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Trucks with Best MPG of 2022
Talking about trucks with the best mpg sounds a bit like an oxymoron - the two terms go together as well as water and oil. However, that isn’t to say that some are unable to buck the trend. If you need a pickup that doesn’t require daily visits to the gas station, we’ve rounded up the best of them based on our team’s extensive evaluations of each. Using EPA-rated figures, we compare the economy numbers of the best machines with their closest rivals. Our reviews also highlight the most fuel-efficient option within each range and the powertrain setups that will save you the most cash over time.
Of course, our assessments go deeper than that. We take into account everything from exterior design to cabin layout, safety equipment, ride/handling dynamics, and reliability. Our knowledgeable reviewers also point out if your top pick is reaching the end of its production cycle, in which case it may not be best to buy right now. Whatever you need to know, our ranking of the best MPG trucks has it covered.
BuzzScore
Design
Performance
MPG
Interior
Infotainment
Reliability
Safety
Value
What to Consider Before Buying
These are traditionally heavy machines designed to do hard work, so they often rely on engines that focus on power over efficiency. Six- and eight-cylinder configurations dominate the market, but thanks to the abundance of turbochargers, some four-cylinder setups can do the same work at less cost.
So why do so many manufacturers still cling to the larger V6 and V8s?
Pros
- Power on demand
- Tried and tested over the years
- The roar of a V8 is like music to the ears of a gearhead
- More horsepower and torque to go around in 4WD
Cons
- Horrendous mileage
- Can feel unrefined without the right gearbox
- It’s impossible to keep a low profile with such a loud engine
Pickup with the Best MPG
So, you’ll likely want to know which model we rate as the pickup truck with the best mpg. Based on our research, the Ram 1500 takes the number one spot with a best gas mileage of 22/32/26 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles when equipped with its diesel powertrain and rear-wheel-drive. But it earns high marks in other areas, too, including its rugged aesthetic and modern infotainment suite.
Other Trucks with High MPG Figures
While they do not get the best mpg for trucks, when held in comparison to the Ram 1500, there are a number that still chart quite well.
- Ford offers the F-150, its Raptor variant, and the Ford Ranger. Powered by one of the rare turbo-four-pots, the Ranger maxes out at 21/26/23, while the Raptor gets a pathetic 15/18/16 thanks to its unrefined V6 and standard 4x4 drivetrain.
- Jeep is another big name in the off-roading segment. The Gladiator makes its way into our top five, with best figures of 17/22/19 or 16/23/19 depending on whether or not you opt for the manual gearbox.
- Another USA brand, the Chevrolet Colorado comes in just under the top five. With access to either a diesel or gasoline powertrain, in four- or six-cylinder form, the Chevy boasts quite competitive figures of 20/30/23.
FAQs
What 2022 truck gets the best gas mileage?
While not by all that much, the Ram 1500 stands ahead of the pack with impressive (for the segment) fuel economy figures of 22/32/26 mpg in the city/highway/combined cycles. It will certainly never earn an award as the most economical vehicle ever, but it’s a great role model for the segment.
Are there any affordable pickups with good fuel economy?
Naturally, if you wish to pay less on the gas bill, you would welcome the same to be true on the initial invoice. There are a number of options available for less than $30k, but the cheapest new machine in 2022 is the Chevrolet Colorado, with a starting MSRP of over $21k. Alternatively, buyers could look towards used cars from 2019, 2018, or 2017.
Are there any hybrid/electric options?
Cars are moving away from fossil fuels, that is true, but not every segment is doing so with the same gusto. Sedans and SUVs are quite readily available with hybrid powertrains, or even in full electric form, but the same is not true for these more rugged vehicles. A few of the small and mid-size pickups have adopted hybridization, but the full-size models still seem determined to stick with multi-cylinder engines.