EPA rating of 37 mpg, the Maverick Hybrid is more efficient than many sedans. Its 2.5L Atkinson-cycle engine and regenerative braking system make it ideal for commuting. Many owners report over 600 miles per tank, redefining what a pickup can deliver.
2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid Review // Crazy good fuel economy! by Motormouth
2. Ram 1500 EcoDiesel (3.0L V6)
Thanks to its torque-heavy diesel engine, the EcoDiesel Ram achieves 26 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg combined. Towing light loads barely dents efficiency, and its 33-gallon tank means fewer stops. Drivers have logged over 1,000 miles on a single fill-up under optimal conditions.
RAM 1500 3L EcoDIESEL V6 Engine *Diesel Mechanic Review* | Why The BAD REPUTATION? by Getty's Garage
3. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Duramax Diesel
This 3.0L inline-six diesel engine offers an impressive balance of power and efficiency. Owners praise its cruising range, which can exceed 700 miles, with the optional 24-gallon tank. With up to 29 mpg highway, it leads its class in fuel economy.
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Duramax Diesel | MotorWeek Road Test by MotorWeek
4. Hyundai Santa Cruz (FWD)
The front-wheel-drive version with a 2.5L engine reaches 23 mpg combined. It’s ideal for urban users who need a light utility with low running costs, and its unibody design reduces drag. Although its looks have mixed reviews, Santa Cruz’s fuel economy earns it praise.
5. GMC Sierra 1500 Duramax Diesel
Matching the Silverado sibling, the Duramax-powered Sierra offers 26–29 mpg on highways. A smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission helps maximize efficiency. In highway driving with minimal cargo, some drivers report exceeding 30 mpg—outpacing several midsize competitors despite the Sierra’s full-size footprint.
6. Toyota Tacoma (2WD, 2.7L I4)
Choosing the 2.4L turbo four-cylinder engine and two-wheel drive configuration yields better fuel economy. This setup delivers 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. While the Tacoma has some flaws, it’s a fuel-conscious option for those who don’t need the V6's added weight or performance.
7. Honda Ridgeline (3.5L V6)
Its unibody design gives it car-like fuel economy. The Ridgeline manages 18 mpg city and 24 highway—competitive for a midsize truck with standard all-wheel drive. Thanks to its smooth six-speed automatic and aerodynamic profile, many drivers enjoy consistent highway mileage above EPA estimates.
Paul Albrechtcrop: McChizzle on Wikimedia
8. Chevrolet Colorado 2.8L Duramax Diesel (2022 And Earlier)
Before its discontinuation, the diesel-powered Colorado offered surprising efficiency. It delivered up to 30 mpg highway and a 600+ mile range. Compact dimensions and lightweight construction helped it outperform even some hybrid SUVs under certain conditions.
9. Ford Ranger (2WD, 2.3L EcoBoost)
This midsize turbocharged option blends fuel savings with punchy performance. Owners appreciate its range of nearly 500 miles per tank, especially when cruising at moderate speeds without load. With rear-wheel drive, the Ranger achieves 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
2019-2022 Ranger: Whipple 2.3L EcoBoost Stage 1 Kit | Install, Dyno, 0-60 MPH by Steeda
10. Nissan Frontier (2022+)
The redesigned Frontier features a 3.8L V6 that balances power and efficiency. It offers 19 mpg city and 24 highway in 2WD form. The Frontier may not be class-leading, but its 310-hp output and 9-speed transmission deliver consistent performance without consuming too much fuel.
