If you are looking to buy a pickup that offers performance, good efficiency, and can be a solid choice for everyday commutes and demanding jobs but can’t afford a brand new one, the older trucks with good gas mileage can be your best bet.
Trucks not only provide extra power for towing or hauling but also offer extra seating and cargo space. With the rise in popularity, pickups are now more expensive than ever, making many buyers turn to older models.
You will get your hands on older full-size trucks with good gas mileage in the used car market but do not get disheartened as they ensure to offer a perfect blend of utility, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
Whether you are an off-road enthusiast, a small business owner, or someone who enjoys the rugged appeal of trucks, this guide will help you discover fuel-efficient trucks that you can go for in the used car market.
1. Toyota Tacoma (1995-2004)
The Toyota Tacoma is one of the most loved pickup trucks in the American automotive market. This model has long been celebrated for its reliability and longevity. If money is your primary issue with buying a ride, the first-generation Tacoma, produced between 1995 and 2004, is a particularly good option.
These models come equipped with a 2.4-liter or 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine, channeling 142 to 190 hp and achieving around 22 mpg in the city and 27–28 mpg on the highway.
In addition, the Tacoma’s robust build and strong resale value make it a wise investment. You can buy first-generation Tacoma ranging from $4,757 to $12,176 only.
2. Ford Ranger (1998-2011)
The Ranger lineup from the popular American car brand Ford is another excellent choice for those in the market for older 4×4 trucks with good gas mileage. The third-generation models that ran from 1998 to 2011, especially the ones powered by 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engines, offer impressive gas mileage, averaging 22 mpg in the city and 21–26 mpg on the highway.
The third-generation Rangers are smaller than the current brand-new Rangers on the market, thus offering more efficiency and easy handling. You can buy them for a price range of $3,793 to $9,692.
Overall, the Ranger is known for its durability and ease of maintenance, making it a favorite among truck enthusiasts who value both performance and economy.
3. GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid (2009-2013)
The GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid, produced between 2009 and 2013, is a standout option that not only offers a big size, a robust body, and good efficiency but also gives you a touch of eco-friendliness. This full-size pickup features a 6.0-liter V8 engine paired with an electric motor, achieving an impressive fuel economy of around 20–21 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
The Sierra 1500 Hybrid offers the utility and power expected from a GMC truck. It has a towing capacity ranging from 5,900 to 6,100 lbs, all thanks to its 332 hp output and better fuel efficiency than its non-hybrid counterparts.
This truck’s advanced hybrid technology and strong build make it a smart choice for eco-conscious truck buyers. You can buy the vehicles from model years 2009 to 2013 within the range of $8,477 to $16,223.
4. Chevrolet S-10 (1994-2004)
The Chevrolet S-10 is an excellent yesteryear pickup from the popular General Motors. The first generation of this lineup, especially the models from 1994 to 2004, are well regarded for their balance of power and fuel efficiency.
All the models came powered by either a 2.2-liter four cylinder engine or a 4.3-liter V6 engine, channeling 120 to 190 hp and delivering up to 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
The S-10’s versatility, in combination with its relatively low operating costs, makes it a prominent option for anyone looking for not-so-recent trucks with fuel economy.
In the used car market, you can easily purchase the Chevy S-10 second-generation models for a price range of $1,850 to $7,571.
5. Nissan Frontier (1998-2005)
The first-generation models of the Nissan Frontier produced from 1998 to 2004 offer a great blend of reliability and miles per gallon. The models are powered by either a 2.5-liter four cylinder or 4.0-liter V6 engine, producing 154 to 265 hp and delivering up to 22 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
The king cab and crew cab body styles offer choices in terms of space requirements. The rugged design and dependable performance make this Japanese pickup a practical choice for different driving needs. You can get your hands on a well-maintained Nissan Frontier from the first generation for a cost range of $2000 to $13000.
6. Mazda B-Series (1994-2009)
Another pickup truck that comes with the reliability and affordability of Japanese automotive brands is the Mazda B-Series. This lineup shares many components with the popular Ford Ranger and is also easy on your pocket. You can purchase the models from the years 1994 to 2009 for prices ranging from $2,388 to $4,837.
7. Chevy Silverado Hybrid (2009-2013)
The Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, which was available from 2009 to 2013, is another excellent option for people looking for older trucks with good gas mileage. The models combine the power of a 6.0-liter V8 engine with an electric motor, delivering 332 hp and about 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
What’s impressive about the up-in-the-year Chevy Silverado Hybrid is that it offers efficient driving while simultaneously maintaining the strength and towing capacity of a full-size truck.
The hybrid technology, combined with Chevrolet’s reputation for durability, makes all the 2009–2013 models smart and eco-friendly options for truck buyers. You can buy them for a fair market range of $6,903 to $14,774.
8. GMC Canyon (2004-2012)
The first generation of the popular pickup, the GMC Canyon, can be your next on-road partner. The models produced between 2004 and 2012 stand out for their high fuel efficiency.
The 2.8-liter 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter 5-cylinder engine variants offer around 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Whereas the variants powered by 2.9 L 4-cylinder, 3.7 L 5-cylinder, and 5.3 L V8 engines offer about 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
The modern amenities, reliability, best handling, and solid performance of Canyon offer a great balance between efficiency and comfort. You can purchase the GMC Canyon for the model years 2004 to 2012 for a price range of $4,797 to $12,544.
9. Ram 1500 EcoDiesel (2014-2019)
The final name on this list of older pickups with good miles per gallon is the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel for the model years 2014 to 2019. The models come powered by a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine, helping you achieve around 20 mpg in the city and 27 to 29 mpg on the highway.
For anyone who wishes to get more miles on less fuel, the popular EcoDiesel is the way to go. This pickup has always been the talk of the town for using less fuel while still offering powerpacked performance and excellent towing capacity for a truck.
Its advanced diesel technology and rugged design make it a prominent choice for fuel-conscious truck buyers looking for reliability, strength, and exclusivity. This sturdy pickup can be yours for a price range of $11,342 to $23,962.
10. Ford F-150 (2015-2019)
As per the car ownership statistics for 2024 by Forbes, the Ford F-150 is the best-selling used car nationwide based on sales in 2023. This pickup has always been America’s favorite, and we have mentioned it here because how can there be a list about efficient trucks and the F-150 not be included?
However, when it comes to fuel efficiency, the model years 2015 to 2019 are the best ones for this truck. The releases from these years offer advanced EcoBoost engines, including the 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter V6 options, which deliver 19 to 22 mpg in the city and 26 to 30 mpg on the highway.
The Ford F-150 is a blend of modern technology, powerful performance, and good fuel economy, making it an impressive eye for seekers of a reliable and efficient ride.
However, buying this high-demand truck compared to other options on this list is slightly pricey. You can get your hands on it, but you will have to spend around $11,108 to $41,329, based on the model year and body style.
Tips For Maximizing Fuel Efficiency In Older Trucks
Let’s be honest, older vehicles, whether pickups, reliable SUVs that can tow 5000 lbs, or regular cars, are still below their brand new counterparts. But this does not mean they are not good options to consider.
As per Statista, pickup trucks are among the most popular vehicles in the American used car market. This means you are bound to get good deals even when you buy a pre-owned ride.
An older truck can be your true partner. All you need to do is take good care of it in the right manner. Below, we have a few tips that can help you maximize fuel efficiency on your older truck:
Regular Maintenance
Keeping your ride in great shape through regular maintenance is the key. Doing oil changes, air filter replacements, and tire rotations as stated in the owner’s manual of your ride can help enhance its overall efficiency.
Proper Tire Inflation
You must ensure the tires on your ride are properly inflated. This can reduce the rolling resistance of the vehicle and improve its gas mileage.
Lighten The Load
Do not carry anything in your pickup. Removing unnecessary things or weight from your truck can greatly boost its gas usage. The heavier loads require more energy to move, so unless you are actually doing heavy-load work, keep your truck minimalist for everyday commutes.
Smooth Driving
By changing your driving style from being rash or too fast to a smooth and calm one, you can help maximize the efficiency of your older truck. Avoid things like rapid acceleration and hard braking, and you will see a significant change in the mileage output you achieve from your newly bought truck.
Related FAQs
Which is the most fuel-efficient older truck?
As per this buying guide, the reliable Toyota Tacoma for the model years 1995–2004 is the most fuel-efficient older pickup. With this first generation of Tacoma, you can get about 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. You get almost similar numbers with the Chevrolet S-10 (1994–2004) and Ford F-150 (2015–2019).
Are older trucks as reliable as newer models?
The reliability of any vehicle, whether a truck, SUV, sports car, or economic one, highly depends on its make and model. If you choose an older truck from reliable brands like Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet, you are bound to get value for your money. And if you add regular maintenance and proper care to your smart purchase, your used vehicle is going to be your dependable partner for years to come.
Can hybrid trucks save more on fuel costs compared to traditional trucks?
YES. Hybrid vehicles like the GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid and Chevy Silverado Hybrid typically offer better fuel economy than traditional gasoline-powered trucks, which in the long run leads to you saving impressively on fuel costs. Not only this but with hybrid rides, you are a little more cautious towards the environment.
Are diesel engines in older trucks more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines?
Diesel engines generally tend to be more fuel-efficient than their gasoline counterparts, offering you more miles per gallon. Diesel fuel has a higher energy content, and diesel engines are highly efficient at converting fuel into power, making them better choices over gas-powered ones.
Conclusion
Finding an older truck with good gas mileage is not an impossible task. With a bit of research and the right guidance, you can get exactly what you are looking for.
In current times where the used car market is offering brand-new-like rides, models like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Nissan Frontier, Mazda B-Series, GMC Canyon, Ram EcoDiesel, and Ford F-150 are your best options as they offer a great combination of reliability, performance, and fuel efficiency.
