Are you looking for the best used truck that won’t break the bank at the pump? This list is your guide to finding the 10 most fuel-efficient used trucks, based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ratings.
The EPA conducts its own testing to measure fuel economy and emissions from light-duty vehicles like cars, vans, and pickup trucks. The test consists of two parts: city driving and highway driving. The results are then combined into an overall miles-per-gallon (MPG) rating. This is the number that you’ll see listed on window stickers, in advertisements, and on our list of the best 10 fuel-efficient trucks on the used market.
We’ve considered models from 2019 and older (five years and older) since they are typically past warranty. We’ve also grouped our picks from the same generation since they typically sport the same powertrains and configurations, making their EPA ratings essentially the same.
10 – 2001 to 2003 Ford Ranger 2WD
The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck that was manufactured and sold by Ford from 1998 to 2011. The Ranger was introduced as a replacement for the Ford Bronco II. It was produced in two cab styles; two-door regular cab and four-door SuperCab.
Starting our list are the 2001 to 2003 Ford Ranger 2WD model years and this wouldn’t be the last time Ford Ranger generations will be seen on this list. The variant is powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. This configuration achieves a decent 23 MPG combined rating while doing 21 MPG on city roads and 26 on highways.
The 2WD version is rear-wheel drive. It can carry a maximum payload of 1,260 lbs and is capable of towing heavy loads of a smidge over 6,000 lbs. It can carry heavy loads despite being a compact truck. These model years were available in 7 trim models.
9 – 2007 to 2009 Ford Ranger 2WD
Another batch of Ford Rangers make the list. This time, it’s the 2007 to 2009 model years. It’s worth noting that the Ranger at this time was built as a compact pickup.
The configuration that achieves the best EPA ratings is the 2WD variant powered by the 2.3L 4-cylinder gasoline engine mated to the 5-speed manual transmission. These Rangers get a combined 23 MPG: 21 in the city and 26 on the highway.
8 – 2004 to 2006 Mazda B2300 2WD
The 2004 to 2006 Mazda B2300 2WD is a fine truck for those who are looking for good gas mileage. It has a combined rating of 23 MPG (21 city and 27 highway) and comes with a 2.3L 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission.
It’s also rear-wheel drive, which can give you better performance on the road. The B2300 2WD is a great choice for those who want one of the most reliable trucks with good gas mileage. It’s also reasonably priced, which makes it even more appealing to budget-conscious drivers.
Overall, the 2004 to 2006 Mazda B2300 2WD is a solid used truck option for those looking for great gas mileage and good value. It’s the perfect choice for those who want a reliable and fuel-efficient pickup that won’t break their budget.
7 – 2004 to 2006 Ford Ranger 2WD
So, again with the Ford Ranger. The 2004 to 2006 model years make the list. These are available in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions. The Ranger also has two engine options: a 2.3L inline 4 and a 3.0L V6. The one with the smaller engine is more fuel-efficient.
The Ranger’s EPA fuel economy ratings deliver 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, with a combined rating of 24 MPG. The Ranger is a reliable workhorse, and its fuel efficiency was ahead of its time. If you’re in need of an affordable used pickup truck that won’t kill your wallet at the pump, the 2004 to 2006 Ford Ranger Pickup 2WD is worth a look.
6 – 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD
The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV that comes in 4WD and RWD variants. Its 3.6-liter V6 engine delivers 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The engine comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep’s Grand Cherokee can seat up to seven passengers and comes with a variety of features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a rearview camera, and Uconnect 4C NAV with an 8.4-inch touchscreen.
The EPA estimates that the 4WD variant will get 21 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on the highway, and 24 MPG combined. You’re sure to get great fuel economy and off-road performance with the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD.
5 – 2015 to 2016 RAM 1500 HFE 2WD
The RAM 1500 is a light-duty pickup truck that was first produced in 2009 but we’re going with the 2015 to 2016 model years for this list.
It’s available in three different cab configurations: regular, Quad, and Crew. The 1500 also comes in a whopping 10 trim levels: Express, HFE, Tradesman, SLT, Rebel, Outdoorsman, Big Horn, Sport, Laramie, and Laramie Longhorn.
The engine options include a 3.6-liter V6 or a 5.7-liter V8. The V6 produces 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. The V8 produces 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 1500 can be configured as a 2WD or 4WD. The 2WD models get an EPA rating of 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway, for a combined rating of 24 MPG. It’s the more fuel-efficient of the two configurations. The 4WD models get an EPA rating of 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway, for a combined rating of 21 MPG.
4 – 2010 to 2011 Ford Ranger 2WD
The Ford Ranger was first produced in 1983 and is now in its tenth generation. The Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck that is available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations. Impressively, the 2010 to 2011 model years make the cut for truly fuel-efficient vehicles. It’s quite a feat for decade-old models.
The model comes with a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 143 horsepower mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The Ranger is able to achieve 22 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on the highway, and 24 MPG combined.
3 – 2016 to 2018 GMC Canyon 2WD
The GMC Canyon is a midsize pickup truck that was first manufactured in 2015. It’s available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations and three engine options: a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder, or a 2.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel.
The Canyon has a payload capacity of nearly 1,500 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,000 pounds. The EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2016 to 2018 GMC Canyon 2WD are 22 MPG in city driving, 30 MPG on the highway, and 25 MPG combined. It’s powered by a 6-speed automatic transmission.
If you’re looking for other GMC trucks on this list, unfortunately, the GMC Sierra didn’t make the cut. But the Canyon is a worthy representative for the GMC badge.
2 – 2018 to 2019 Ford F-150 2WD
The Ford F150 is a popular and reliable pickup truck that has been around for many years. The latest model, from 2018 to 2019, has a rating of 22 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway, and 25 MPG combined.
It is available with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. It is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine and has a six-speed automatic transmission. The configuration includes regular cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew cab options with three trim levels: XL, XLT, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, and Lariat.
The F150 offers plenty of power, making it great for towing and hauling, but it provides some of the best fuel economy, as well. With its combination of efficiency and performance, the F150 is a good investment for anyone in need of an efficient used truck.
1 – 2016 to 2018 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD
Taking the top spot for best gas mileage used truck is the Chevrolet Colorado – a midsize pickup truck that was introduced in 2004. It’s available in 2WD and 4WD variants, with a choice of engines and transmissions. The Colorado is available with either a gasoline or diesel engine.
The 2WD variant has an MPG fuel economy rating of 30 highway, 22 city, and a combined MPG of 25. It has a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, and Extended Cab configuration.
As such, the Colorado provides a good balance of power and fuel efficiency, making it one of the best trucks with good gas mileage available.
Consider These Smart Buys to Lower Your Fuel Costs
The 10 used trucks featured here are sure to save you money at the pump. Each one has a MPG rating that puts it ahead of the competition—and that makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Other notable makes and models include the Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline. These two pickups have a great mix of fuel economy, reliability, and practicality—but they weren’t quite able to make the list. Whatever you choose, make sure it meets your budget and needs to maximize your investment and save money at the pump.
