10 Best MPG Trucks

Traditionally, a 10 best MPG trucks list would be something of an oxymoron. Truck owners often had to sacrifice poor gas mileage in order to get the cargo space, load capacity and engine power they wanted from their trucks. However, a mandate by the United States government to improve fuel efficiency by 2016 and declining sales of trucks have led many manufacturers to place more of an emphasis on increasing miles-per-gallon while maintaining performance.

Owning a truck today doesn’t necessarily mean you need to donate your paycheck to your local gas station. Here are ten of the best MPG trucks from the 2011 model year based on EPA estimates.

1. Ford Ranger The 2011 Ford Ranger tops the list of the best MPG trucks of the year. With a manual transmission and a very fuel-efficient 2.3-liter engine, the 2011 Ford Ranger gets 22 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway with an estimated average fuel cost of $1,864.
2. Toyota Tacoma Drivers looking for a fuel efficient truck with an automatic transmission will want to consider the 2011 Toyota Tacoma. It tops all automatic transmission trucks with 19/25 MPG.
3. Chevrolet Colorado The 2011 Chevrolet Colorado is targeted at budget truck buyers who still want decent cargo capacity. It is tied as one of the best MPG trucks in the 4WD category with 18/24 MPG.
4. GMC Canyon Like the Chevrolet Colorado, the 2011 GMC Canyon also straddles the line between budget truck and workhorse. The 4WD vehicle also matches the Chevy Colorado with 18/24 MPG.
5. Chevrolet Silverad Chevrolet made a splash by debuting the first standard-sized hybrid truck in 2011. Based on the transmission and 6.0-liter engine package found in the 2011 Chevy Tahoe SUV, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado has an impressive fuel efficiency of 20/23 MPG.
6. GMC Sierra 15 Much like the Chevrolet Silverado, its sister plate, the GMC Sierra 15, was a hybrid based on an SUV frame. It also gets 20/23 MPG.
7. Dodge Ram When it comes to fuel efficiency paired with power, the 2011 Dodge Ram is tough to beat among trucks. Its 5.7-liter, V8 engine gets the same 14/20 MPG as a similar 2WD 2011 Dodge Ram with a 3.7-liter, V6 engine.
8. Honda Ridgeline With an attractive look and comfortable ride, the 2011 Honda Ridgeline is the least truck-like of the trucks on this list. That might explain why the 4WD version still gets a solid 15/20 MPG.
9. Toyota Tundra Toyota boosted the power on its 2011 Tundra with a 4WD version featuring a 4.6-liter, V8 engine. Despite the power increase to 270 HP, the 2011 Toyota Tundra still gets a solid 14/19 MPG.
10. Suzuki Equator Clocking in at an efficiency of 19/23 MPG, the 2011 Suzuki Equator gets bonus points for its generous seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.