Are you looking for a pickup truck that won’t break your budget at the pump? Older trucks with good gas mileage should be your top buying priority.
Pickup trucks mostly feature powerful V8 engines and traditional turbocharged diesel, so they consume a lot of fuel while running. This was solely due to the power these workhorses needed to get the job done.
However, in today’s market scenario, fuel efficiency is just as crucial for pickup trucks as it is for other smaller vehicles due to constantly rising gasoline prices. Truck buyers also value fuel efficiency when shopping for a high-performance truck. That is why we have a list of the most fuel-efficient 4×4 trucks of all time till now.
An old truck with good mpg is the best way to buy for better fuel economy and reliability. We’ve found the nine best older trucks with good gas mileage that have the best fuel efficiency and offer the best value for money.
Of course, we also order them according to which ones we would buy and which we would buy too.
9 Best Old Trucks With Good Gas Mileage in 2023
Rising gasoline prices mean that many motorists are looking for vehicles that are fuel-efficient trucks. Trucks with the best kilometers per gallon can reduce vehicle operating costs and make gas station visits less painful.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the most economical old pickup trucks with the best mpg of all model years. You will find classic trucks of different sizes with different engines, automatic transmissions, and interiors ranging from spartan to luxurious.
So, let’s Start a detailed review of the most fuel-efficient trucks from 2000 to 2015.
1. 2006 Ford Ranger
Key Specifications
- Price: $8,000
- Engine: 4.0 L V6
- Horsepower: 207 HP
- MPG: 24 City / 29 Highway
A decent light-duty truck, the Ford Ranger also offers roomier interiors and the best gas mileage. The 2006 Ranger can also excel off-road when equipped with one of the FX4 packages.
The interior offers an easy-to-use layout of controls, and the seats are acceptably comfortable, especially with the optional leather upholstery. This little truck could do up to 29 mpg on the highway and easily do around 24 mpg in the city.
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Those are limo numbers, but you’ve got a truck bed in the back. Transmission options include a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic, with most models offering a choice of two or four-wheel drive.
This is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a used pickup that’s cheap and has good fuel economy.
2. 2013 Toyota Tacoma
Key Specifications
- Price: $17,625
- Engine: 4.0 L V6
- Horsepower: 236 HP
- MPG: 21 City / 25 Highway
The Toyota Tacoma is the most popular small-size truck with the best gas mileage. Tacoma offers a comfortable cabin, a refined ride, and quality construction. Motorway handling is responsive; its off-road capability is proven.
The 2013 Toyota Tacoma is available with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine or a 4.0-liter V6 engine and a choice of all-wheel or rear-wheel drive. With that capability, it offers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.
It delivers full comfort to passengers in the rear seat and has good space in comparison to a small sedan. Properly equipped Tacoma V6 models can tow up to 6,500 pounds. All models have comfortable front seats, but the rear seats are narrow on all except the Crew Cab Tacoma.
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There is also the option of a telescoping steering wheel and standard tilting for a comfortable driving position.
3. 2012 Chevy Silverado
Key Specifications
- Price: $10,610
- Engine: 4.3 L V6
- Horsepower: 403 HP
- MPG: 16 City / 23 Highway
Whether you need a complete truck for work, play, or both, the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado offers even better fuel-efficient trucks from 2000 to 2015. With new features fresh styling, and improved fuel economy, the 2012 Chevy Silverado is the perfect option for on-the-job sites, and around town.
The new special edition packages guarantee sportiness and luxury. Silverado is available in a variety of sizes, engines, and performance features. The most difficult part is the choice of model and configuration, which must be done carefully to best suit your needs and desires.
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With Silverado All Silverado models are backed by a 100,000-mile/five-year limited powertrain warranty that outperforms the competition.
4. 2010 GMC Sierra
Key Specifications
- Price: $6,500
- Engine: 5.3 L V8
- Horsepower: 403 HP
- MPG: 21 City / 22 Highway
The 2010 GMC Sierra is powerful, fuel-efficient trucks, and available in a variety of body styles and configurations. It is the best choice for a full-size pickup. It was part of the new generation of big trucks that are good to drive.
Its steering is light is reasonably precise, also Sierra’s seats are smooth, making long trips and journeys a pleasure. However, the Sierra’s turning radius is slightly larger than most other trucks, but also the best choice for older trucks with good gas mileage.
With EPA ratings in the 21-22mpg range, its urban economy is the best of the Sierras, with the trade-offs being price, payload, and a maximum towing capacity of around 6000 pounds.
It features interior features popularized by the Yukon Sport Utility, providing a much more exclusive environment for drivers and passengers.
5. 2006 Toyota Tundra
Key Specification
- Price: $6,000
- Engine: 4.7-liter V8
- Horsepower: 271 HP
- MPG: 18 City / 22 Highway
Toyota is one of the most reliable trucks that still offers good value for money as well as good gas mileage. In 2006, the first-generation Tundra received an upgraded 4.0-liter engine, resulting in significantly better fuel economy performance of 18 miles in the city and up to 22 miles per gallon on the highway.
If you’re looking for a pickup truck with good fuel economy, this model is for you. There are two engine options: a 4.0-liter V6 and a 4.7-liter V8. The V6 has enough power for light-duty work, while the V8 can handle everyday driving as well as simple towing and hauling.
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However, when heavier loads need to be towed, the V8 tires are faster than the larger engines found in the Tundra competition.
The aging interior may look boring, but it remains functional thanks to the simple layout of the controls. Material quality is solid but not impressive for a Toyota.
6. 2016 Nissan Frontier
Key Specifications
- Price: $20,415
- Engine: 4.0-liter V8
- Horsepower: 261 HP
- MPG: 19 City / 23 Highway
The 2016 Nissan Frontier is a leading truck in the mid-size truck segment. Various trim options give a good choice for buyers for their different needs. The 2016 Nissan Frontier offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 4.0-liter V6.
When equipped with the four-cylinder, the truck can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while those equipped with the V6 can tow up to 6,500 pounds. The Nissan Frontier 2016 is characterized by excellent fuel economy performance.
Trucks can consume up to 26 mpg on the highway and around 21 mpg in the city. That’s not bad for a truck that still packs a punch. With the Frontier, the Nissan designers did a good job a long time ago.
The cabin is simple and clean but has an aged feel, without the charm and warmth of the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado.
7. 2015 Chevy Colorado
Key Specifications
- Price: $20,000
- Engine: 3.6L V6
- Horsepower: 305 HP
- MPG: 17 City / 21 Highway
The 2015 Chevy Colorado is an excellent compact most fuel-efficient truck. The Colorado rolls smoothly over rough roads, and its V6 and four-cylinder engines pack plenty of power. It has an attractive interior with quality materials and easy-to-use controls.
The Colorado also offers active safety features like forward collision warning, which is unusual in this class. Engines include a 200-hp four-cylinder and a 305-hp V6, nearly all mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
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Both engines are neat and offer enough power for daily use, whether in the city or on the highway. However, most buyers will be happier with the available V6, which is almost as fuel-efficient as the four-cylinder engine.
8. 2015 GMC Canyon
Key Specifications
- Price: $16,000
- Engine: 3.6L V6
- Horsepower: 305 HP
- MPG: 20 City / 27 Highway
The 2015 GMC Canyon excels in features and performance. It is available as a V6 and inline engine. The V6 produces enough power to make the Canyon one of the most powerful trucks on the market.
The first and least powerful engine is an in-line four-cylinder engine. The most fuel-efficient 2015 GMC Canyon offers everything you would expect from a mid-size pickup truck. It can carry up to 1,620 pounds of people or cargo and tow up to 7,000 pounds.
The seats are very comfortable. The interior also looks quite simple, but elegant. The 2015 GMC Canyon is a perfect choice for a small family. If you have a larger family, you can opt for the variant with the largest cabin.
It raises the bar for mid-range comfort, convenience, and safety features, offering a useful alternative when a large size is too big.
9. 2015 F-150
Key Specifications
- Price: $18,555
- Engine: 5.0L V6
- Horsepower: 385 HP
- MPG: 19 City / 26Highway
The 2015 F-150 is another great option when it comes to fuel-guzzling trucks. In terms of capabilities and fuel consumption, it is very similar to the Toyota pickup.
Its strong performance, numerous bed and cab configurations, and roomy second row give it an edge over the competition. This best fuel-efficient truck also has strong safety and reliability ratings.
There are two engine options for the 2015 Ford F-150 lineup, the first is V8 and other V6 engines with 6-speed automatic transmissions. The base engine features a 3.5-liter V6.
The F-150 driving experience is influenced by the wide variety of materials, equipment, and performance across a wide range of models. The Ford F-150 does what you’d expect from a truck, and when used more like a car than a truck, it performs better than ever.
Top FAQs Related Pickup Truck with Good Gas Mileage
Which used pickup trucks get the best gas mileage?
When it comes to older trucks with the best gas mileage performance, several models are known for their efficiency. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of some specific trucks.:
- Ford Ranger (Late 1990s to Early 2010s)
- Chevrolet S-10 (Late 1990s to Early 2000s)
- Toyota Tacoma (Late 1990s to Early 2010s)
- Nissan Frontier (Late 1990s to Early 2010s)
- Dodge Dakota (Late 1990s to Early 2010s)
- GMC Sonoma (Late 1990s to Early 2000s)
Which pickup truck gets 30 mpg mileage?
Yes, the Maverick is a 30+mpg truck, even on non-hybrid models, and it’s faster than the hybrid version. Despite the power increase, the Maverick Hybrid can still tow 2,000 pounds and has an affordable starting price of $20,000.
The nice thing about the hybrid version is the tax breaks, further driving down the cost of this frugal beast. It has an industry-leading rating of 42 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.
What trucks are good on gas and reliable?
Because pickup trucks aren’t just about traveling, they’re about making tough tasks easier, here’s a handpicked selection of some of the most fuel-efficient and reliable pickup trucks 2023 has to offer.
- Honda Ridgeline
- Toyota Tacoma
- Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
- Ram 1500
- Nissan Frontier
- Ford F-150
What truck has the longest fuel range?
The Ram 1500 has the greatest fuel range when it comes to rear-wheel drive. You get a V6 turbo diesel with a 33-gallon fuel tank.
The EPA estimates a maximum range between fills of 598 miles based on the Ram 1500 Diesel’s stock fuel tank. With the optional 33-gallon fuel tank, the range increases to 858 miles.
Can you make a truck get better gas mileage?
Several internal factors can affect your truck’s fuel economy. From tire pressure to powerful induction motors, it’s important to make sure your truck parts are properly equipped for maximum fuel efficiency.
For example, underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces overall fuel efficiency. Similarly, a quiet intake or exhaust system that suppresses noise puts stress on the engine, which has a negative effect on mileage.
Final Thought
If you are looking for older trucks with good gas mileage, there are many great options. However, if you’re looking for a fuel-efficient truck, here are some of the best options. So if you are looking for a used truck that performs well and has great fuel economy, any of these trucks would be a good choice.
