Trucks are no longer just workhorses; they’re also expected to be comfortable daily drivers, family vehicles, and adventure companions. Today’s truck buyers want it all: robust towing and payload capacity, a comfortable and tech-laden cabin, powerful engines, and crucially, better fuel economy. With rising gas prices, the demand for fuel-efficient trucks, especially those with 4×4 or all-wheel-drive (AWD) for enhanced traction, is higher than ever. If you’re seeking a pickup that minimizes trips to the gas station without sacrificing four-wheel capability, you’re in the right place.
This article dives into the top 10 most fuel-efficient 4×4 and AWD trucks of 2024, based on official EPA ratings. We’ve compiled this list to help you navigate the market and find a truck that balances fuel savings with the ruggedness and versatility you need. From traditional gasoline engines to advanced hybrids and all-electric powertrains, the options are diverse and increasingly impressive. Prepare to be surprised by which models lead the pack in fuel efficiency without compromising on truck capability.
10. Ford Ranger 4×4 (22 MPG Combined)
2024 Ford Ranger
The redesigned 2024 Ford Ranger 4×4 secures the tenth spot with a combined EPA rating of 22 MPG. This mid-size pickup has been completely revamped, boasting increased payload capacity, a more spacious cabin, and significantly updated technology compared to its predecessor. Despite these improvements, the new Ranger maintains the same fuel economy as the previous generation, a testament to Ford’s engineering.
Powering the Ranger is a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination provides a wide gear ratio spread, optimizing both performance and efficiency. The powertrain delivers 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, enabling a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds and a payload of 1,805 pounds when properly equipped with 4WD. The 2024 Ford Ranger 4×4 achieves an EPA estimated fuel economy of 20 MPG city, 24 MPG highway, and 22 MPG combined. The starting price for the crew cab XL model is $36,365 (excluding destination and handling charges). The Ford Ranger is a solid choice for those needing a fuel-efficient 4×4 truck that doesn’t compromise on modern features and capability.
9. Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid 4×4 (23 MPG Combined)
Ford F-150 hybrid towing a boat
Ford’s expertise in hybrid technology shines with the F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid 4×4, ranking ninth with a combined 23 MPG. Unlike typical hybrids focused solely on fuel savings, the PowerBoost enhances performance while improving economy. This hybrid powertrain, available across all F-150 trims from XL to Limited for 2024, combines a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine with an electric motor.
The result is a total output of 430 horsepower and a substantial 570 lb-ft of torque – 30 horsepower and 70 lb-ft more than the non-hybrid 3.5L EcoBoost. Despite the increased power, the F-150 PowerBoost 4×4 achieves impressive fuel economy for a full-size truck, rated at 23 MPG combined by the EPA. It also boasts a towing capacity of up to 12,700 pounds and a payload of 1,830 pounds. The Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid delivers a compelling blend of power, capability, and fuel efficiency, making it a standout option in the full-size truck segment.
8. Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD (23 MPG Combined)
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD, a unique and versatile compact pickup, ties for eighth place with a combined 23 MPG rating. Based on the Hyundai Tucson crossover, the Santa Cruz features a unibody construction, setting it apart from traditional body-on-frame trucks. This design contributes to its car-like handling and fuel efficiency.
Hyundai offers the Santa Cruz with two 2.5L engine options: a naturally aspirated (NA) version producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged variant delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available AWD. The NA engine achieves an EPA estimated 23 MPG combined (21 city/25 highway), while the turbo version gets 22 MPG combined (19 city/27 highway). Towing capacity ranges from 3,500 pounds for the NA engine to 5,000 pounds for the turbo. Payload capacity is 1,753 pounds for the NA and 1,609 pounds for the turbo. The Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD is ideal for buyers seeking a fuel-efficient, maneuverable, and stylish truck for urban and light-duty tasks.
7. Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 Duramax Diesel 4×4 (24 MPG Combined)
Chevrolet Silverado Diesel fuel efficient pickup truck
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4×4 and its GMC Sierra twin, equipped with the Duramax 3.0L inline-six diesel engine, take the seventh spot with a combined 24 MPG. These full-size trucks offer a compelling combination of fuel efficiency and robust diesel performance. The Duramax engine, upgraded for 2023, now produces 305 horsepower and a substantial 495 lb-ft of torque, available from just 1,500 rpm.
This torque-rich diesel enables the Silverado/Sierra 1500 4×4 to tow up to 13,000 pounds and handle a maximum payload of 2,210 pounds when properly configured. Despite the impressive power and capability, the EPA rates the diesel Silverado 1500 at 24 MPG combined (22 city/27 highway). The Duramax diesel engine provides excellent fuel economy without sacrificing the heavy-duty capability expected from a full-size pickup. For those who need to tow and haul regularly while maximizing fuel savings, the Silverado/Sierra 1500 Duramax diesel 4×4 is a top contender.
6. Toyota Tacoma i-Force Max Hybrid (24 MPG Combined)
Mid-size trucks compared by the numbers
The all-new Toyota Tacoma i-Force Max Hybrid secures the sixth position, also achieving a combined 24 MPG. This redesigned mid-size truck finally brings the Tacoma into the modern era with a new chassis, updated technology, and advanced powertrains, including a hybrid option. Every 2024 Tacoma features a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but the i-Force Max models add Toyota’s latest hybrid system for enhanced power and efficiency.
The Tacoma i-Force Max Hybrid delivers a total of 326 horsepower and an impressive 465 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain configuration results in an EPA estimated fuel economy of 24 MPG combined (23 city/24 highway). Despite its hybrid nature, the Tacoma remains a capable truck, offering a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds and a payload of 1,610 pounds. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid starts at $46,300 for the Sport trim, offering a blend of Toyota reliability, off-road capability, and improved fuel efficiency.
5. Ford Maverick 2.0T AWD (25 MPG Combined)
2022 Ford Maverick towing trailer fuel efficient truck
The Ford Maverick 2.0T AWD claims the fifth spot and is the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered truck on our list, with a combined 25 MPG rating. This compact pickup offers a compelling blend of fuel economy and truck utility in a small, maneuverable package. The AWD version of the Maverick is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
This powertrain delivers 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for daily driving and light-duty tasks. The Maverick 2.0T AWD has a towing capacity of 4,000 pounds with the Max Tow Package and a payload capacity of 1,500 pounds. EPA fuel economy estimates are 25 MPG combined (22 city/29 highway). The starting price for a 2024 Ford Maverick XL with the 2.0L engine and AWD is $26,140. The Ford Maverick 2.0T AWD is an excellent choice for buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and city-friendly maneuverability in a truck format.
4. GMC Hummer EV (53 MPGe Combined)
2022 GMC Hummer EV truck Edition 1
Breaking into the top four, we enter the realm of electric trucks, starting with the GMC Hummer EV, achieving 53 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). While official EPA ratings aren’t mandatory for vehicles exceeding 8,500 pounds GVWR, GMC has published figures for this massive electric pickup. Despite weighing over 9,000 pounds, the Hummer EV boasts a government estimated 53 MPGe and a range of 314 miles.
The Hummer EV is not just about efficiency; it’s also about extreme performance and off-road capability. It delivers a staggering 1,000 horsepower and can tow up to 7,500 pounds with a payload of 1,300 pounds. The starting price for the GMC Hummer EV is $110,295. The Hummer EV represents a bold step towards electric trucks, offering impressive MPGe for its size and capability, though its range is relatively modest compared to other EVs.
3. Chevrolet Silverado EV (67 MPGe Combined)
2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV
The Chevrolet Silverado EV takes the third spot with a combined 67 MPGe rating. GM claims a remarkable 450-mile range for the high-capacity 4WT model, setting a new standard for electric truck range. The currently available 3WT model offers a still-impressive 393-mile range.
Beyond range, the Silverado EV delivers exhilarating performance, producing 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque in Wide Open Watts mode. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a sports car-like 4.5 seconds and tow up to 10,000 pounds. A unique feature of the Silverado EV is its mid-gate, reminiscent of the classic Avalanche, allowing for extended cargo space into the cabin. Pricing for the 2024 Silverado EV starts at $74,800. The Silverado EV combines long range, strong performance, and innovative features, making it a compelling electric truck option.
2. Ford F-150 Lightning 4WD Extended Range (70 MPGe Combined)
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning – on rocky trail
The Ford F-150 Lightning 4WD Extended Range secures the second position with a combined 70 MPGe rating. Ford’s electric version of its iconic F-150 offers impressive efficiency and capability. The extended-range Lightning boasts 580 horsepower and a massive 775 lb-ft of torque, while the standard range model delivers 452 horsepower and the same torque figure.
The extended-range F-150 Lightning offers an EPA estimated range of 320 miles and 70 MPGe, with a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds with the Max Tow Package. The standard-range model achieves 68 MPGe and a 230-mile range, with a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. Pricing for the F-150 Lightning starts at $49,995 for the Pro trim (standard range only), while the extended range XLT trim starts at $69,995. The Ford F-150 Lightning provides a familiar truck experience with the benefits of electric power, including strong MPGe and ample range for most truck users.
1. Rivian R1T Dual Max (84 MPGe Combined)
2022 Rivian R1T fuel efficient truck
Topping our list as the most fuel-efficient 4×4 truck is the Rivian R1T Dual Max, with an impressive 84 MPGe combined rating. The Rivian R1T was the first all-electric pickup to market in the U.S., and it continues to lead in efficiency and innovation. The Dual Max configuration offers an estimated 410-mile range, while the Quad Max variant pushes performance to an incredible 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 lb-ft of torque.
The Rivian R1T Dual Max achieves an EPA estimated 84 MPGe combined (91 city/77 highway). It also provides truck-level capability with a payload of 1,760 pounds and a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds. The 2024 Rivian R1T Dual Standard starts at $69,000, while the Dual Max Adventure, with the extended range battery, starts at $83,000. The Rivian R1T Dual Max stands out as the leader in fuel efficiency among 4×4 trucks, combining long range, impressive performance, and cutting-edge technology in a stylish and capable package.
Choosing the best truck MPG 4×4 for your needs involves balancing fuel economy with capability, price, and desired features. This list of the top 10 most fuel-efficient 4×4 and AWD trucks of 2024 offers a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize gasoline, diesel, hybrid, or electric power, there’s a fuel-sipping 4×4 truck on this list to meet your requirements.
