Best Fuel Mileage: Diesel Pickups Compared

what diesel pickup gets the best fuel mileage

With the rise of electric vehicles, diesel-powered trucks are becoming less common. However, some automakers like Chevrolet and Ford still offer diesel trucks that provide strong fuel efficiency. Various factors influence the fuel economy of a diesel pickup truck, including the weight of the vehicle, its condition, any modifications made, and driving style. When it comes to diesel trucks, finding options with well over 20 mpg combined is relatively easy. The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, for example, boasts an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The 2025 Ram 1500 HFE achieves 26 mpg on the highway, and the 2023 model with the EcoDiesel engine delivers 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The GMC Canyon, a popular pickup, offers a 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, resulting in 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The Jeep Gladiator, equipped with a 3.0L EcoDiesel engine, provides 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. These options showcase the range of diesel pickup trucks available with competitive fuel mileage.

Characteristics Values
Best diesel pickup for fuel mileage 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Fuel economy 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway
Average fuel economy 23.2 mpg
Power 305 horsepower
Torque 495 lb-ft of torque
Engine 3.0-liter Duramax engine
Transmission 10-speed automatic transmission
Fuel economy factors Usage, weight of the vehicle, condition, modifications, and driving style

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The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The Silverado 1500's fuel efficiency is impressive, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Real-world results on Fuelly show that the Chevy Silverado 1500 with a 3.0L LZ0 engine averages 23.2 mpg, surpassing the Ram EcoDiesel. The Silverado 1500 Diesel maintains its efficiency even when towing heavy loads or cruising on the highway, proving that you don't have to compromise on capability to get great mileage.

The Silverado 1500 has four powerful engine options, each providing exceptional performance alongside fuel economy. The diesel engine option is the most fuel-efficient, with up to 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The exact fuel economy figures depend on the drivetrain and the engine you choose.

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Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel pickup truck was first introduced in 2014 as the first light-duty diesel engine option in the half-ton pickup segment. It was known for its robust construction, durability, and longevity. The 3.0-liter V6 engine offered a balance of performance, fuel efficiency, and low emissions. With 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, it achieved an impressive fuel economy of up to 32 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway, outperforming many of its competitors.

The EcoDiesel engine was a popular choice among Ram 1500 buyers, particularly those seeking a combination of power, efficiency, and lower emissions. It received multiple accolades, including the Green Truck of the Year award and recognition from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its efficiency. The engine incorporated advanced emissions control technologies, such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems, to meet stringent environmental regulations and reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.

However, Ram ended production of the 1500 EcoDiesel in January 2023 as part of its strategy to shift towards electrification. The final units of the EcoDiesel engine were manufactured in January 2023, and newer models of the Ram 1500 no longer include diesel engines. Despite this, the EcoDiesel engine left a lasting legacy in the light-duty truck market, influencing competitors and paving the way for future advancements in eco-friendly automotive technology.

It's important to note that fuel efficiency and mileage can vary based on several factors, including driving conditions, terrain, towing or hauling activities, and proper maintenance of the vehicle. Real-world fuel economy figures may differ from estimated values, and short trips without adequate warm-up periods can impact the performance and mileage of diesel engines.

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GMC Sierra

The GMC Sierra is a popular choice for those seeking a powerful yet fuel-efficient pickup truck. While the specific mileage varies depending on various factors, the GMC Sierra offers impressive fuel economy, especially when compared to other diesel pickups.

The 2023 GMC Sierra SLE 3.0l Duramax is advertised to deliver 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. However, some users have reported achieving slightly lower mileage, closer to 22 mpg on the highway. It's important to note that mileage may vary during the break-in period for a new vehicle. Additionally, factors such as driving speed can impact fuel efficiency, with some users reporting optimal mileage at around 50-60 mph.

The 2023 GMC Sierra AT4 with the 6.2L engine has a wider range of reported mileage, from as low as 10 mpg in the city to a high of 23 mpg on the highway. The window sticker for this model estimates mileage between 15-19 mpg, with 17 mpg expected in the city. However, some users have experienced lower city mileage, averaging closer to 12 mpg.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 stands out for its remarkable fuel efficiency without sacrificing power. It offers four engine choices, each with unique specifications. While the exact mileage may vary based on the chosen engine, the 2024 model is estimated to deliver 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. With certain engine options, the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 can achieve even higher mileage, estimated at 18 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

Compared to other diesel pickups, the GMC Sierra excels in fuel economy. For example, the 2023 Ram 1500 with the 3.0 EcoDiesel engine averages 22.1 mpg, while the GMC Sierra achieves slightly better mileage at 23.7 mpg. The Chevy Silverado 1500 with a 3.0L LZ0 engine also has impressive fuel efficiency, averaging 23.2 mpg, but the GMC Sierra still outperforms it. The GMC Sierra's impressive fuel efficiency, combined with its powerful engine options, makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a balance of performance and efficiency in a diesel pickup.

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Ford F-150 Hybrid

The 2025 Ford F-150 Hybrid is a highly anticipated model, promising impressive fuel efficiency without compromising the capabilities of the iconic F-150 pickup. This model is a significant step forward in Ford's commitment to providing eco-friendly alternatives, combining a traditional gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery pack. The advanced hybrid system allows the vehicle to seamlessly transition between electric-only, hybrid, and gasoline-only modes, optimising performance and fuel consumption based on driving conditions.

The 2025 Ford F-150 Hybrid delivers up to 23 miles per gallon (MPG) in both city and highway driving, according to sources. This improved fuel efficiency can result in significant cost savings over the vehicle's lifetime, making it a compelling option in the competitive hybrid pickup truck segment. The integration of hybrid technology aims to provide a compelling balance of towing capacity, off-road capability, and exceptional fuel economy.

While the 2025 model year promises improved efficiency, some sources have tested earlier versions of the Ford F-150 Hybrid, with varying results. One source with a 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid reported an average fuel economy of 19.3 MPG over 10,000 miles, which is below the EPA-estimated 24 MPG combined (24 city/24 highway). However, another source with a 2022 F150 Limited PowerBoost hybrid achieved 31.7 MPG, showcasing the impact of factors such as temperature and driving style on fuel efficiency.

The Ford F-150 Hybrid's performance capabilities should not be overlooked. The hybrid powertrain excels at delivering power, with one source stating that it is faster than an F-150 Raptor. The battery-derived torque at low speeds provides a significant advantage when towing a trailer or hauling a heavy payload. The 2021 model was even used as a support vehicle for desert drag races, where it won three consecutive races against the F-150 Raptor.

Overall, the Ford F-150 Hybrid offers a unique blend of power and efficiency. While some sources have reported a discrepancy between real-world fuel economy and EPA estimates, the improved fuel efficiency compared to non-hybrid models can still lead to substantial cost savings, especially for high-mileage drivers.

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Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma is a versatile and impressive-looking truck with excellent gas mileage ratings. The 2024 model has a new i-FORCE turbocharged engine, which has led to a marked increase in the truck's efficiency. The standard engine for the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is the 2.4-liter setup, but there is also the i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid four-cylinder powertrain option, which adds battery-and-motor technology to the gas-only i-FORCE engine.

The Toyota Tacoma has six gasoline-powered configurations and five hybrid powertrains. The gasoline powertrain models have an i-FORCE 2.4L turbocharged gasoline engine, which can generate up to 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque when paired with an automatic transmission.

The 2025 Toyota Tacoma is one of the most fuel-efficient trucks in the midsize class. The SR5 crew-cab, rear-drive model achieves up to 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined.

There are several ways to improve the fuel mileage of the Toyota Tacoma. Firstly, keeping your tires properly inflated and removing unnecessary items from the truck bed can help improve mileage. Additionally, driving style can impact fuel economy, with aggressive driving and speeding reducing mileage. Driving at 65 miles per hour is the peak efficiency speed for many automobiles.

While the Toyota Tacoma has excellent fuel efficiency, it is not a diesel truck. Some of the most fuel-efficient diesel trucks on the market include the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the GMC Sierra, and the Ram 1500.

Frequently asked questions

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has been described as the most fuel-efficient diesel-powered pickup truck on the market. It has an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

The 2023 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel has an average of 22.1 mpg, according to Fuelly. The 2025 Ram 1500 HFE gets 26 mpg on the highway. The 2023 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel gets 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The GMC Canyon has a fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

The weight of the vehicle, its condition, any modifications, and how the vehicle is driven can all impact its fuel economy. For example, a truck used for towing or hauling will have reduced fuel economy.

Hybrid pickup trucks are becoming more common, and while their systems are designed to boost torque and power, they may not make your gas bill smaller. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2025 Toyota Tacoma are examples of hybrid pickup trucks.

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