What Truck Gets The Best Gas Mileage While Towing
Let’s be real—nobody loves watching their fuel gauge take a nosedive when hauling a trailer.
Luckily, there’s a solid lineup of trucks that balance serious towing capability with surprisingly good fuel efficiency.
Diesel Powerhouses: Efficiency Under Load
Diesel engines reign supreme when it comes to fuel efficiency while towing.
They deliver the torque you need without burning through your gas budget quite as quickly as gasoline-powered trucks.
Midsize Marvels: When You Need a Little Less ‘Truck’
- Ford Ranger 2.3L EcoBoost: Don’t underestimate this little beast. It boasts an EPA-estimated 20 MPG city/24 MPG highway (without a trailer) and a respectable 21 MPG combined when towing. Plus, it handles up to 7500 lbs for respectable capability.
- Chevrolet Colorado Duramax Diesel: This workhorse delivers 22 MPG combined without a trailer and a solid 18 MPG combined even when hauling up to 7700 lbs. Diesel power at its finest!
- Toyota Tacoma V6: A great compromise for light-duty towing. Expect approximately 19 MPG combined on its own and 17 MPG combined when hauling up to 6,800 lbs. It may not be a powerhouse, but it gets the job done efficiently.
Full-size Favorites: Balancing Power and Economy
- Ford F-150: An American classic, the F-150‘s 3.3-liter V6 is a fuel-sipper, achieving up to 26 mpg when towing!
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Its 2.7-liter turbocharged engine earns a respectable 19/22 mpg. Or, opt for the 5.3-liter V8 for more power while maintaining decent fuel economy.
- GMC Sierra: Sharing the Silverado’s platform, the Sierra strikes a similar balance between power and efficiency, also offering a fuel-conscious 2.7-liter turbo engine.
- Ram 1500: This truck starts strong with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 delivering 25 mpg on the highway, and it offers optional EcoDiesel engines for even greater efficiency (up to 29 mpg!).
Pro Tips for Squeezing Out More Miles:
- Drive smart: Avoid quick acceleration and hard braking.
- Maintain proper tire pressure: Underinflated tires create drag.
- Plan your route: Minimize hills and heavy traffic for smoother sailing.
| Truck Model | Fuel Economy (Without Towing) | Fuel Economy (With Towing) | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Ranger 2.3L EcoBoost | 20 MPG city/24 MPG highway | 21 MPG combined | Up to 7500 lbs |
| Chevrolet Colorado Duramax Diesel | 22 MPG combined | 18 MPG combined | Up to 7700 lbs |
| Toyota Tacoma V6 | 19 MPG combined | 17 MPG combined | Up to 6800 lbs |
| Ford F-150 3.3L V6 | Up to 26 mpg highway | Up to 26 mpg | – |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2.7L Turbo | 19/22 mpg | – | – |
| GMC Sierra 2.7L Turbo | 19/22 mpg | – | – |
| Ram 1500 3.6L V6 Pentastar | 25 mpg highway | – | – |
Important Note: Fuel economy estimates can vary based on driving conditions, trailer weight, and truck configuration. Do your research to find the best fit for your needs!
Sources
- UTV Driver: Top Five Fuel-Efficient Tow Rigs of 2023: https://www.utvdriver.com/utv-news/top-five-fuel-efficient-tow-rigs-for-utv-atv/
- CARFAX: Most Fuel-Efficient Towing Vehicles https://www.carfax.com/blog/fuel-efficient-vehicles-for-towing
- FuelEconomy.gov: Find and compare vehicles https://www.fueleconomy.gov/
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