Are there any trucks that get 30 mpg?
Yes. A handful of trucks achieve 30 mpg or more on the highway, especially in the compact and diesel-powered segments. Some full-size pickups with diesel options also reach or exceed that mark on long highway drives.
The question of fuel economy in trucks has grown more nuanced as automakers introduce efficient powertrains, lightweight designs, and eco-conscious tuning. While many full-size pickups prioritize torque and payload, there are notable options that push fuel economy toward or past the 30 mpg highway target. Below is a look at models most commonly associated with achieving 30 mpg on the highway, and how they stack up in real-world use.
Compact and midsize trucks that reach or exceed 30 mpg on the highway
These smaller or lighter trucks, often with hybrid or efficient diesel powertrains, are where many buyers first encounter 30 mpg highway figures.
Ford Maverick (hybrid)
The Maverick, a unibody compact pickup powered by a 2.5-liter hybrid, is widely recognized for exceptional highway efficiency. Official EPA highway ratings for the hybrid variant typically run in the upper 30s to around 40 mpg, depending on configuration and driving conditions. In practical terms, many owners report highway fuel economy that sits well above 30 mpg on long trips.
Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
The Ram 1500 with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 is one of the strongest performers among full-size pickups for highway efficiency, with EPA highway ratings up to roughly 33 mpg in 2WD form. Real-world highway mileage can approach or exceed 30 mpg under light conditions and steady highway driving.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 / GMC Sierra 1500 (3.0L Duramax diesel)
GM’s 3.0-liter Duramax diesel option for the Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 offers competitive highway efficiency, with EPA highway estimates around the low-to-mid 30s mpg. In practice, many highway runs deliver fuel economy near 30 mpg or higher, depending on speed and load.
These models illustrate that 30 mpg on the highway is achievable in trucks, particularly with hybrids and diesels. Actual results vary based on drivetrain, payload, aerodynamics, terrain, and driving style.
Notes on real-world performance and caveats
While the figures above highlight the potential for 30 mpg highway in some trucks, not all configurations reach this benchmark. Work-grade payload, four-wheel drive, and heavy loads typically reduce highway fuel economy. When evaluating a truck for efficiency, consider the specific drivetrain, cab/configuration, and predicted cargo usage, and check the latest EPA ratings for your intended model-year and trim.
Summary
Yes—there are trucks that reach or exceed 30 mpg on the highway. The most notable examples include the Ford Maverick hybrid in the compact truck segment, and diesel-powered full-size pickups such as the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 / GMC Sierra 1500 with the 3.0L Duramax. As with any vehicle, actual fuel economy depends on configuration, driving style, and conditions, but these options demonstrate that efficiency and truck capability can go hand in hand.
What truck has the lowest gas mileage?
The Ram 1500 TRX is frequently cited as the worst gas mileage truck, with models like the 2021 and 2023 getting around 12 MPG combined (10 city/14 highway) due to its supercharged V8 engine and heavy-duty build. The Ford F-150 Raptor R is another gas-guzzling option, with the 2023 model rated at 12 MPG combined (10 city/15 highway).
This video discusses the worst gas pickup trucks of 2024, including their high fuel costs: 1mEveryman DriverYouTube · Jul 6, 2024
Top trucks with the worst gas mileage:
- Ram 1500 TRX: This truck often tops lists for its extremely low fuel economy due to its 702-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine and large tires. The 2023 model gets an estimated 12 MPG combined (10 MPG city, 14 MPG highway).
- Ford F-150 Raptor R: The 2023 model is also a major gas guzzler, with an EPA-estimated 12 MPG combined (10 MPG city, 15 MPG highway). The high-performance engine contributes to its poor efficiency.
You can watch this video to see a comparison of the most and least MPG-efficient trucks: 57sThe Fast Lane TruckYouTube · Apr 7, 2024
Other trucks with poor gas mileage:
- Chevrolet Silverado (with specific configurations): While not always the absolute worst, certain configurations have very poor mileage. For example, a 2022 Silverado 6.2L V8 with mud-terrain tires and no start/stop system gets 16.4 L/100 km (approximately 14.3 MPG).
- Older heavy-duty trucks: Older trucks like a 1974 Ford F-250 with a 460 engine can get extremely low mileage, sometimes as low as 7-8 MPG, especially when towing.
What truck has the highest MPG?
Trucks with Best Gas Mileage
- 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV. Combined Fuel Economy: Up to 63 mpg.
- 2026 Ford Maverick. Combined Fuel Economy: Up to 38 mpg.
- 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Combined Fuel Economy: Up to 25 mpg.
- 2026 Toyota Tacoma. Combined Fuel Economy: Up to 24 mpg.
- 2026 GMC Sierra 1500.
- 2025 Ford Ranger.
- 2026 Ram 1500.
What vehicle gets 40 miles per gallon?
2018 Honda Accord Hybrid
Of all the used cars that get 40 mpg, the Accord Hybrid is one of the options that is the most mainstream. A nice reliable midsize car with all the modern comforts and plenty of cargo space, it's a great choice for those looking to save on gas around Cincinnati and beyond.
Is GM really making a $8000 pickup truck?
No, GM is not making an $8,000 pickup truck; this is a false rumor likely originating from clickbait videos. GM's smallest truck, the Chevrolet Montana, is sold only in South America, and its price would be significantly higher than $8,000 in the U.S. even if it were imported.
This video discusses the GM $8,000 pickup rumor and its potential impact on the market: 58sGarage HeadsYouTube · Jun 1, 2024
- False rumor: The idea of an $8,000 pickup truck is a marketing tactic that has spread through sensationalist videos and online posts, often misattributing the claim to GM or Ford.
- Chevrolet Montana: GM does sell a small truck called the Chevrolet Montana, but it is designed for the South American market and is not sold in the United States.
- Pricing in the US: Even if the Montana were available in the US, its price would be much higher than $8,000 due to import taxes and other market factors.
- Actual GM trucks: GM's current trucks, such as the Chevrolet Silverado, have starting prices far above this amount, with prices ranging from roughly $30,000 to over $80,000 depending on the model and features.
