Top 8 Older Trucks With Good Gas Mileage For 2024

Last updated on July 19th, 2024 at 01:57 am

There are several factors to consider before purchasing an older truck that has good gas mileage. For starters, what will the truck be used for? Are you going to use it for commuting or carrying bulky items? The answers to these questions will ultimately determine the sort of vehicle you purchase. Many people will prefer older trucks with good gas mileage and it appears that more people are doing so these days. The benefit of a truck is that it is a multipurpose vehicle. You can use them to assist your friends in moving, for day-to-day tasks, or even to be sporty. Fuel economy, on the other hand, is a common issue for trucks of all sizes and powertrains.

Pickup trucks are noted for their tough characteristics and ability to complete difficult tasks. Despite being powerfully functional vehicles, pickup trucks consume a significant amount of gas. Every year, automakers compete to see which of their pickup trucks can consume the least amount of gasoline. Using diesel fuel, creating a hybrid, or using a particular design is all common ways to improve pickup truck gas mileage.

Pickup trucks are increasingly being used as day-to-day family transporters and tow vehicles for weekend toys. They have become aspirational vehicles for purchasers seeking an exclusive premium vehicle as a result of ongoing advancements.

However, there has never been a better moment to invest in older trucks with good gas mileage because there is something for everyone. However, despite an abundance of choices, prices have constantly risen. Here’s a guide to help you get the most value for money when it comes to trucks.

Here are 8 of the best older trucks with good gas mileage

Must Check: Best Pickup Trucks That Can Tow 10000 Pounds

#1. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Specifications:

• Horsepower: 277 – 420 hp
• MPG: 15 – 27 combined
• Seating: 3 – 6
• Engine: Gas, Diesel

It is a full-size truck that comes in a variety of trim levels and combinations for 2021. It comes in three cab types, three-bed lengths, and five engine options with different transmissions. There are plenty of options with the Silverado. It has considerable towing capacity and, thanks to four-wheel drive and particular trims, is also capable in the dirt. On the flip side, the Silverado’s interior is significantly less spectacular than competitors’, and the ride is harsher. The interior of the Ram 1500 is more appealing, with higher-quality materials and a smoother ride across the lineup. The Ford F-150 also provides a more luxurious experience, with a more regulated ride and larger towing capacities. The Silverado strikes a good balance between interior space and price.

Likes

• Rides up to three tones
• Upgrade to a hybrid vehicle for a reasonable price
• It drives “normally” with no drivability issues
• Hybrid batteries come with an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty

Dislikes

• The battery pack restricts storage on the second row
• The starting price is $39,000

#2. GMC Sierra 1500

Specifications:

• Remote Engine start
• Hill Descent Assist
• Start/Stop System
• Front Cooled Seats
• In-Car WiFi
• Android Auto
• Apple CarPlay
• Remote Engine Start
• Front and Rear Heated Seats
• Fog Lamps
• 3 year / 36k mi Basic Warranty

The GMC Sierra 1500 is a capable full-size vehicle with comfortable front seats and a stylish cabin. It has strong towing capacities and can carry a large payload, but it lacks the riding quality of competitors. The GMC Sierra 1500 is a 5-seater with six trim options to choose from. The AT4 Crew Cab Short Bed 4WD, which starts at $56,395 and comes with a 5.3L V8 engine and Four Wheel Drive, is the most popular style. This Sierra 1500 is expected to get 16 miles per gallon in the city and 21 miles per gallon on the highway.

Likes

• Engines that is extremely powerful
• Cabin in the woods
• Interior with plenty of space

Dislikes

• Touchscreens for small displays of information
• Standard safety is limited

Also Check: Top 10 Best New Sports Cars Under $50k

#3. Toyota Tacoma 2013

Specifications:

• Engine-2.7-liter inline-four 
• Power- 159 hp @ 5200 rpm
• Transmission- 4 speed automatic transmission
• Doors- 2
• Seats- 4
• $23,900 with a 25 MPG rating

The 2.7-liter inline-four engine in the 2013 Toyota Tacoma achieves 25 mpg. They have a blue book value of roughly $14,000 and a manual transmission option. The Tacoma has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and only 160 horsepower, but it’s a good choice for basic transportation and general truck operations. Toyota Tacoma 2013 is one of the older 4×4 trucks with good gas mileage. Even with a full truck bed and a trailer loaded with bikes (well, perhaps two at most), the Tacoma manages to reach motorway speeds without breaking a sweat. Of course, if you do everything, your mileage will decrease.

Likes

• For the class, this is good gas mileage
• Superior cabin quality to competitors
• The roomy rear seats of the Tacoma Double Cab

Dislikes

• The brake pedal has a sticky feel to it

#4. Ram 1500 Ecodiesel 3.0-liter V6 (2015 model)

Specifications:

• Fuel economy of 27 miles per gallon
• HORSEPOWER- 240-395
• DRIVETRAIN- 4WD, RWD
• SEATING- 2-6
• $20,900 EPA-estimated 

This truck had high expectations from Dodge’s RAM division, which advertised it as a 30 MPG economical workhorse. With a 240-horsepower 3.0-liter diesel engine that only gets slightly better mileage than the previous RAM, it’s hard to see why you’d choose this truck over the previous. Drive both and decide which you prefer. Because the engines are different, it’s possible that the 3.0-liter engine will perform better and more smoothly. It all boils down to personal preference. However, like other good older small trucks with good gas mileage (MPG), it’s a worthy choice.

Likes

• V6 and V8 engines with a lot of power
• Cabin with a view
• Very comfortable ride

Dislikes

• There are a few safety features.
• In comparison to competitors, it has a lower towing capacity

Also Check: Top 10 Best New Fastest Sports Cars Under $40K

#5. 2015 Ford F-150

Specifications:

• 2.7-liter V6 with 26 MPG
• Gas Mileage- 18 mpg City/25 mpg Hwy
• Engine Regular Unleaded-  V-6, 3.5 L
• Passenger Capacity- 3
• Passenger Doors- 2
• MSRP-$26,030

If you want to discover an F-150 that can make this list, you can’t go too far back in time. It is, however, conceivable with the 2015 model, which has a smaller Ecoboost engine. The fact that it still produces over 300 horsepower while maintaining a low cost and good mileage is astounding. For other customers, the decision has already been made for them because F-150s are recognized to be the greatest pickups on the market.

Likes

• Excellent new 2.7-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine 
• The right balance between performance and efficiency
• The ride quality has vastly improved
• Pickup bed with a lot of skills

Dislikes

• There aren’t many physical indications of its extreme body
• Aluminum has the potential for higher repair costs
• J2807 reduces the maximum payload and towing capacity (for everyone)

#6. 2017 Honda Ridgeline

Specifications:

• Gas Mileage18 mpg City/25 mpg Hwy
• Engine Regular Unleaded V-6, 3.5 L
• Drive train- All Wheel Drive
• Passenger Capacity- 5
• Passenger Doors- 4
• Estimated Price- $31,000

When it comes to inflation, you’ll notice that the Honda Ridgeline is the only brand new truck on this list. You might want to wait a few years to buy one because it’s still new, but if you do, you’ll get a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces roughly 280 horsepower and gets 26 mpg. The truck is also capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds. All of this combines to make the Ridgeline one of the best trucks for everyday use as well as carrying a boat or trailer into the mountains. The MSRP is roughly $29,500, however after a few years; keep an eye out for them.

Likes

• The most innovative and practical truck bed
• Excellent driving skills
• The fuel economy has improved.
• Finally, a high-quality interior with the traditional truck appearance

Dislikes

• The off-road utility can be limited by ground clearance
• When compared to competitors, it’s quite pricey

Also Check: Top 10 Best Classic Cars To Buy Right Now

#7. VW Rabbit Pickup Truck 

Specifications:

• 1.6-liter diesel, the early 1980s
• HORSEPOWER-170
• SEATING-5
• 45 miles per gallon

An early 1980s American-built Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup might be the best older truck with good gas mileage (mpg) ever. People have reported discovering these for approximately $10,000, which may seem high for a truck constructed in the 1980s on a passenger car base, but your ears may perk up when you learn it has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that gets 45 mpg, it is one of the older diesel trucks with good gas mileage. You would assume it’s not powerful enough to pull much, yet the Rabbit Pickup is legally capable of towing at least 1100 pounds. Since this truck has exceptional safety ratings, the risks of getting injured in a truck accident are lower

Likes

• a joyful performance
• Second-row seats are quite roomy
• Electronic stability control is standard
• Exceptional safety ratings

Dislikes

• Not as fuel-efficient as some of the leading competitors

#8. GMC Canyon 2016

Specifications:

• HORSEPOWER-181-305
• SEATING 2-5
• 27 MPG for $29,000
• 25-liter inline-four

The 2016 GMC Canyon is one of the older trucks with good gas mileage and reliable truck on our list. There are two engine options under the hood, but if you want the best fuel economy, you’ll need the 2.5-liter inline-four. It only has roughly 200 horsepower, so don’t expect it to set any speed records, but it does get better gas mileage than a newer Honda.

Likes

• Power and acceleration are excellent
• Interior materials of superior quality
• Features that are easy to use

Dislikes

• Front-seat support is insufficient.
• Extended Cab’s cramped rear seats

While focusing on fuel efficiency in older trucks, it’s equally important to consider safety on the road. In San Antonio, if you’re involved in an 18-wheeler accident, having a knowledgeable ‘San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer’ is crucial. Cesar Ornelas Law provides expert legal assistance in these complex cases, ensuring your rights are fully protected. Their expertise in truck accident law is invaluable for effectively handling such challenging situations.

FAQs

Conclusion

Finally, whatever truck you choose, make sure it can perform the tasks you require. If you’re dragging horses, other trucks, or houses, the sooner you realize 20 miles per gallon is a stretch, the easier it will be. Otherwise, your alternatives for ordinary everyday travel to multiple job sites are substantially broader.