Last Updated on July 7, 2022
In today’s uncertain economy, fuel prices continue to rise. This isn’t good news, especially for people who drive everyday. Trips to the gas station will quickly add up. Frequent trips to refill – too expensive to imagine. If you want to save money on gas, a lifehack to try is buying a used truck, one with good mileage. But what are the best used trucks with good gas mileage? If you’ve pondered this question then keep reading. We have some answers.
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In fact, we have nine. Here are nine trucks (plus two Hybrid versions) with the best mileage from 2009-2016.
Best Gas Mileage for Compact Pickup Trucks
In the category of compact pickup trucks, the trucks listed below have 25 highway mpg or more. Many in this group offer 23 highway mpg, which is also about average for this category
List of compact pickup trucks alongside highway miles per gallon.
| Truck Model | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
| Chevrolet Colorado | 24 | 25 | 24 | 24 | x | x | 25 | 31 |
| Ford Ranger | 26 | 24 | 23 | x | x | x | x | x |
| GMC Canyon | 24 | 25 | 24 | 24 | x | x | 25 | 31 |
| Toyota Tacoma | 26 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 21 | 24 | 21 | 23 |
All of these trucks offered between 25 mpg and 27 mpg until 2016. In that year, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon provided up to 31 mpg. For city driving, city mpg tops out at 22 mpg for the Ford Ranger, 21 mpg for the Toyota Tacoma, and 18 mpg for the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.
Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon
The Chevrolet Colorado (2004-present) and GMC Canyon (2004-present) offered three trim levels and three cab configurations: two-door regular cab, four-door extended-cab, and four-door crew-cab. In addition, there were three different suspension options: Z85 base suspension, Z/71 off-road suspension, ZQ8 sport suspension. The vehicles even had hands-free Bluetooth capability.
In 2015, the company introduced an optional OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with on-board wifi, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. For the year 2016, trucks could be equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto smartphone integration.
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger (1983-2012) went through three generations. It remained among the highest-selling compact trucks until the demand for compact trucks significantly decreased in sales. The third-generation Ranger (2001) received a redesigned frame with a longer wheelbase to accommodate the larger two-door cab. In 2004, the company introduced new front seats, a new instrument panel, and new steering wheel. Then in 2010, as with the two previous generations, a rear-wheel drive configuration was standard, but the extended bed was no longer an option.
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma (1995-present) has been in its third generation since model year 2016. The second generation began in 2005. Four years later in 2009, Toyota revised the grille, changed to LED taillamps, and introduced auxiliary audio input and optional backup monitor. Later, in 2012, Toyota restyled the front bumper, headlights, grille, hood, and interior. They added a shark fin antenna for SiriusXM satellite radio, which they later removed and added a touch screen audio system. Toyota added the SR trim in 2014 and discontinued the regular cab model in 2015.
Best Gas Mileage for Full-size Pickup Trucks
Full-size pickup trucks aren’t as fuel efficient as compact pickup trucks. Those featured in this list have at least 21 highway mpg.
List of full-size pickup trucks alongside highway miles per gallon.
| Truck Model | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
| Chevrolet Avalanche | 20 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | x | x | x |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid | 22 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | x | x | 24 |
| Dodge Ram 1500 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 25 | 28 | x | 29 |
| Ford F-150 | 19 | 21 | 18 | 18 | 23 | 22 | 26 | 24 |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 24 | 20 | 20 |
| GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid | 22 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | x | x | x |
Fuel efficiency increases as the age of the truck decreases. In 2009, the top trucks offered only 22 mpg. Afterwards, in 2011, hybrid models of the Silverado and Sierra offered 23 mpg, though they were discontinued in 2013 due to poor sales. Then in the same year, Ford pushed the F-150 to 23 mpg and Dodge pushed their Ram 1500 to 25 mpg. Following in 2014, Silverado and Sierra offered 24 mpg and the Ram increased to 28 mpg. The 2015 F-150 increased to 26 mpg and the 2016 Ram increased to 29 mpg.
Chevrolet Avalanche
The Chevrolet Avalanche (2002-2013) is one of the few Chevrolet trucks that doesn’t have a GMC counterpart. The second-generation Avalanche (2007-2013) came in three trim levels. The base model LS included: 17-inch alloy wheels and tires, cloth seating surfaces, aluminum interior trim, traction control, StabiliTrak, OnStar telematics, and keyless entry.
The mid-level LT added power dual front bucket seats, wood interior trim, remote start, XM Satellite Radio, and Bluetooth. The top-of-the-line LTZ added 20-inch polished alloy wheels and tires, leather seating surfaces, and self-leveling Auto Ride suspension, and rear seat audio and video system controls.
Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra
The Chevrolet Silverado (1999-present) and GMC Sierra (1988-present) are nearly identical except in branding. Both 2009 models included Bluetooth, optional rear vision camera, and an integrated trailer brake controller. The 2010 models included more cup holders and a 5.3L V8 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission on regular cab models. In 2012, the Silverado was given new grille and front fascia treatments, standard trailer sway control, and a hill start assist on all models. In 2014, GM dropped the 900 truck platform and changed to K2XX. The company added Chevrolet’s MyLink touch-screen multimedia interface system, USB hookups, and streaming music.
Dodge Ram 1500
In 2010, Ram Trucks (1981-present) were separated from the Dodge brand. The 2009 model included a new four-door cab style offering, new suspension, a new semi engine option, and standard true four-door crew cab. In the year 2013, models featured a new front fascia, and optional projector-beam halogen headlamps with LED turn signals/parking lamps. On the wheels and interior, the word “RAM” replaced “DODGE”. There were also revised engine and transmission options, optional air suspension seats, keyless ignition, and a new infotainment systems.
Ford F-150
The F-150 (1948-present) kicked off its 12th generation in 2009. These models featured Super Duty-style grilles and head lamps. In 2010, Ford discontinued the FlareSide bed and manual gearbox, but they also introduced a computerized and programmable body control module. For 2011, Ford updated the entire engine lineup to privilege fuel economy, so manual versions were discontinued. Then in 2015, Ford boosted fuel economy even further with their 13th generation of F-Series trucks. In these models, they decreased the weight of the truck by replacing steel panels with aluminum ones.
Drive efficiently today
Increased fuel prices are a reality of today, but thankfully there is a solution. As fuel prices continue to rise, so do the fuel economies of each new generation of truck. What’s left is to pick the truck that best matches your needs, saves you the most money, and takes you the furthest before the next refill. Doing your research now will save you from hassle later. Start searching for a fuel efficient used car today.