Pickup trucks have benefits ranging from reliability to hauling, towing, and off-roading capabilities. One possible con that might make you hesitate to purchase a pickup truck is its gas-guzzling reputation, which is only more prominent when you look at used trucks. Fortunately, some older models are more efficient than you might think.
Shopping for a used truck with good gas mileage helps you protect the environment and make fewer trips to the pump while keeping your overall costs as low as possible. Here at Your Auto Source, we're eager to discuss some used trucks that get decent gas mileage. Read on to discover the model that best suits your preferences.
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
If you're looking for a used pickup truck with good gas mileage, you can't go wrong with the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. It has a combined EPA-estimated fuel economy of 17 miles per gallon or 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. You'll find some of these trucks with a 4.3-liter V-6 engine, ideal if you're hauling light loads in the bed and not doing any heavy towing. If you want a better balance between power and fuel efficiency, try to find a model with a 5.3-liter V-8 engine.
The 6.2-liter aluminum block V-8 engine also produces up to 403 horsepower. The standard four-speed automatic transmission is more than adequate, but a model with six-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission will generate a smoother ride. Other key features include a tire-pressure monitoring system, anti-lock brakes, and 10-way power heated front bucket seats.
2013 GMC Sierra Hybrid
Though hybrid technologies are seeing rapid improvements today, older models like the 2013 GMC Sierra Hybrid can still compete. This model has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway for a combined EPA fuel economy of 21 mpg. The 2013 GMC Sierra Hybrid is in the rear- or four-wheel drive, featuring a 6.0-liter V-8 engine and two electric motors. The two-mode hybrid system enables "full" hybrid operation, meaning you can cruise on electric power alone for up to 30 miles per hour.
The gas engine kicks in to provide additional acceleration if you need more juice. The GM Electrically Variable Transmission draws power from a 300-volt battery pack and helps produce up to 332 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque. If you opt for rear-wheel drive, the towing capacity is 6,100 pounds compared to the four-wheel drive's towing capacity of 5,900 pounds.
2013 Toyota Tacoma
Another classic option for a used truck with good gas mileage is the 2013 Toyota Tacoma. You'll get the best fuel economy with the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and manual two-wheel drive, as it has an estimated EPA of 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. This engine produces a respectable 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque.
If you want more power, opt for the 4.0-liter V-6 engine, which produces 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This 4.0-liter engine gets 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway in manual two-wheel drive and automatic four-wheel drive configurations. The six-speed manual transmission is standard, though some 2013 Toyota Tacomas have the optional five-speed automatic transmission.
2015 Chevrolet Colorado
Midsize pickup truck fanatics ought to consider the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. You'll get optimal fuel efficiency if you find a model with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and automatic two-wheel drive. The estimated EPA fuel economy is 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. This engine produces up to 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque.
If you want to increase these specs to 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, keep your eyes peeled for a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine. With an automatic transmission, the V-6 gets up to 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Key standard features include power windows, a locking tailgate, a rearview camera, and a 4.2-inch screen.
2015 RAM 1500 EcoDiesel HFE
In 2015, the RAM 1500 EcoDiesel built on its already class-leading gas mileage by adding an HFE variant to its lineup. The model has an estimated EPA combined fuel efficiency of 24 mpg, equal to 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. At the time, this EPA rating was the highest of any pickup truck.
Everyone will know you have a vehicle with high fuel efficiency thanks to the HFE tailgate badge. More subtle is the smooth, aerodynamic design that helps ensure optimal gas mileage. Other key features include a 6-foot-4-inch bed, 20-inch alloy wheels, wheel-to-wheel side steps, and a class-exclusive tri-fold hard tonneau cover.
2015 Nissan Frontier
When shopping for a 2015 Nissan Frontier, you'll likely notice the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Combined with two-wheel manual drive, it has an EPA rating of 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. If you opt for a model with the 4.0-liter V-6 engine and two-wheel automatic or manual drive, you can get up to 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Beyond the basic trim unlocks features like air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth, and an AM/FM/CD stereo. More advanced features include a USB-equipped audio system, power windows and mirrors, NissanConnect, leather seats, and a Rockford Fosgate audio system.
As this list has demonstrated, you don't have to settle for a truck with poor fuel efficiency. Used models with respectable gas mileage can help you save big while reducing your carbon footprint. Contact our team at Your Auto Source today if you're ready to start truck shopping. We're eager to answer your questions, provide more suggestions, and schedule test drives for any vehicles you're considering.
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