Are you looking for a truck that does it all? These fuel-efficient pickup trucks that can tow 9,000 pounds come from Ram, Chevrolet, and Ford. Since these are all 2021 options, you may be able to find a new one sitting in the back of a dealer’s lot. If not, you may be able to find one of these vans with a few miles on it and get a better deal.
The Ram 1500 is an efficient pickup that can tow
When it comes to fuel efficient trucks with sufficient towing capacity, edmunds says the 2021 Ram 1500 ranks first. It gets 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which works out to 23 mpg combined. Coupled with the 7,730-pound towing capacity and 2,300-pound payload, you have a winning truck.
The standard 3.6L V6 paired with the eight-speed automatic gets better fuel economy than some midsize trucks. Combined with the high tow numbers, you have plenty of reasons to consider the 2021 Ram 1500.
Best version: 3.6L V6, RWD, eight-speed automatic
Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,730 lbs.
Fuel economy: 23 mpg combined (20 city/26 highway)
Ford’s F-150 is an fuel-efficient pickup that can tow
The 2021 Ford F-150 isn’t a bestseller for no reason. It’s as versatile as it gets, not to mention a fuel-efficient option. The maximum towing capacity of the 3.5L V6 hybrid engine is 12,700 pounds. It also manages to get 25 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, which is better than many rivals. The maximum payload sits at 2,120 pounds.
This engine makes 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque, along with good fuel economy. On top of that, there are an incredible number of ways to configure this truck. That means there’s an F-150 for everyone.
Best version: 3.5L V6 hybrid, RWD, 10-speed automatic
Maximum Towing Capacity: 12,700 lbs.
Fuel economy: 25 mpg combined (25 city/26 highway)
Don’t overlook the capable Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Next up is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, equipped with the 2.7L inline-four engine. This manages to get 21 mpg combined out of the 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway it’s rated for. Along with that fuel economy comes a towing capacity of 9,600 pounds. It’s not as much as the other two, but it’s still a good option.
Chevrolet equips the Silverado with 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. There is a more affordable 4.3L V6 engine option, but it is less fuel efficient and less powerful. If you can spin the 2.7L with the eight-speed automatic, you’ll get an fuel-efficient truck that can tow 9,600 pounds.
Best version: 2.7L inline-four, RWD, eight-speed automatic
Maximum Towing Capacity: 9,600 lbs.
Fuel economy: 21 mpg combined (20 city/23 highway)
More often than not, you should choose fuel efficient or capable of towing. These trucks do both quite well. Try to find one with all the safety features available, as they usually include practical systems for better towing.