Big trucks are like big bricks moving through the air. They are the least efficient way to get good gas mileage. Then, when you add the weight of the truck and the weight of a complex 4×4 system, they are some of the thirstiest vehicles on the road. But nothing beats a full-size 4×4 for getting in and out of rough terrain, hauling, and towing. Many of us need a big truck that can do it all, but which full-size 4×4 truck has the best gas mileage?
Engines and tires make the difference in mpg
Every full-size truck on the market today gets better gas mileage than similar trucks from just a few years ago, thanks to new turbochargers, hybrid power, or better transmissions. These full-size trucks come with a wide variety of engine options, each with a different EPA mpg number. fueleconomy.gov place. Beyond the weight and complexity of a 4×4 system, the other aspect that hurts mileage is the tires. Giant mud tires may look great, but they are super inefficient and make a huge difference in mileage.
All these figures are for trucks equipped with four-wheel drive. Two-wheel drive versions get slightly better mileage across the board.
The V6 surprises in the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado
The 4×4 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra is a bit of a surprise. General Motors switched to a new 2.7-liter turbocharged engine for the base engine that was supposed to be more efficient for these twins. It makes oodles of power, up to 310 horsepower, but it doesn’t beat the V6 in fuel economy. Of course, the lifted ZR2 or AT4X models with mud tires get the worst gas mileage.
According to the EPA, Silverados 4×4s achieve:
3.0-liter V6: 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
2.7-liter 4-cylinder: 18 mpg city, 21 mpg highway
5.3-liter V8: 16 mpg city, 20 mpg highway
6.2-liter V8: 16 mpg city, 20 mpg highway
ZR2 6.2-liter V8: 14 mpg city, 17 mpg highway
Ford F-150 EcoBoost engines live up to their names
Ford’s EcoBoost engine suite on paper is hands down the most efficient in the F-150. The 2.7-liter is the Blue Oval winner for fuel efficiency. Although we love the power of the 5.0 V8, it’s thirsty. But no truck on Ford’s roster is as thirsty as the new Ford Raptor R with its 700-horsepower 5.2-liter V8.
According to the EPA:
2.7-liter V6: 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway
3.5-liter V6: 23 mpg city, 23 mpg highway
3.3-liter V6: 19 mpg city, 22 mpg highway
5.0-liter V8: 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway
Tremor 3.5-liter: 16 mpg city, 20 mpg highway
Raptor 3.5-liter V6: 15 mpg city, 16 mpg highway
Raptor R 5.2-liter V8: 10 mpg city, 15 mpg highway
Even with modern technology, Ram trucks thirst for
Ram added various gas-saving measures to its thirsty big V8 over the years. Ram uses clever tricks like a cylinder deactivation system and even a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to save fuel. Compared to 12 years ago, it’s better, but the V8 can’t bet the trusty V6 for mileage. The TRX, however, takes the cake on this list as the thirstiest truck of all.
According to the EPA:
3.0-liter V6: 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway
5.7-liter V8: 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway
6.2-liter TRX V8: 10 mpg city, 14 mpg highway
Every Nissan Titan has a 400 horsepower V8
All Nissan Titans come with one option, a 400 horsepower V8. There are two versions of the Titan, the regular and the PRO4X. Like the others, the off-road tires on the dirt-focused PRO4X hurt mileage.
According to the EPA:
5.6-liter V8: 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway
PRO4X 5.6-liter V8: 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway
The 2023 Toyota Tundra have a hybrid V6
Toyota is trying to differentiate itself in the world of full-size trucks and SUVs by shedding its venerable V8 and instead building its new 2022 Toyota Tundra pickups and new V6-powered Sequoia SUV. But they are not normal V6s. With an available hybrid system, they can pack a punch. But, they are still thirstier than the Fords.
According to the EPA:
3.4-liter V6: 19 mpg city, 22 mpg highway
3.4-liter TRD Pro V6: 18 mpg city, 20 mpg highway