Pickup trucks are often associated with power and capability, but in today’s world, fuel efficiency is becoming increasingly important. If you’re looking for a truck that offers the best of both worlds – 4×4 or AWD for all-weather and off-road capability, combined with excellent fuel economy – you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most fuel-efficient 4×4 trucks of 2024, using official EPA ratings to guide you to the models that will save you the most at the pump. You might be surprised by the variety of powertrains on this list, from traditional gasoline engines to advanced hybrids and all-electric options, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice capability for efficiency.
10. Ford Ranger 4×4 (22 MPG)
The completely redesigned Ford Ranger for 2024 brings a host of improvements, including increased payload capacity, a more spacious cab, and updated technology. Remarkably, despite these enhancements, the new Ranger maintains the same fuel economy as its predecessor.
2024 Ford Ranger Lariat; (photo/Ford)
Powering the 4×4 Ranger is a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers a wide gear ratio spread, optimizing both performance and fuel efficiency. The result is a capable truck with a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,805 pounds when properly equipped with 4WD. The engine produces 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The 2024 Ford Ranger 4WD achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 24 mpg highway). The starting price for a crew cab XL model is $36,365 (excluding destination and handling charges).
9. Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid 4×4 (23 MPG)
Ford has successfully integrated hybrid technology into its iconic F-150 PowerBoost, creating a full-size pickup that doesn’t compromise on power while delivering impressive fuel economy. Unlike some hybrids that prioritize efficiency over performance, the F-150 PowerBoost actually offers more power than the standard 3.5L EcoBoost engine.
Ford F-150 Hybrid; (photo/Ford)
The hybrid system boosts horsepower to 430 and torque to 570 pound-feet, thanks to electric motor assistance. For 2024, the PowerBoost hybrid V6 is available across all F-150 trim levels, from XL to Limited. The 4×4 PowerBoost offers a substantial towing capacity of 12,700 pounds and a payload of 1,830 pounds. Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient full-size 4×4 trucks available.
8. Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD (23 MPG)
The Hyundai Santa Cruz stands out with its unique design and crossover-based unibody construction. This compact pickup offers a different approach to truck ownership, blending car-like comfort and handling with truck-like utility.
Hyundai Santa Cruz; (photo/GearJunkie)
Hyundai provides two 2.5L engine options for the Santa Cruz. The naturally aspirated (NA) version delivers 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged engine increases output to 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available AWD. Fuel economy is nearly identical between the two engines: the NA version achieves 23 mpg combined (21 city/25 highway), and the turbo version gets 22 mpg combined (19 city/27 highway). The 2.5L turbo engine increases towing capacity to 5,000 pounds, compared to 3,500 pounds for the NA engine. Payload capacity is 1,609 pounds for the turbo and 1,753 pounds for the NA version. The Santa Cruz starts at $28,400 for the SE trim NA model and $38,460 for the Night trim 2.5T.
7. Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 Duramax Diesel 4×4 (24 MPG)
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and its GMC Sierra twin offer a compelling combination of fuel efficiency and diesel power with their Duramax 3.0L I6 diesel engine. These full-size trucks have a reputation for reliability, and the upgraded Duramax engine for 2023 enhances both power and refinement.
Chevrolet Silverado; (photo/Chevrolet)
The Duramax turbodiesel produces 305 horsepower and an impressive 495 pound-feet of torque, available from just 1,500 rpm. This torque translates to a towing capacity of up to 13,000 pounds and a maximum payload of 2,210 pounds when properly equipped. The EPA rates the diesel 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 4×4 at 24 mpg combined (22 city, 27 highway). This fuel economy rating remains unchanged despite the increased power output of the updated engine.
6. Toyota Tacoma i-Force Max (24 MPG)
The Toyota Tacoma, a legendary nameplate in the mid-size truck segment, has been completely redesigned for 2024. The new Tacoma features a modern chassis and new powertrains, including the i-Force Max hybrid system.
2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro; (photo/Toyota)
Every Tacoma is equipped with a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but i-Force Max models add Toyota’s latest hybrid technology. Combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Tacoma i-Force Max delivers 326 horsepower and a remarkable 465 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid powertrain also contributes to an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg combined (23 city, 24 highway). Despite its hybrid nature, the Tacoma i-Force Max retains its truck capability, offering a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds and a payload of 1,610 pounds. The starting price for the 2024 Tacoma Hybrid is the Sport trim, from $46,300.
5. Ford Maverick 2.0T AWD (25 MPG)
The Ford Maverick is the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered truck on this list when equipped with AWD and the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This compact pickup offers a blend of efficiency and practicality in a small package.
Ford Maverick; (photo/Paul Eisenstein)
The 2.0L turbo engine delivers 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provides a towing capacity of 4,000 pounds with the Max Tow Package and a payload of 1,500 pounds. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 25 mpg combined (22 city, 29 highway) for the AWD Maverick with the 2.0T engine. While the Maverick is also available as a hybrid with even better fuel economy (37 mpg combined for the FWD hybrid model), the AWD version is only offered with the 2.0T engine. The 2024 Ford Maverick XL with a 2.0L engine and AWD starts at $26,140.
4. GMC Hummer EV (53 MPGe)
The GMC Hummer EV is a statement piece, an all-electric supertruck that delivers impressive performance and surprising efficiency for its size. While official EPA ratings aren’t mandatory for vehicles over 8,500 pounds GVWR, GMC has published figures for this massive EV.
GMC Hummer EV truck; (photo/Bryon Dorr)
Despite weighing over 9,000 pounds, the Hummer EV pickup achieves an EPA-estimated 53 MPGe and offers a range of 314 miles. While the range might be considered modest for an EV truck, the Hummer EV compensates with immense power and presence. It can tow 7,500 pounds and has a payload capacity of 1,300 pounds. The Edition 1 model boasts 1,000 horsepower and a price tag starting at $110,295.
3. Chevrolet Silverado EV (67 MPGe)
The Chevrolet Silverado EV takes the electric truck concept further, offering impressive range and capability in a more conventional full-size pickup package compared to the Hummer EV.
Chevrolet Silverado EV; (Photo/Chevrolet)
The high-capacity 4WT model is projected to offer a class-leading 450 miles of range. Currently, the longest-range model available is the 3WT, with an EPA-estimated range of 393 miles. The Silverado EV delivers мощность 754 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque in Wide Open Watts mode, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 4.5 seconds. It can also tow up to 10,000 pounds. A unique feature is the mid-gate, reminiscent of the classic Avalanche, which expands the cargo-carrying capacity by extending the bed into the cabin. Pricing for the 2024 Silverado EV starts at $74,800.
2. Ford F-150 Lightning 4WD Extended Range (70 MPGe)
The Ford F-150 Lightning brings electric power to the best-selling pickup truck in America. The Lightning combines the familiar F-150 platform with a powerful and efficient electric powertrain.
Ford F-150 Lightning; (photo/ Paul Eisenstein)
The standard-range Lightning produces 452 horsepower, while the extended-range version boosts that to 580 horsepower, both with a staggering 775 pound-feet of torque. The extended-range model achieves an EPA-estimated 70 MPGe and a range of 320 miles, while the standard-range model gets 68 MPGe and 230 miles of range. Towing capacity for the extended-range Lightning can reach 10,000 pounds with the Max Tow Package. The F-150 Lightning Pro trim with the standard-size battery starts at $49,995.
1. Rivian R1T Dual Max (84 MPGe)
Topping our list of the most fuel-efficient 4×4 trucks is the Rivian R1T. This innovative all-electric pickup was the first of its kind to market in the U.S. and sets a high bar for electric truck performance and efficiency.
Rivian R1T; (photo/Sean McCoy)
In Dual Max configuration, the Rivian R1T offers an EPA-estimated range of 410 miles. The Quad Max version takes performance to another level with 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque, leading the list in both power and torque figures. The R1T can handle a payload of 1,760 pounds and tow up to 11,000 pounds. The EPA fuel economy rating for the Rivian R1T Dual Max is an impressive 84 MPGe combined (91 city, 77 highway). The 2024 Rivian R1T Dual Standard starts at $69,000, while the Dual Max Adventure with the larger battery pack starts at $83,000.
Conclusion
As fuel prices fluctuate and environmental concerns grow, fuel efficiency is no longer a secondary consideration for truck buyers. The 2024 truck market offers a diverse range of fuel-efficient 4×4 and AWD options, from compact pickups like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz to full-size hybrids like the Ford F-150 PowerBoost and all-electric models like the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning. Whether you prioritize gasoline, diesel, hybrid, or electric power, there’s a fuel-efficient 4×4 truck on this list to meet your needs and help you save money at the pump without sacrificing the capability you expect from a truck.
