When truck shoppers search for the perfect pickup truck to buy, they tend to focus on power and versatility. After all, trucks are known for being heavy-duty workhorses capable of hauling and towing massive items. An important factor to take into consideration, however, is fuel economy.
Although trucks don’t have stellar fuel economy compared to their car counterparts, purchasing a fuel-efficient truck can still save you thousands of dollars at the pump. We’re here to make your shopping experience easier by identifying the least and most fuel-efficient trucks of 2020.
Most Fuel-Efficient Trucks of 2020
It’s important to note that gas vs. diesel engines make a considerable difference in a truck’s gas mileage. Although diesel trucks are more fuel-efficient, you can expect to pay a hefty price for them.
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the most fuel-efficient 2020 pickup trucks for gas and diesel engines.
Check out our list below for the most fuel-efficient trucks of 2020.
2020 Chevrolet Silverado RWD (Diesel)
The Silverado is ranked the most fuel-efficient truck of 2020. To attain maximum fuel efficiency, you will want the rear-wheel-drive configuration. When paired with the Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel I-6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, the Silverado boasts an impressive 27 MPG overall with 23 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.
2020 Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon RWD (Diesel)
The Colorado and Canyon are rated the best mid-size pickup trucks for fuel economy. Although the GMC brand is slightly more luxurious than its Chevrolet counterpart, both pickup trucks contain many similar features. When equipped with a 2.8L four-cylinder diesel engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, the Colorado and Canyon each yield a combined 23 MPG with 20 MPG for city driving and 30 MPG on highways.
2020 Ford Ranger RWD (Gas)
If you seek a gas-based full-size pickup with superior fuel efficiency to the rest of its non-diesel competition, then the 2020 Ford Ranger is right for you. Due to the powerful 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, the Ranger possesses 23 MPG combined with 21 MPG on city streets and 26 MPG at highway speeds.
2020 Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon RWD (Gas)
Once again, the Colorado and Canyon make the list for the most fuel-efficient mid-size trucks of 2020 with a gas engine. The proper configuration to maximize their gas mileage is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic transmission. When choosing this powertrain option, the Colorado and Canyon produce 22 MPG overall with 20 MPG in cities and 26 on highways.
Trucks to Avoid in 2020
If you want to go green and save green, then keep these trucks out of the race when shopping for the best gas mileage trucks of 2020.
2020 Toyota Tundra 4WD (Gas)
Although a highly capable full-size pickup in many ways, the 2020 Toyota Tundra doesn’t quite hit high numbers in the fuel economy department. Under a four-wheel-drive configuration, the Tundra checks in as the least fuel-efficient 2020 truck at a measly 14 MPG combined – 13 MPG for city driving and 17 MPG at highway speeds.
2020 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 4WD (Gas)
The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 pales in comparison to its non-ZR2 rear-wheel drive Colorado brother, ranking as the worst gas mileage mid-size truck of 2020. The Colorado configured with four-wheel drive averages just 17 MPG with 16 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway.
The Future of Fuel-Efficient Trucks
As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, manufacturers are looking for innovative ways to make their trucks cleaner and more fuel-efficient.
All-electric trucks are becoming the future, with Tesla breaking into the truck market with its popular announcement of the Tesla Cybertruck. Longstanding truck manufacturers such as Ford and General Motors have already suggested that their electric pickups will be coming in 2021.
Then, there’s the Rivian R1T, Lordstown Endurance, and Bollinger B2, all of which have entered the pre-ordering process with expected delivery in late 2020. With greater performance and better fuel economy, we can’t wait to see the positive impact that electric trucks will have in the coming years.
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Additional Resources
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