© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Fuel-Efficient 4WD Pickups
Pickup trucks are among the most popular vehicles in America, and for the last several years the three top-selling models in the U.S. have been pickup trucks. Pickups can offer levels of utility unmatched by other vehicle types, making them ideal for towing and hauling. However, trucks are not typically known for their fuel efficiency. With the price of gasoline continuing to rise and the demand for versatile pickups remaining, we’ve gathered a list of the most fuel-efficient four-wheel-drive pickups available today. With electric, diesel and gasoline options, here are the most fuel-efficient 4WD pickups saving consumers the most money at the pump — or charging station.
© Nissan North America
16. 2022 Nissan Titan
MPG (city / highway / combined): 15 / 21 / 18
Max Towing (with most fuel-efficient powertrain): 11,060 lbs.
Nissan’s entry into the ultra-competitive full-size pickup truck market, the Titan stands out thanks to a bold grille, large LED headlights and “double boomerang” LED daytime running lights. The Titan comes in as the least-efficient pickup truck on this list primarily because it only offers one engine choice — a powerful 5.6-liter Endurance V8 rated at 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, teamed with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. Nissan offers the Titan in a range of trim levels, including the luxurious Platinum Reserve outfitted with leather and wood trim.
© Nissan North America
15. 2022 Nissan Frontier
MPG (city / highway / combined): 17 / 22 / 19
Max Towing (with most fuel-efficient powertrain): 6,370 lbs.
Nissan introduces an all-new Frontier for the 2022 model year with its first major redesign in more than a decade. The new truck looks much more formidable than the outgoing version thanks to a large, upright rectangular grille flanked by what Nissan calls “precision interlocking headlights” as well as upper and lower daytime running lights that wrap into the front fenders. Power comes from a 3.8-liter direct-injection V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, teamed with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The new Frontier is available in a range of trim levels in King Cab or Crew Cab configurations.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
13. 2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid (tie)
MPG (city / highway / combined): 19 / 22 / 20
Max Towing (with most fuel-efficient powertrain): 11,175 lbs.
Toyota introduced an all-new Tundra for the 2022 model year with improved performance and fresh styling. Built on a new chassis designed to improve capability and ride comfort, Tundra is available with two new powertrain choices. A 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine generating 389 horsepower is standard equipment, or buyers can opt for the more efficient and more powerful hybrid i-FORCE MAX twin-turbo V6 that bumps to 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. Inside, the big truck features some great improvements that put it at the forefront of full-size trucks with the best resale values, including an available 14-inch touchscreen display as well as standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
13. 2022 Toyota Tacoma (tie)
MPG (city / highway / combined): 19 / 22 / 20
Max Towing (with most fuel-efficient powertrain): 3,500 lbs.
Toyota’s popular midsize pickup is available in several configurations with two cab styles, two bed lengths, five trim levels and a choice of 2WD or 4WD. Last year the Tacoma received a new grille and wheel designs for most trim levels, as well as an upgraded audio system with a larger touchscreen and Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility. For 2022 Toyota adds a new Trail Edition to the Tacoma lineup, featuring a lifted suspension and a locking rear differential for better off-road performance. While the standard 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine is the most efficient, bumping up to the 3.5-liter V6 only drops fuel economy by 1 city mpg but increases towing ability to 6,500 pounds.
© American Honda Motors
12. 2022 Honda Ridgeline
MPG (city / highway / combined): 18 / 24 / 21
Max Towing (with most fuel-efficient powertrain): 5,000 lbs.
Unlike most pickups sold in America, the Ridgeline features unibody construction, which contributes to a comfortable ride more in keeping with a car than a typical truck. Other unique features include a dual-action tailgate and lockable in-bed trunk. Every Ridgeline comes equipped with the latest high-tech safety features and tri-zone climate control, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Last year the Ridgeline received fresh styling with a new hood, squared-off nose and upright grille with new LED headlights.
© General Motors
10. 2022 Chevrolet Colorado (tie)
MPG (city / highway / combined): 19 / 28 / 22
Max Towing (with most fuel-efficient powertrain): 7,700 lbs.
The midsize Chevrolet Colorado debuted as a 2015 model offering an alternative to a full-size truck, possessing more heft and capability than a smaller compact. Built alongside the GMC Canyon, the Colorado is available in a range of powertrains including the most fuel-efficient option, a 2.8-liter Duramax diesel. Last year the Colorado received fresh styling that includes a new grille, front fascia and tailgate; the truck also has a new infotainment system with an 8-inch color touchscreen as standard equipment on the Colorado LT.
© General Motors
10. 2022 GMC Canyon (tie)
MPG (city / highway / combined): 19 / 28 / 22
Max Towing (with most fuel-efficient powertrain): 7,700 lbs.
The twin sibling of the Chevrolet Colorado, the Canyon is GMC’s compact truck contender. Available in three configurations — extended cab, crew cab, or crew cab with a long bed — Canyon offers impressive capability including a tow rating that exceeds many of its competitors. This compact GMC pickup is available in a range of trim levels, highlighted by the ultra-luxurious Denali and the Off-Road Performance Edition on the Canyon AT4.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
9. 2022 Ford Ranger
MPG (city / highway / combined): 20 / 24 / 22
Max Towing (with most fuel-efficient powertrain): 7,500 lbs.
Returning in 2019 after an eight-year hiatus, the Ford Ranger stands out with a high beltline, a raked grille, a dual-dome hood, the Ranger name stamped in the tailgate, and short overhangs for off-road clearance. Inside, the pickup offers seating for up to five, a center stack with an 8-inch touchscreen for the available SYNC3 system, and dual LCD screens in the instrument cluster to display vehicle, navigation and audio information. With a high-strength steel frame, all Ford Rangers come with a powerful and efficient 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine making 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
8. 2022 Ford F-150 HEV
MPG (city / highway / combined): 23 / 23 / 23
Max Towing (with most fuel-efficient powertrain): 12,400 lbs.
Completely redesigned last year, the Ford F-150 offers a wide range of innovations — the most interesting being the first hybrid powertrain for the popular truck line. And this new hybrid delivers more than mere fuel efficiency — an onboard power generator in the 2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid brings a whole new level of utility to the competitive light-duty pickup segment. Powering the first hybrid version of the F-150 is a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 gas engine paired with a 35-kW electric motor integrated into the 10-speed transmission. The setup delivers 430 horsepower and a plentiful 570 lb-ft of torque.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
7. 2022 Ram 1500 Diesel
MPG (city / highway / combined): 21 / 29 / 24
Max Towing (with most fuel-efficient powertrain): 9,700 lbs.
Ram introduced an all-new 1500 pickup in 2019 and followed shortly thereafter with the Ram Heavy Duty. Sales continue to show strong results — the big truck overtook Chevrolet to become the second-best-selling vehicle in America for 2021, and it still holds onto that position. The Ram features bold exterior styling, and the interior is one of the nicest on the market. Multiple trim levels are available, as well as a varied powertrain lineup that includes a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 that generates 260 horsepower and an impressive 480 lb-ft of torque at a mere 1600 rpm.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
5. 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Diesel (tie)
MPG (city / highway / combined): 22 / 26 / 24
Max Towing (with most fuel-efficient powertrain): 13,000 lbs.
The longtime best-seller of the Chevrolet lineup, the full-size Silverado pickup truck gets updated for 2022 with fresh exterior styling as well as a revised interior with enhanced technology. Higher-level trims receive a new 13.4-inch display screen and available Super Cruise driver-assistance technology. Also new is the Silverado ZR2, which takes its place as the flagship of the Silverado lineup with impressive off-road capability direct from the factory. Powering the most fuel-efficient version of the Silverado 1500 is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-6 engine that produces 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
© General Motors
5. 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Diesel (tie)
MPG (city / highway / combined): 22 / 26 / 24
Max Towing (with most fuel-efficient powertrain): 13,000 lbs.
The Sierra has long been GMC’s best-selling model, and similar to its Chevrolet Silverado sibling, a completely new Sierra pickup rolled out for the 2019 model year. Larger in practically every dimension, the new Sierra boasts a range of comfort, convenience and safety features. One standout is the truck’s MultiPro Tailgate, which offers six positions for easier loading; it can also be used as a standing workstation. For 2022 GMC adds the Sierra Denali Ultimate — the most luxurious Sierra the company has ever offered.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
4. 2022 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel
MPG (city / highway / combined): 22 / 28 / 24
Max Towing (with most fuel-efficient powertrain): 6,500 lbs.
Combining all the off-road prowess of a Wrangler with the utility of a pickup truck, Gladiator can haul gear and people practically anywhere. Jeep now offers the Gladiator with improved fuel efficiency and high torque thanks to a new diesel powertrain. Powering Jeep Gladiator Diesel is a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine producing 260 horsepower and a plentiful 442 lb-ft of torque available at a low 1400 rpm. The diesel gets teamed with an 8-speed automatic transmission; Jeep doesn’t offer a manual gearbox with the diesel.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
3. 2022 Ford Maverick AWD
MPG (city / highway / combined): 22 / 29 / 25
Max Towing (with most fuel-efficient powertrain): 4,000 lbs.
Ford has experienced great success building pickup trucks, and now the company has mined its vast well of expertise to join the growing compact pickup truck segment via the all-new 2022 Ford Maverick. This entry-level unibody pickup offers impressive utility, commendable fuel economy and a low starting price — no doubt a formula that will prove to be a winning combination. With its unibody design sporting an integrated 4.5-foot bed, the compact Maverick is much smaller than other Ford trucks yet it’s more than adequate for many truck buyers. Although Ford does offer the Maverick with a hybrid powertrain that boasts more than 40 mpg, in order to get AWD buyers need to opt for the 2.0-liter EcoBoost gas engine producing 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
© Rivian
2. 2022 Rivian R1T
MPGe (city / highway / combined): 74 / 76 / 70
Max Towing (with most fuel-efficient powertrain): 11,000 lbs.
Rivian is an all-new car company that has just come to market with its first vehicle, a full-electric pickup truck. While there will be other powertrain variants, the Launch Edition of the R1T features a Quad-Motor All-Wheel Drive system that delivers 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft of torque while still providing a range of 314 miles between charges. Not only can the Rivian tow 11,000 pounds, it will sprint to 60 mph in about 3 seconds. In addition to its high-tech interior, the Rivian offers plenty of cargo-carrying innovations including a storage in the “frunk” (front trunk) as well as a gear tunnel located behind the cabin.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
1. 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning 4WD Ext Range
MPG (city / highway / combined): 78 / 63 / 70
Max Towing (with most fuel-efficient powertrain): 10,000 lbs.
With the efficiency and performance of an electric vehicle combined with the utility expected of a full-size pickup truck, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is a force to be reckoned with — if Ford can keep up with demand. While the chassis and powertrain are unique to the Lightning, there’s no mistaking this new model for anything but an F-150 — in fact, at first glance many consumers won’t even notice the differences. The 2022 F-150 Lightning is powered by dual three-phase fixed-magnet AC electric motors — one at each axle — so all Lightnings are all-wheel drive. Total output for the extended-range Lightning is 580 horsepower with 775 lb-ft of torque — the most torque ever in a production F-150.
