Why there is no ranked list here
Rankings of the “most efficient trucks” age quickly and rarely compare like with like. A small pickup, a full-size pickup and a work van are bought for different jobs. This article skips the ranking and explains what actually makes a truck use more or less fuel, so you can judge any model that comes along.
Why trucks tend to use more fuel
Trucks are built to carry and pull. That brings design choices that cost fuel.
- Weight. A strong frame, thick body and heavy-duty parts make trucks heavier than most cars, and moving mass takes energy, especially in stop-and-go driving.
- Shape. A tall, boxy front and an open bed create more air resistance than a sleek car, and the effect grows as speed rises.
- Size of the engine. Larger engines are common because they offer power for towing, though they are not always more thirsty in everyday use.
- Drivetrain. Four-wheel drive adds components and weight. It is valuable in snow, mud or off-road use but costs some efficiency when not needed.
- Tires. Large, deep-tread tires add rolling resistance and weight.
What drives fuel use on the road
Load and towing. Carrying a heavy payload or pulling a trailer raises fuel use, often by a large amount. Towing also adds air resistance from the trailer itself. If you only occasionally tow, do not buy a truck for that rare case alone, since you pay for it every day in fuel.
Empty bed, extra gear. Tools, toolboxes and unnecessary cargo add weight. Taking out what you do not use helps. Roof racks and bed accessories can also add drag.
Speed. Highway speeds raise air resistance quickly, so driving a little slower often reduces fuel use. The effect is greater for tall vehicles like trucks.
Driving style. Smooth driving matters more in a heavy vehicle, because accelerating and braking hard wastes more energy. Leave plenty of space and anticipate traffic. In windy conditions, driving high-sided vehicles requires care, and crosswinds can also increase fuel use by adding drag.
Idling. Letting a truck idle for long periods burns fuel while going nowhere. Turning the engine off during longer waits is usually more economical, within what is safe and practical.
Tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, and trucks often need different pressures when loaded. Check your door-jamb label or owner’s manual, and keep the tires inflated correctly for the load you carry.
Condition and maintenance. A dirty air filter, worn spark plugs on a petrol engine, or the wrong oil grade can affect economy. Following regular servicing intervals and using the oil viscosity the maker specifies are sensible habits.
Engine and drivetrain choices
Trucks are generally offered with several powertrains. Exact options depend on the region and the year, but the main categories are:
- Smaller petrol engines, which can be economical for lighter use.
- Larger petrol engines, which give more towing power and can feel more relaxed under load.
- Diesel engines, which often suit heavy towing and long distances, and can offer good economy under load. Their purchase cost, fuel cost and emissions rules vary by place.
- Hybrid and electric trucks, which are becoming more available in some markets. They may reduce fuel use, although towing and heavy loads can shorten electric range considerably. The trade-offs are explained in our overview of electric vehicles.
- Two-wheel drive versus four-wheel drive. If you rarely face poor traction, two-wheel drive is lighter and simpler.
The most efficient choice is usually the smallest truck and engine that does your real jobs comfortably. An engine that is working near its limit all the time can use more fuel than a slightly larger one working easily, so do not pick the smallest engine just on paper.
How to choose an efficient truck
- Define the job. List how often you carry loads or tow, the heaviest weight, and the distance driven. Many people overbuy.
- Check ratings and capacities. Compare payload and towing limits against your needs, with a margin for safety. Never exceed the rated limits.
- Look at official fuel economy figures. Compare trucks of the same size, with the same engine and drive type, using your country’s published source. Ratings are measured without a trailer, so towing will raise consumption.
- Consider the body. Cab size, bed length and ride height all influence weight and drag.
- Think about total cost. The cost of fuel is only one piece. Insurance, repairs and depreciation all matter, and the same applies to fuel costs, which depend on how much you drive. If reliability is a concern, our article on reliable trucks covers what to look for.
- Test drive with your use in mind, and ask the seller about real-world experience.
A simple illustration
As a hypothetical example, suppose a driver covers 12,000 miles a year and a truck uses 20 miles per gallon. That is 600 gallons a year. A truck managing 24 miles per gallon would use 500 gallons, 100 fewer. The money saved would depend entirely on local fuel prices. The numbers are purely illustrative; check your own mileage and the figures for the trucks you are considering.
Keeping it realistic
No truck is as frugal as a small car, so efficiency for a truck is about avoiding waste: choosing the right size, carrying only what you need, keeping the tires correct and driving smoothly. These habits usually matter more than small differences between models.