When you’re in the market for a truck, capability and toughness are often top priorities. However, with rising fuel costs, gas mileage has become an increasingly important factor for truck buyers. You need a vehicle that can handle tough jobs without constantly emptying your wallet at the gas pump. Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice fuel efficiency for truck functionality. Modern trucks, especially hybrid and diesel models, are engineered to offer impressive MPG, saving you money and reducing your environmental footprint.
In this guide, we’ll explore the trucks leading the pack in fuel economy for the 2025 model year, covering both brand-new hybrid innovations and efficient traditional gas and diesel options. We’ll also delve into reliable used trucks known for their lasting fuel efficiency. Whether you prioritize cutting-edge hybrid technology or proven gas or diesel performance, we’ll help you discover the truck that balances power and economy to meet your needs.
New Trucks with Exceptional Gas Mileage
The automotive industry is rapidly evolving, and truck manufacturers are at the forefront of fuel-efficiency innovation. Hybrid powertrains are revolutionizing the truck segment, offering gas mileage figures previously unheard of for these robust vehicles. Even traditional gas and diesel trucks are seeing advancements in engine technology to maximize MPG.
Leading Hybrid Trucks for Fuel Savings
Hybrid trucks represent a significant leap forward in fuel economy. By combining gasoline engines with electric motors, these trucks deliver impressive MPG, particularly in city driving where stop-and-go traffic allows for greater electric motor utilization. Here are some of the best hybrid trucks available in 2025:
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Ford Maverick Hybrid (2025): The Ford Maverick Hybrid stands out as the MPG leader in the truck category. Boasting an EPA-estimated 42 MPG city and 33 MPG highway, the Maverick Hybrid offers car-like fuel economy in a versatile truck package. Its standard hybrid powertrain provides ample power for daily tasks while minimizing fuel consumption, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize efficiency without compromising truck utility.
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Toyota Tacoma Hybrid (2025): Toyota’s reputation for reliability extends to its hybrid technology, and the 2025 Tacoma Hybrid is no exception. While official MPG figures may vary slightly depending on configuration, early estimates suggest up to 23 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. The Tacoma Hybrid blends Toyota’s legendary off-road capability with enhanced fuel efficiency, appealing to adventurers who want to explore without excessive gas costs.
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Ford F-150 Hybrid (2025): For those needing the greater capability of a full-size truck, the Ford F-150 Hybrid offers a compelling combination of power and efficiency. Achieving up to 22 MPG city and 24 MPG highway, the F-150 Hybrid provides significant fuel savings compared to traditional gasoline-only full-size trucks. It’s a smart choice for drivers who require robust towing and hauling capacity while still being mindful of fuel consumption.
Black Ford Raptor truck, a powerful model, illustrating truck variety when considering fuel efficiency.
Top Gas Mileage for Non-Hybrid Trucks
If you prefer a traditional gasoline engine or diesel powertrain, there are still excellent options for achieving good gas mileage in a truck. Diesel engines, in particular, are known for their fuel efficiency, especially in highway driving and when towing. Here are some of the top non-hybrid trucks for gas mileage:
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Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Diesel (2025): The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the diesel engine option delivers impressive fuel economy for a full-size truck. Offering up to 23 MPG city and an outstanding 33 MPG highway, the Silverado Diesel is a fuel-sipping workhorse. Its diesel engine provides ample torque for towing and hauling while maintaining excellent MPG on long drives.
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GMC Sierra 1500 Diesel (2025): Sharing the same efficient diesel engine as its Chevrolet counterpart, the GMC Sierra 1500 Diesel also achieves up to 23 MPG city, though slightly less on the highway at 29 MPG. The Sierra Diesel provides a refined driving experience with robust capability and impressive fuel efficiency, making it a strong contender in the fuel-conscious truck market.
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Hyundai Santa Cruz (2025): The Hyundai Santa Cruz, while classified as a compact pickup, offers a unique blend of SUV comfort and truck versatility with respectable gas mileage. Achieving up to 19 MPG city and 27 MPG highway, the Santa Cruz is a fuel-efficient option for those who need light-duty truck capabilities in a smaller, more maneuverable package.
Fuel-Efficient Used Trucks: Smart Budget Choices
Purchasing a used truck can be a financially savvy way to get the truck you need while saving money upfront. Fortunately, there are several used truck models known for their enduring fuel efficiency. These trucks offer a balance of affordability and MPG, making them excellent choices for budget-conscious buyers.
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Ram 1500 EcoDiesel (2014-2022): The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, produced for several model years, consistently delivered excellent fuel economy. Owners have reported up to 22 MPG city and 32 MPG highway with this diesel engine. A used Ram 1500 EcoDiesel offers a comfortable ride, strong towing capacity, and impressive MPG, making it a popular choice in the used truck market.
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Chevrolet Colorado Diesel (2016-2022): The Chevrolet Colorado Diesel, another mid-size diesel truck, is also known for its fuel efficiency. Achieving up to 20 MPG city and 30 MPG highway, the Colorado Diesel provides a good balance of size, capability, and MPG. Used models are readily available and offer a cost-effective way to own a fuel-efficient diesel truck.
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Ford Ranger (2019-2024): The Ford Ranger, reintroduced to the US market in 2019, offers solid gas mileage for a mid-size gasoline-powered truck. Certain models achieve up to 21 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. A used Ford Ranger is a reliable and fuel-efficient option in the mid-size truck segment, suitable for both daily driving and weekend adventures.
FAQs About Maximizing Truck MPG
Choosing a fuel-efficient truck involves understanding various factors that impact gas mileage. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision:
1. Which Truck Type is Most Fuel-Efficient in 2025?
Currently, hybrid trucks are the most fuel-efficient type of truck. The Ford Maverick Hybrid leads the market with its exceptional MPG ratings. Hybrid technology significantly enhances fuel economy, especially in city driving conditions. For non-hybrid options, diesel trucks generally offer the best MPG among traditional powertrains.
2. Do Diesel Engines Really Offer Better Fuel Economy Than Gas Engines in Trucks?
Yes, diesel engines are typically more fuel-efficient than comparable gasoline engines in trucks, particularly for highway driving and heavy-duty tasks. Diesel fuel contains more energy per gallon than gasoline, and diesel engines are designed to be more efficient at lower RPMs, which is beneficial for towing and hauling. However, diesel fuel prices and maintenance costs should also be considered.
3. What is Considered Good MPG for a Truck in 2025?
“Good” MPG for a truck in 2025 depends on the truck type and class. For full-size trucks, achieving 20-25 MPG combined is considered good. Mid-size trucks often aim for 22-28 MPG combined, and compact trucks like the Maverick Hybrid can reach over 35 MPG combined. Hybrid and diesel models generally exceed the MPG of traditional gasoline trucks. The average MPG for trucks is improving due to advancements in engine and powertrain technology.
4. Are Hybrid Trucks a Worthwhile Investment for Fuel Savings?
Absolutely. Hybrid trucks, while often having a higher initial purchase price, can be a very worthwhile investment for long-term fuel savings. The fuel savings over the lifespan of a hybrid truck can often offset the initial price difference compared to a gasoline-only model. As mentioned by Consumer Reports, hybrid vehicles can save drivers thousands of dollars in fuel costs over their lifespan. The higher your mileage and the more city driving you do, the greater the fuel savings from a hybrid truck will be.
5. How Significantly Does Towing Impact Truck Gas Mileage?
Towing has a substantial impact on truck gas mileage. As a general rule, fuel efficiency can decrease by approximately 2% for every extra 100 pounds of weight being towed. This reduction is due to the increased workload on the engine and transmission. Factors like towing speed, terrain, and aerodynamics of the towed load also influence fuel economy. While some reduction in MPG is inevitable when towing, maintaining steady speeds and avoiding aggressive acceleration can help minimize the impact.
Experience Fuel-Efficient Trucks Firsthand
The best way to determine which fuel-efficient truck is right for you is to experience it in person. At Mathews Ford, we offer a wide selection of fuel-efficient pickup trucks, including the Ford Maverick Hybrid, Ford F-150 Hybrid, and Ford Ranger. Visit our dealership today to explore our inventory and talk to our knowledgeable staff. You can also schedule a test drive online to get behind the wheel and experience the fuel efficiency and performance of these impressive trucks for yourself. Start saving money at the pump without compromising on the capability you need – find your fuel-efficient truck at Mathews Ford.
