Gas mileage matters to everyone, and it’s a common fact that trucks aren’t always the best fuel sippers around. In fact, their distinctly un-aerodynamic shape, tall and wide profile, and open bed can all create drag and turbulence, making them the opposite of the sleekest sports cars and wind-cheating eco-cars. However, all is not lost, as we are on hand with some prudent advice on maximizing gas mileage on your existing truck through simple ways that you can utilize on your own. We also present the current economy leaders in the truck segment so that if you’re in the market for a new truck, our suggestions will be of use.
Why Gas Mileage Is Important
The most straightforward reason is that gas is getting more and more expensive due to many reasons. The Covid-19 pandemic is one, the situation with Russia and Ukraine is another, OPEC prices are also a factor, and the rising cost of global logistics is yet another. In fact, we could bore you with a laundry list of points as to why prices at the pumps keep going up. With gas prices at all-time highs, even 1-2mpg makes a difference, especially when your wallet is strained by the rising cost of everything else.
Like it or not, a gas-guzzling truck also emits more greenhouse gases, and you pay more tax on it as a result. Even if you don’t care about these factors, you’re likely to feel the pinch at the pumps. Then, there’s also the factor of range. Wouldn’t you rather have a more extended range, rather than have to frequently waste time at forecourts filling up your gas tank?
Trucks With The Best Fuel Economy
We’ve looked to Motor Trend’s most fuel-efficient pickup trucks list of 2022 for inspiration, and here’s what we found.
Leader Of The Pack – Ford Maverick Hybrid
The Maverick Hybrid impresses for a truck with a class-leading 37mpg. This is a staggering 11mpg more than the next three contenders, and goes to show that trucks needn’t be thirsty. However, the Maverick’s compact size means that it’s the smallest of the lot, it’s front-wheel-drive, and features lighter unibody construction rather than the sturdier body-on-frame method, which is enough for the 191hp combined system output to handle.
RAM, Chevy And GMC Duke It Out For Second, Third And Fourth
The RAM 1500 EcoDiesel 2WD, Chevrolet Silverado 2WD Diesel, and GMC Sierra 1500 2WD Diesel all vie for the next crown with combined rated economies of 26mpg. Notice anything common? 2WD drivetrains are more economical than 4WD ones due to less drivetrain hardware. All three trucks are powered by 3.0L turbodiesels putting out 277hp and 460lb-ft in the GMC and Chevy, while the RAM gives you 260hp and 480lb-ft.
Non-Hybrid Maverick Takes Fifth
Ford’s in fifth with the Maverick again, this time it’s the more powerful 2.0L turbo which packs 250hp and 277lb-ft, still in front-wheel-drive guise. It can just about touch 26mpg if you’re careful.
The F-150 Can Only Manage Sixth
Sixth place goes to Ford’s famous F-150 nameplate in 3.5L twin-turbo hybrid guise that puts out 430hp and 570lb-ft, at the cost of 25mpg. It’s still rear-wheel-drive though.
Jeep Gladiator Can Do 4WD And 24mpg
Jeep’s Gladiator can give you 4WD, 260hp, 442lb-ft and 24mpg in one package that’s powered by a 3.0L turbodiesel V6. If you must have a 4WD truck, this is the one to get amidst rising fuel prices.
GMC Canyon And Chevy Colorado – Tied At 23mpg
The GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado are stablemates, and share the same 2.8L turbodiesel, with 181hp and 369lb-ft sent to the rear wheels only. No surprise then, that they both achieve 23mpg.
Hyundai’s AWD Contender Can Also Give You 23mpg
The Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD sneaks in here, because it offers 191hp and 181lb-ft from a naturally aspirated 2.5L engine, all-wheel-drive, and 23mpg. It’s a compact pickup truck, and looks quite distinctive.
How To Get Better Gas Mileage On Your Truck
Fortunately, all is not lost. If you’ve got an older truck and don’t intend, or can’t afford to upgrade to a newer and more fuel-efficient model, here are some tips and tricks on how to improve your gas mileage.
Use Cruise Control On The Interstates
Cruise Control works by helping you maintain a steady speed rather than pulsing the throttle, which many people unconsciously do when they are talking to passengers, listening to music, or are otherwise distracted. Unless you’re watching your speedometer with a hawk eye, you’re bound to mosey about the speed limit rather than lock on to it. Then again, there is a train of thought that the steely-focused driver with an uber-sensitive right foot can actually beat cruise control at fuel efficiency, but that’s more the exception than the norm.
Plan your route to minimize idling and traffic
It helps to plan your route beforehand, especially if you’re bound to face traffic. Would you prefer a slightly longer ride at a steadier speed or a shorter ride punctuated by several traffic lights and resulting traffic? Remember, at traffic lights, your engine is idling, and your gas mileage is effectively 0mpg!
Clear Out The Clutter
Do you really need to cart around a heavy toolbox and two spare wheels on your daily office commute? Unload your truck when you don’t need the extra stuff. A lighter truck means lower weight to lug, and better gas mileage as a result.
Check Your Tire Pressures
Underinflated tires can significantly impact your gas mileage. Invest in a tire pressure monitor, or at least a pressure gauge and compressor, and check your tire pressures at least once every two weeks. Be sure to do this in the morning when the vehicle and ground is cold. Check out 4 Wheel Parts’ range of tire and wheel accessories for suitable products.
Ensure your maintenance is up to date
Don’t take your vehicle’s maintenance for granted. Be sure to perform the required services, oil changes, and replacement of worn parts. That way, you can ensure that everything is working as it should, and there are no unwanted inefficiencies or extra friction anywhere there shouldn’t be.
4 Wheel Parts For Everything Your Truck Needs
Looking for the best off-road parts for your truck? Want to find a place that offers a broad range of products from established brands, backed by solid warranties and after-sales service? 4 Wheel Parts is your best port of call. We’re a bunch of passionate professionals in the off-road products industry, and we have over 90 stores nationwide, so why not head down to your nearest one and check out our merchandise? If that’s not your cup of tea, just head over to our website on your device of choice, and shop away. We operate six distribution centers, helping you get your parts delivered to your doorstep that little bit quicker than the rest. We offer a robust price-matching policy, and our after-sales support is second to none. Give us a try, and you won’t regret it.
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