Pickup trucks are known for their ruggedness and utility, but fuel efficiency isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind. However, with rising gas prices and a growing awareness of environmental impact, many truck buyers are now prioritizing fuel economy alongside traditional truck capabilities like towing and payload. If you’re looking for a 4×4 or AWD truck that won’t break the bank at the pump, you’re in luck. The 2024 model year boasts a surprising array of fuel-efficient options, ranging from compact pickups to full-size hybrids and even electric models.
Based on official EPA ratings, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most fuel-efficient 4×4 and AWD trucks available in 2024. This list showcases that you don’t have to compromise on all-weather capability to achieve better gas mileage. From traditional gasoline engines to advanced hybrid and all-electric powertrains, the options are more diverse than ever. Let’s dive into the rankings, starting with number 10 and working our way up to the most fuel-efficient 4×4 truck of 2024.
10. Ford Ranger 4×4 (22 MPG)
The redesigned 2024 Ford Ranger offers a fresh take on the mid-size pickup, boasting increased payload capacity, a more spacious cabin, and updated technology. Despite these improvements, the new Ranger maintains the same fuel economy as its predecessor, making it a solid choice for those seeking a balance of capability and efficiency.
Under the hood, the Ranger utilizes a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, enabling a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,805 pounds when properly equipped with 4WD. The 2024 Ford Ranger 4×4 achieves an EPA-estimated 22 MPG combined (20 MPG city, 24 MPG highway) and has a starting price of $36,365 for the crew cab XL model.
9. Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid 4×4 (23 MPG)
Ford’s F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid demonstrates that hybrid technology isn’t just for small cars; it can also enhance the fuel efficiency and performance of full-size trucks. The PowerBoost hybrid powertrain, available across all 2024 F-150 trim levels, actually increases power compared to the non-hybrid 3.5L EcoBoost engine.
This hybrid system combines a 3.5L V6 engine with an electric motor to produce a total of 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. The 4×4 F-150 PowerBoost can tow up to 12,700 pounds and handle a payload of 1,830 pounds. Despite its impressive power and capability, the Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid 4×4 achieves a combined EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23 MPG.
8. Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD (23 MPG)
The Hyundai Santa Cruz stands out as a unique and versatile option in the pickup truck market. Based on the Hyundai Tucson crossover, this compact pickup features a unibody construction, blurring the lines between a traditional truck and an SUV. Its car-like handling and fuel efficiency make it an appealing choice for urban and suburban drivers who occasionally need truck-like utility.
Hyundai offers the Santa Cruz with two 2.5L engine options, both available with AWD. The naturally aspirated version produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged variant delivers 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Both engines achieve nearly identical fuel economy ratings: 23 MPG combined for the naturally aspirated and 22 MPG combined for the turbo. The turbocharged 2.5L engine increases towing capacity to 5,000 pounds compared to the naturally aspirated engine’s 3,500 pounds. The Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at an MSRP of $28,400 for the SE trim with the naturally aspirated engine.
7. Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 Duramax Diesel 4×4 (24 MPG)
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4×4 and its GMC Sierra counterpart offer a compelling combination of fuel efficiency and robust diesel power. Equipped with GM’s Duramax 3.0L inline-six diesel engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, these full-size trucks deliver impressive torque and towing capability without sacrificing gas mileage.
The upgraded Duramax turbodiesel engine produces 305 horsepower and a substantial 495 lb-ft of torque, available from just 1,500 rpm. This torque allows the 4×4 Duramax models to 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 24 MPG combined (22 MPG city, 27 MPG highway), proving that diesel technology remains a strong contender for fuel-efficient trucking.
6. Toyota Tacoma i-Force Max (24 MPG)
The all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma represents a significant update for this iconic mid-size truck. While every Tacoma now features a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the i-Force Max models take fuel efficiency to the next level with Toyota’s latest hybrid system.
The Tacoma i-Force Max combines the 2.4L turbo engine with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission, resulting in 326 horsepower and an impressive 465 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid powertrain enables the Tacoma to achieve an EPA-estimated 24 MPG combined (23 MPG city, 24 MPG highway). Despite its fuel efficiency, the Tacoma Hybrid maintains truck capability, offering a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds and a payload of 1,610 pounds. The 2024 Tacoma Hybrid starts with the Sport trim at $46,300.
5. Ford Maverick 2.0T AWD (25 MPG)
The Ford Maverick 2.0T AWD earns the title of the most fuel-efficient gas-powered truck on our list. This compact pickup utilizes a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission to maximize both power and fuel economy.
The engine produces 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for daily driving and light-duty tasks. The AWD Maverick offers a towing capacity of 4,000 pounds with the Max Tow Package and a payload of 1,500 pounds. It achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25 MPG combined (22 MPG city, 29 MPG highway). The 2024 Ford Maverick XL with the 2.0L engine and AWD starts at an affordable $26,140.
4. GMC Hummer EV (53 MPGe)
Stepping into the realm of electric trucks, the GMC Hummer EV makes a bold statement with its immense size and impressive electric efficiency for its class. While official EPA numbers aren’t mandatory due to its heavy-duty classification (over 8,500 pounds GVWR), GMC has released its own figures for this electric behemoth.
The GMC Hummer EV boasts a government-estimated 53 MPGe and a range of 314 miles. Despite its weight exceeding 9,000 pounds, it offers a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and a payload of 1,300 pounds. With a staggering 1,000 horsepower, the Hummer EV delivers supercar-like acceleration in a full-size truck package, starting at $110,295.
3. Chevrolet Silverado EV (67 MPGe)
The Chevrolet Silverado EV further advances the electric truck segment with its focus on range and capability. GM claims a remarkable 450-mile range for the high-capacity 4WT model, setting a new benchmark for electric pickup range. The currently available 3WT model still offers an impressive 393-mile range.
Beyond range, the electric Silverado delivers exhilarating performance with up to 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque in Wide Open Watts mode, enabling 0-60 mph acceleration in a mere 4.5 seconds. It also retains truck utility with a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds. The Chevy Silverado EV also incorporates a unique mid-gate feature, reminiscent of the classic Avalanche, for enhanced cargo versatility. Pricing for the 2024 Silverado EV begins at $74,800.
2. Ford F-150 Lightning 4WD Extended Range (70 MPGe)
The Ford F-150 Lightning proves that Ford’s electric transition extends to its most iconic model. The extended-range F-150 Lightning 4WD achieves an EPA-estimated 70 MPGe and a range of 320 miles, combining impressive efficiency with the familiar F-150 platform.
The extended-range Lightning boasts 580 horsepower and a massive 775 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 10,000 pounds when equipped with the Max Tow Package. The standard-range Lightning, starting at $54,995, offers 452 horsepower, 230 miles of range, and 68 MPGe. The extended range model starts at $69,995 for the XLT trim.
1. Rivian R1T Dual Max (84 MPGe)
Topping our list of the best fuel-efficient 4×4 trucks is the Rivian R1T Dual Max. As the first all-electric pickup to market in the U.S., the Rivian R1T leads the way in electric truck innovation and efficiency.
The Rivian R1T Dual Max offers an estimated 410-mile range and achieves an EPA-rated 84 MPGe combined (91 MPGe city, 77 MPGe highway). For those seeking maximum power, the Quad Motor version delivers a staggering 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 lb-ft of torque. The R1T also offers truck practicality with a payload capacity of 1,760 pounds and a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds. The 2024 Rivian R1T Dual Standard starts at $69,000, while the Dual Max Adventure, with the extended range battery, starts at $83,000.
Conclusion
The 2024 model year presents a compelling selection of fuel-efficient 4×4 trucks, proving that capability and environmental consciousness can go hand-in-hand. Whether you prioritize traditional gasoline power, diesel torque, hybrid efficiency, or the cutting-edge technology of electric vehicles, there’s a fuel-efficient 4×4 truck to meet your needs. From the compact Ford Maverick to the groundbreaking Rivian R1T, these trucks demonstrate that saving money at the pump doesn’t require sacrificing the versatility and ruggedness that trucks are known for. As technology advances, we can expect even more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly truck options to emerge, further blurring the lines between power, capability, and sustainability in the pickup truck segment.
