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Best MPG Trucks for 2022: Reviews, Photos, and More


PUBLISHED FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022
Black truck parked next to lake at dusk

Less fill-ups with these pickups.

From hauling heavy loads and towing a trailer to driving long distances or taking road trips in comfort, a truck provides a lot of freedom. Now, imagine being able to extend gas station visits too. It's possible with today's pickups. Many of these models pair their advanced powertrains with aerodynamic bodies, fuel-sipping technologies, and other features to get the most miles per gallon without compromising performance.

To help you on your search, we've compiled a list of the 8 best MPG trucks for 2022 shoppers, based on CarMax vehicle and sales data from August 1, 2021, through January 31, 2022, and using city and highway fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov.

 Certain vehicles may appear more than once because EPA fuel economy estimates vary depending on a vehicle's drivetrain, engine size, and model year. Read on to learn more about these fuel-sipping trucks.

  1. TIE: 2017-2018 RAM 1500 (4WD)

  2. 2017 RAM 1500 (2WD)

  3. TIE: 2016 &2018 RAM 1500 (2WD)

  4. 2019 Ford F150 (4WD)

  5. 2019 Ford F150 (2WD)

  6. 2018 Ford F150

6. TIE: 2017–2018 RAM 1500

RAM 1500

Part of the fourth generation, which debuted in 2009, the 2017 and 2018 RAM 1500 are the final model years before the fifth generation rolled off the production lines. This full-size truck maximizes gas mileage with a sculpted aerodynamic body and a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 that returns an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with 4WD.

Additionally, the 2017–2018 RAM 1500's available active grille shutters promote fuel-sipping performance by automatically adapting to speed, load, and engine needs to ensure proper engine cooling and minimal drag. 2017–2018 RAM 1500 Rebel and Limited trims also come standard with an Active-Level Four-Corner Air Suspension System that counteracts weight in the bed to maintain a constant and level profile to help you get the most miles from each tank.

Standard features on the 2017–2018 RAM 1500 Limited include:

  • 20-inch polished aluminum wheels

  • Chrome wheel-to-wheel side steps

  • Limited leather bucket seats

  • Leather-wrapped grab handles

  • Front and rear parking assistance system

Visit our RAM 1500 research page for more.

5. 2017 RAM 1500

2017 RAM 1500

With the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 and 2WD, the 2017 RAM 1500 achieve an impressive EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

 This model year includes a TorqueFlite® eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers strong performance and twist, whether cruising on the highway or hauling big loads. The combination of the available 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 and TorqueFlite technology also ensures the most miles per gallon from each fill-up to help you travel further on less.

The base model of the 2017 RAM 1500 Tradesman includes these standard features:

  • 17-inch styled steel wheels

  • Locking tailgate

  • Vinyl 40/20/40 split-bench front seat

  • Manual air conditioning

  • Six-speaker audio system

4. TIE: 2016 & 2018 RAM 1500

2018 RAM 1500

The 2016 and 2018 RAM 1500 models deliver fuel-sipping performance by incorporating down-gauged steel in the frame and using eight cross members to enhance the truck's structural integrity. With the available 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 with 2WD, this weight savings helps the 2016 and 2018 RAM 1500 achieve an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

 The specially engineered frame also ensures excellent ride characteristics.

Other factors contributing to the 2016 and 2018 RAM 1500's high mpg figures are the truck's refined windshield shape and aero-formed side mirrors that help the pickup's sculpted exterior glide through the air. Additionally, the Active-Level Four-Corner Air Suspension System includes an aero mode on the 2016 and 2018 model that automatically lowers the truck when traveling at highway speeds to reduce drag and body roll to get more miles to the gallon.

Standard features on the 2016 and 2018 RAM 1500 Big Horn include:

  • 20-inch aluminum chrome-clad wheels

  • Fog lamps

  • Cloth 40/20/40 bench seat

  • 10-way power-adjustable driver seat

  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel

3. 2019 Ford F150

2019 Ford F150 4WD

The Ford F150's available 3.0L Power Stroke® Diesel V6 made a late appearance for its 2018 model year and was the first-ever diesel engine for the truck. Delivering 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque, the 3.0L V6 turbo diesel remained in the F-150's engine line-up until the 2021 model year.

The 2019 Ford F150's 3.0L Power Stroke Diesel V6 pairs to a 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift capability that delivers low-end engine torque that's ideal for towing. With the 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD, the 2019 F150 also returns excellent gas mileage with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with the turbo diesel.

Standard features on the 2019 Ford F150 Lariat include:

  • LED cargo box lighting

  • LED trailer hookup light

  • Woodgrain trim accents

  • Memory driver seat

  • Heated and ventilated driver and front passenger seats

Discover the Ford F150 on our research page.

2. 2019 Ford F150

2019 Ford F150 2WD

A notable feature about the 2019 Ford F150's available 3.0L Power Stroke Diesel V6 is the engine's standard auto start-stop technology, which helps to promote fuel-sipping performance in stop-and-go driving. With this feature, the 2019 F150 returns an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with the 2WD 3.0L V6 turbo diesel.

The 2019 F150's 10-speed automatic transmission also includes optimized gear spacing to maximize shift points and gear ratios to optimize the pickup's power, low-range torque, and gas mileage. The result is a full-size truck that's ideal for hauling and pulling heavy loads while minimizing stops at the pumps.

The 2019 Ford 150 King Ranch comes standard with:

  • LED fog lamps and tail lamps

  • Chrome exhaust tip

  • Remote tailgate release

  • Voice-activated navigation system

  • Reverse sensing system

1. 2018 Ford F150

2018 Ford F150

Topping the chart for the best mpg trucks is the 2018 Ford F150. This model comes equipped with an available 3.0L Power Stroke Diesel V6 with standard auto start-stop technology and a 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift capability that achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with 2WD.

The 2018 F150 also boasts a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body and cargo box that can withstand demanding jobs without increasing the truck's weight. Not only does this help the pickup prioritize gas mileage, but the aluminum-alloy body resists corrosion, ensuring many years of enjoyment.

Standard features on the 2018 Ford F150 Platinum include:

  • 20-inch polished aluminum wheels

  • Satin-aluminum grille with silver mesh

  • Chrome door and tailgate handles

  • Power-deployable running boards

  • Leather-trimmed multi-contour front seats

Whether you're looking for a fuel-saving work truck or something for weekend jobs around the house, this list provides no shortage of options. Both the RAM 1500 and Ford F150 will meet your needs in terms of gas mileage and impress you with their features and performance.

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.