Pickup trucks are no longer just about raw power and towing capacity; today’s truck owners demand versatility, comfort, and crucially, fuel efficiency. As gas prices fluctuate and environmental consciousness grows, finding a 4×4 truck that doesn’t break the bank at the pump is increasingly important. This article dives into the top 10 most fuel-efficient 4×4 and AWD trucks of 2024, based on EPA ratings, proving that you can have off-road capability without sacrificing fuel economy.
While the overall fuel economy in this segment may have slightly decreased compared to previous years, largely due to the reduced availability of diesel engine options, innovation is pushing forward. From traditional gasoline engines to advanced diesel, hybrid, and all-electric powertrains, the landscape of fuel-efficient 4×4 trucks is more diverse than ever.
If your interests lean towards SUVs with similar fuel-saving and 4×4 capabilities, be sure to check out our companion article on the 10 Most Fuel-Efficient 2024 4×4 SUVs.
Let’s explore the top 10 most fuel-efficient 4×4/AWD trucks for 2024, ranked from tenth to first based on their combined EPA fuel economy ratings.
10. Ford Ranger 4×4 (22 MPG)
The redesigned Ford Ranger for 2024 brings a host of improvements, including increased payload capacity, a more spacious cab, and cutting-edge technology. Despite these enhancements, the new Ranger maintains the same fuel economy as its predecessor, a testament to Ford’s engineering efficiency.
Powering the Ranger is a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers a wide gear ratio spread, optimizing both performance and fuel consumption. The 4WD Ranger boasts a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 1,805 pounds.
Under the hood, the engine produces 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, thanks to the turbocharger. The EPA estimates the 2024 Ford Ranger 4WD at 20 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. The starting price for a crew cab XL model is $36,365 (excluding destination and handling charges).
9. Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid 4×4 (23 MPG)
Ford’s foray into hybrid technology extends to its flagship F-150 with the PowerBoost Hybrid. Unlike some hybrids that prioritize fuel economy at the expense of power, the F-150 PowerBoost enhances performance. It surpasses the 3.5L non-hybrid EcoBoost engine, delivering 430 horsepower – a 30 horsepower increase – and a significant 570 pound-feet of torque, thanks to a 70 pound-feet boost from the electric motor.
For the 2024 model year, the PowerBoost hybrid V6 powertrain is available across all F-150 trim levels, from the base XL to the luxurious Limited. The 4×4 PowerBoost variant offers a substantial towing capacity of up to 12,700 pounds and a payload of 1,830 pounds, comparable to many full-size trucks in its class.
The EPA estimates the Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid 4×4 to achieve 23 mpg in combined driving, making it a surprisingly fuel-efficient option in the full-size truck segment.
8. Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD (23 MPG)
The Hyundai Santa Cruz stands out as a unique offering in the pickup truck market. Built on the Hyundai Tucson crossover platform, the Santa Cruz features a unibody construction, blurring the lines between a traditional truck and a crossover SUV with an open bed.
Hyundai offers the Santa Cruz with two 2.5L engine options: a naturally aspirated (NA) version producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged variant delivering 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available AWD. Notably, the turbo engine uses a dual-clutch transmission, unlike the conventional torque converter automatic in the NA version.
Both engine configurations achieve similar fuel economy figures: the NA engine gets 21 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the turbo version achieves 19/27/22 mpg respectively.
The key difference lies in towing capacity, where the 2.5L turbo can handle 5,000 pounds compared to the NA engine’s 3,500 pounds. Payload capacities are 1,753 pounds for the NA and 1,609 for the turbo. The Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at an MSRP of $28,400 for the SE trim NA model and $38,460 for the Night trim 2.5T.
7. Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 Duramax Diesel 4×4 (24 MPG)
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD and its GMC Sierra counterpart, equipped with GM’s Duramax 3.0L I6 diesel engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, boast a strong reputation for reliability and fuel efficiency. The upgraded Duramax turbodiesel engine for 2023 produces 305 horsepower and a robust 495 pound-feet of torque, available from just 1,500 rpm.
This torque translates to impressive capability. The 4×4 Duramax models can tow up to 13,000 pounds and handle a maximum payload of 2,210 pounds when properly equipped.
The EPA rates the diesel 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 at 22 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. This excellent fuel economy remains unchanged despite the increase in power, highlighting the efficiency of modern diesel technology in full-size trucks.
6. Toyota Tacoma i-Force Max (24 MPG)
The all-new Toyota Tacoma for 2024 marks a significant update for this iconic nameplate. It features a new chassis and modern powertrains, with every Tacoma model now equipped with a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The i-Force MAX badged trucks take fuel efficiency a step further with Toyota’s latest hybrid system.
Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the hybrid Tacoma i-Force Max delivers 326 horsepower and an impressive 465 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid powertrain enables the Tacoma to achieve an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
Despite its hybrid nature, the mid-size Tacoma retains its renowned capability. The hybrid model can tow up to 6,000 pounds and has a maximum payload of 1,610 pounds. The 2024 Tacoma Hybrid starts with the Sport trim, priced from $46,300.
5. Ford Maverick 2.0T AWD (25 MPG)
The Ford Maverick is the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered truck on this list when equipped with AWD and the 2.0T engine. This compact pickup utilizes a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine to maximize power and torque while maintaining excellent fuel economy. The eight-speed automatic transmission further optimizes efficiency by providing a wide range of gears for both acceleration and highway cruising.
The engine produces 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, remarkable figures for a truck of this size. This power allows the Maverick to tow up to 4,000 pounds with the Max Tow Package and handle a payload of 1,500 pounds, rivaling even some full-size trucks in payload capacity.
The EPA estimates fuel economy for the AWD Maverick 2.0T at 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, resulting in a combined 25 mpg. While the AWD version isn’t available with the even more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain (which achieves 37 mpg overall in FWD configuration based on 2022 EPA estimates), the 2.0T AWD Maverick still offers exceptional gas mileage for a 4×4 truck. The 2024 Ford Maverick XL with a 2.0L engine and AWD starts at $26,140.
4. GMC Hummer EV (53 MPGe)
The GMC Hummer EV defies expectations by combining immense size and power with surprising efficiency, albeit measured in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) for electric vehicles. Due to its heavy weight (over 9,000 pounds empty and a GVWR exceeding 8,500 pounds), official EPA fuel economy ratings are not mandatory. However, GMC has published an official estimate of 53 MPGe for this massive electric pickup.
Despite its weight, the Hummer EV delivers a range of 314 miles on a full charge. While this is on the lower end for electric trucks, it’s notable considering its size and battery pack, one of the largest available in an EV truck.
The Hummer EV, despite its HD truck weight, offers a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and a payload of 1,300 pounds, placing its work capabilities closer to a midsize truck in terms of these figures. However, with 1,000 horsepower and a starting price of $110,295, the Hummer EV prioritizes electric power and off-road prowess over conventional fuel economy metrics.
3. Chevrolet Silverado EV (67 MPGe)
The Chevrolet Silverado EV pushes the boundaries of electric truck range and performance. GM claims a remarkable 450-mile range for the high-capacity 4WT model, making it a leader in standard range for electric pickups. Currently, the longest-range model available is the 393-mile 3WT-spec truck.
Beyond range, the Silverado EV boasts impressive performance figures. In Wide Open Watts launch mode, it delivers 754 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in a sports car-like 4.5 seconds. It also maintains truck capability with a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds.
The Chevy Silverado EV also incorporates a unique feature reminiscent of the classic Avalanche: a mid-gate that extends the cargo bed into the rear seating area, enhancing cargo-carrying versatility. Pricing for the 2024 Silverado EV starts at $74,800.
2. Ford F-150 Lightning 4WD Extended Range (70 MPGe)
Ford’s electric F-150 Lightning offers two battery configurations, both with dual motors and AWD. The standard range Lightning, starting at $54,995, produces 452 horsepower. The extended-range version, available in XLT and higher trims and starting at $69,995, increases power to 580 horsepower. Both configurations deliver a substantial 775 pound-feet of torque.
The EPA estimates the standard-range Lightning at 68 MPGe with a 230-mile range and a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds with the optional Max Tow Package. The extended-range model achieves 70 MPGe and extends the range to 320 miles, with a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds with the Max Tow Package.
The base F-150 Lightning Pro trim, available only with the standard battery, starts at $49,995 (excluding additional fees and packages). Optional packages like the Tow Technology package and Max Trailer Tow package further enhance its capability.
1. Rivian R1T Dual Max (84 MPGe)
Topping the list of most fuel-efficient 4×4 trucks is the Rivian R1T, a groundbreaking electric pickup that was the first all-electric truck to market in the U.S. The Rivian R1T in Dual Max configuration offers an EPA-estimated range of 410 miles, while the Quad Max variant delivers a staggering 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque, leading the list in both power and torque figures.
In terms of truck utility, the R1T can handle a payload of up to 1,760 pounds and tow an impressive 11,000 pounds. The EPA fuel economy rating for the Rivian R1T is 91 MPGe city, 77 MPGe highway, and 84 MPGe combined, making it the most fuel-efficient 4×4 truck in 2024.
The 2024 Rivian R1T Dual Standard, with dual motors, AWD, and a 270-mile battery pack, starts at $69,000. The R1T Dual Max Adventure, featuring a larger Max battery pack for over 400 miles of range, starts at $83,000. The quad-motor version is expected to begin deliveries next year.
Conclusion
The 2024 lineup of 4×4 and AWD trucks demonstrates that fuel efficiency and rugged capability are no longer mutually exclusive. From advanced diesel engines to groundbreaking hybrid and all-electric powertrains, manufacturers are innovating to meet the growing demand for trucks that are both powerful and economical. Whether you prioritize traditional gasoline efficiency, diesel torque, or the cutting-edge technology of electric vehicles, there’s a fuel-efficient 4×4 truck on this list to suit your needs and preferences. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even greater strides in fuel economy and performance in the 4×4 truck segment, making these vehicles an increasingly practical and environmentally conscious choice for a wide range of drivers.
