Trucks are all about completing difficult tasks like towing, off-road driving, and cargo hauling. They’re not known for helping owners save money on fuel, but you will be pleased to know that there are some older trucks with good gas mileage out there that won’t cost a fortune to fill up.

It’s hard to find the right used truck that also offers reasonable gas mileage. By their very nature, trucks are not efficient at all. Built for hard work, these vehicles use a lot of gas. Fortunately, there are some rarities on the market that tick all the boxes.

Look no further. We’ve rounded up the oldest and most fuel-efficient trucks you can buy in 2024, as determined by the EPA’s estimated combined fuel economy rating. This measure is the best general metric for comparing the fuel economy of different vehicles in mixed driving.

What is a Good Mileage In Trucks?

What is considered good mileage in trucks can vary depending on several factors, including the type of truck, its size, the engine, and its intended use. 

Generally, trucks are not as fuel-efficient as smaller vehicles like sedans or compact cars due to their larger size, weight, and often more powerful engines. However, some modern trucks are designed with better fuel efficiency in mind. 

Here are some general guidelines for what could be considered good mileage in different types of trucks:

1. Full-Size Pickup Trucks

For full-size trucks, an average fuel efficiency of around 15 to 20 mpg in combined city and highway driving is considered reasonable. Some newer full-size trucks may offer slightly better mileage, especially with advanced engine technology and hybrid options.

2. Mid-Size Pickup Trucks

Mid-size trucks tend to be more fuel-efficient than their larger counterparts. Good mileage for mid-size pickups would be in the range of 18 to 25 mpg.

3. Heavy-Duty Trucks

Heavy-duty trucks, such as those used for towing and hauling heavy loads, typically have lower fuel efficiency due to their larger engines and specialized capabilities. A good mileage range for heavy-duty trucks would be around 10 to 15 mpg.

How to Get Good Mileage In Older Trucks?

Getting good mileage in older trucks requires a combination of proper maintenance, driving habits, and some practical tips. While older vehicle might not have the fuel efficiency of newer models, you can still improve their mileage by following these steps:

Regular Maintenance

Ensure your truck is well-maintained by following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Regularly change the engine oil, air filters, and fuel filters. Keeping the engine in good condition can positively impact fuel efficiency.

Tire Care

Check tire pressure regularly and keep the tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires can increase fuel consumption. Also, consider using low rolling resistance tires designed for better mileage.

Smooth Driving

Avoid aggressive driving habits such as rapid acceleration, hard braking, and high-speed driving. Smooth, gradual acceleration and braking can save fuel. Use cruise control on highways when possible to maintain a consistent speed.

Reduce Idling

Minimize idling time, especially in older trucks that consume more fuel at idle. If you anticipate being parked for more than a minute, it’s better to turn off the engine.

Plan Efficient Routes

Plan your trips to avoid congested routes and heavy traffic, as stop-and-go driving consumes more fuel. Use GPS or smartphone apps to find the most fuel-efficient routes.

10 Most Recommend Older Trucks With Good Gas Mileage

Fuel economy is more important than ever. As more models transition to hybrid and EV variants, trucks are caught between gas mileage and performance. Just a few years ago, a fuel-efficient truck would have been considered impossible.

And don’t worry, there are compact, mid-size, and large vintage trucks with good gas mileage options, and some that even hit 30 mpg on the freeway.

1. 2013 Toyota Tacoma

• Used Price: From $11,600
• MPG: 25
• Engine: 2.7-liter inline-four

The 2013 Toyota Tacoma has a 159-hp four-cylinder engine with a standard five-speed manual transmission. The Tacoma gets EPA fuel economy ratings of 16 to 21 mpg city and 18 to 25 mpg highway, depending on the model.

Tacoma offers a comfortable cabin, a refined ride, and quality construction. Its handling on the road is responsive; its off-road capability is proven. The Tacoma Double Cab offers rear-seat comfort for two additional passengers with enough room to rival a small sedan. Properly equipped Tacoma V6 models can tow up to 6,500 pounds.

The 2013 Tacoma is available in a variety of configurations to meet a variety of needs, ranging from a basic four-cylinder, two-wheel-drive work truck to a four-wheel-drive, crew-cab, V6 long-bed.

2.  2015 Ram 1500

• Used Price: From $11,043
• MPG: 27
• Engine: 3.0 -litre V6

The 2015 Ram 1500 has the best interior of any full-size truck, with premium materials and an available 8.4-inch touchscreen interface that’s impressively easy to use. It’s powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V-6 that produces 420 pound-feet at a relatively low 2,000 rpm.

It excels at tracking tasks like towing, hauling, and hauling low-range 4WD off-road. With EPA ratings of 19 cities and 27 highway MPG, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel tops the list of older fuel-efficient trucks. Once revved up, the Ram is powerful and smooth-running, in many ways more than a gas V8.

That smoothness is partly thanks to the excellent eight-speed gearbox, which shifts quickly and intelligently to keep the diesel within its powerband. Whether you’re looking for a simple work truck, a loaded family vehicle, or a combination of both, the 2015 Ram 1500 has a satisfying solution.

3. 2015 Ford F-150

• Used Price: From $15,359
• MPG: 26
• Engine: 3.5 -litre V6

The Ford F-150 has best-in-class towing and payload capacity, but it’s also one of the most luxurious best-used trucks with good gas mileage. It balances its strong 4×4 transmission with a luxurious leather-trimmed cabin. It’s not just a workhorse; it’s a clean Clydesdale.

For the often-charging luxury truck crowd, Ford stocks the 5.0-litre V-8, now making 385 hp, or the even more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V-6 making 365 hp. The 2015 F-150 has decent fuel economy for its class.

The turbocharged V6s get top estimates of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The move to aluminium makes the new F-150 capable of carrying more payload, and its weight reduction improves fuel economy while allowing a smaller engine to be used to power the big truck.

4.  2021 Chevy Silverado 1500

• Used Price: From $37,295
• MPG: 22
• Engine: 5.3 -litre V8

The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 is a great full-size pickup truck that starts with S. It has a range of powerful engines, ranging from a supercharged four-cylinder and a pair of V8s to a straight-six turbodiesel, and each propels the truck quickly.

It’s comfortable and composed to drive, whether on the highway or in town and offers impressive towing and hauling capacity. It is available in a normal, extended, and double cabin with a short, normal, or long bed.

Eight main trim levels are available, including the Trail Boss version, which aims to capitalize on the upscale off-road pickup trend. It can tow up to 13,300 pounds and is available with several high-tech towbars.

Meanwhile, the turbocharged gas-powered four-cylinder four-wheel drive is rated at up to 20 mpg city and 22 on the highway. All-wheel drive is the most fuel-efficient 5.3-litre V8 engine and is rated up to 16mpg city and 22mpg on the highway.

5. 2017 Honda Ridgeline

• Used Price: From $17,999
• MPG: 26
• Engine: 3.5 -litre V6

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline is one of the most attractive model years to choose from. Ridgelines got their power from a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine that produces 280 hp and 262 pound-feet of torque. With an overall mileage of 26 mpg, the Honda Ridgeline is the most fuel-efficient old pickup truck.

The 2017 Ridgeline still uses unibody construction and four-wheel independent suspension to deliver a level of ride and handling refinement not otherwise found in trucks. While it’s not the sportiest crossover you can buy, the Tucson offers nimble handling.

It also generally handles bumps and drops in the road well. The interior is quiet and well-finished, with comfortable seating and plenty of useful bins. Entry height is natural, though narrow rear door openings make entry difficult, and rear-seat legroom is modest.

6. 2016 GMC Canyon

• Used Price: From $24,919
• MPG: 22
• Engine: 3.6 -litre V6

If you’re looking for a mid-size truck with powerful engines and a civilized demeanour, the 2016 GMC Canyon is hard to beat, especially if you’re drawn to the fuel economy and towing potential of the new diesel engine.

It has over 300 horsepower in V-6 form and offers a bed up to 6 feet long. That’s easily the mix for some of the base versions of GMC’s Sierra full-size pickup. The most efficient Canyon model is a 22 mpg city, 31 highway, and 25 combined in diesel form with rear-wheel drive.

The petrol inline 4 with automatic transmission even manages 20/27/22 mpg. With a manual, transmission it will give you 19/26/22 mpg.

Overall, it combines a quality interior, good towing and loading capacity, and user-friendly technology.

7. 2021 GMC Sierra 1500

• Used Price: From $32,000
• MPG: 30
• Engine: 3.0 -litre V6

The GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size pickup truck and one of America’s most popular vehicles. Like all modern trucks, the Sierra 1500 can haul a family as well as a bed of gravel. It features a spacious cabin, a full range of driver aids, and a wide range of available engines, from an economical four-cylinder to a powerful 6.2-litre V8.

Those more concerned about fuel efficiency should consider the optional diesel engine, rated up to 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, according to the EPA. GMC equips the Sierra with spacious regular, extended, and crew cabs, with the latter being the most popular.

It seats five passengers comfortably, and the ample storage spaces could double as a mobile office or family bathroom.

8. 2005 Nissan Frontier

• Used Price: From $6,995
• MPG: 21
• Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 4.0 L V6

The Nissan Frontier has maintained its reputation as a reliable compact pickup truck, and its affordability adds to its appeal. Originally introduced in 1998, the model we recognize today emerged as part of the second-generation lineup in 2005.

Powered by the standard 152 horsepower four-cylinder engine, this vehicle achieves a fuel efficiency of 21 mpg with manual transmission. Opting for the five-speed automatic slightly decreases fuel efficiency to 19 mpg. 

Regardless of the chosen version, the Frontier ensures that maintenance and fuel costs remain budget-friendly, offering a cost-effective ownership experience.

9. 2008 Chevrolet Colorado

• Used Price: From $11,165
• MPG: 21
• Engine: 2.9 L 4-cylinder

The Chevrolet Colorado stood out by offering a variety of engines, including a 4-cylinder, inline-5, and even a V8. Unsurprisingly, the base 185-horsepower 4-cylinder proves to be the most fuel-efficient among the options. 

Introduced in 2004, the Colorado maintained a consistent range of trims through 2012, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a straightforward work truck. The interior of the Colorado, especially when configured for maximum fuel efficiency with the base 4-cylinder and rear-wheel drive, maintains a no-frills approach. 

Whether equipped with the 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, the Colorado consistently achieves an average fuel economy of 21 mpg, appealing to those in search of a practical and efficient driving experience.

10. 2012 Toyota Tundra

• Used Price: From $7,995
• MPG: 21
• Engine: 4.0 L V6

The Toyota Tundra is renowned for offering exceptional value to full-size truck enthusiasts. While it may not match the customization options of competitors like Ford, Chevy, and Ram, the Tundra stands out with its ample space and capability, catering to the diverse needs of truck shoppers. 

The 2012 Tundra featured a standard V6 engine delivering 270 horsepower to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission, with an optional four-wheel drive (4WD). For those prioritizing power, a robust 5.7-liter V8 was available, though with a trade-off in mileage. 

Opting for the Tundra V6 provides used truck seekers with a relatively straightforward yet spacious cabin, coupled with the capability to handle most towing and hauling requirements. This Tundra generation was first introduced for the 2007 model year.

FAQ

Conclusion

It’s no joke to expect good fuel efficiency from big pickups. Because they’re known for hauling big stuff and heavy payloads.

However, after looking through our list of trucks with good mileage, you can easily find an affordable fuel-efficient truck that offers the best heavy-duty driving.