Pickup trucks are often associated with power and capability, but in today’s world of fluctuating gas prices, fuel efficiency is becoming a crucial factor for truck buyers. Many are seeking vehicles that can handle tough jobs and off-road adventures without emptying their wallets at the pump. Luckily, the 2024 market offers a range of 4×4 and AWD trucks that prioritize fuel economy without compromising on essential truck capabilities.
This list, based on official EPA ratings, highlights the top 10 most fuel-efficient 4×4 and AWD trucks available in 2024. While overall fuel economy in this segment might be slightly lower compared to previous years due to shifts away from diesel engines, the variety of powertrains available – from traditional gasoline to hybrid and all-electric – is more diverse than ever. Whether you prioritize gas savings, environmental consciousness, or cutting-edge technology, there’s a fuel-efficient 4×4 truck on this list for you.
If you’re also interested in fuel-efficient SUVs with 4×4 capabilities, be sure to check out our companion article on the 10 Most Fuel-Efficient 2024 4×4 SUVs.
Here are the 10 most fuel-efficient 4×4/AWD trucks for 2024, ranked from 10th to 1st 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 significantly updated technology. Despite these enhancements, the new Ranger maintains the same commendable fuel economy as its predecessor.
Powering the 4×4 Ranger is a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination, leveraging a wide gear ratio spread, enables a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 1,805 pounds when properly equipped with 4WD.
This efficient engine delivers 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for both daily driving and demanding tasks. The 2024 Ford Ranger 4WD achieves an EPA estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. The starting price for a crew cab XL model is $36,365, making it an accessible entry point into the fuel-efficient 4×4 truck market.
(Note: All prices listed exclude destination and handling charges.)
9. Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid 4×4 (23 MPG)
Hybrid powertrains are well-known for their exceptional fuel efficiency in cars, and Ford has successfully applied this technology to its popular F-150 with the PowerBoost Hybrid. Unlike some hybrids that prioritize economy over power, the F-150 PowerBoost actually enhances performance compared to the standard 3.5L EcoBoost engine. The hybrid system adds an extra 30 horsepower, boosting the total output to 430 horsepower, and torque gets a significant bump of 70 pound-feet, reaching a robust 570 pound-feet.
For the 2024 model year, the PowerBoost hybrid V6 powertrain is available across the entire F-150 trim lineup, from the base XL to the luxurious Limited. The 4×4 PowerBoost variant boasts a substantial towing capacity of up to 12,700 pounds when properly configured, and a payload capacity of 1,830 pounds, aligning with the capabilities of many full-size trucks in its class.
The Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid 4×4 is EPA-rated to deliver 23 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient full-size 4×4 trucks available without sacrificing power or utility.
8. Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD (23 MPG)
The Hyundai Santa Cruz stands out as a unique offering in the pickup truck segment. Based on the Hyundai Tucson crossover, the Santa Cruz adopts 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. The naturally aspirated (NA) version produces 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged engine delivers a more potent 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.
Both engine variants are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offer available AWD. Notably, the turbocharged engine utilizes a dual-clutch transmission, unlike the conventional torque converter automatic in the NA model. Both powertrains achieve nearly identical fuel economy ratings: the NA engine gets 21 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the turbo version achieves 19/27/22 mpg.
However, there is a more significant difference in capability. The 2.5L turbo Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 pounds, compared to the NA engine’s 3,500-pound capacity. Payload capacity is slightly higher for the NA engine at 1,753 pounds versus 1,609 pounds for the turbo. With a starting MSRP of $28,400 for the SE trim NA model and $38,460 for the Night trim 2.5T, the Santa Cruz offers fuel-efficient AWD in a distinctive and versatile package.
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 inline-six diesel engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, have established a strong reputation for reliability. The Duramax turbodiesel engine received an upgrade for 2023, now producing 305 horsepower and an impressive 495 pound-feet of torque, available from just 1,500 rpm.
This abundant torque translates to significant towing and hauling capabilities. The 4×4 Duramax versions can tow up to 13,000 pounds and handle a maximum payload of 2,210 pounds when properly equipped, making them highly capable work trucks.
Despite the increased power output, the fuel economy remains excellent. The EPA rates the diesel 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 at 22 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice fuel efficiency for diesel performance in a full-size pickup.
6. Toyota Tacoma i-Force Max (24 MPG)
Toyota’s all-new Tacoma for 2024 marks a significant update for this iconic nameplate, introducing a new chassis and modern drivetrains. Every Tacoma model now features a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but the i-Force Max badged trucks take fuel efficiency and performance a step further with Toyota’s latest hybrid system.
Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the hybrid Tacoma i-Force Max powertrain delivers a combined 326 horsepower and an impressive 465 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid system also contributes to excellent fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 23 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
Despite its hybrid nature, the mid-size Tacoma maintains its renowned capability. The hybrid models can tow up to 6,000 pounds and offer a maximum payload capacity of 1,610 pounds. The 2024 Tacoma Hybrid starts with the Sport trim, priced from $46,300, offering a blend of fuel efficiency and Toyota’s legendary reliability and off-road prowess.
5. Ford Maverick 2.0T AWD (25 MPG)
The Ford Maverick stands out as the most fuel-efficient gas-powered truck on this list. The AWD variant of Ford’s compact pickup is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine, designed to maximize both power and torque in a smaller package. The eight-speed automatic transmission ensures optimal gear selection for acceleration and efficient highway cruising.
This engine delivers 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, remarkable figures for a truck in this size class. This power enables the Maverick to tow up to 4,000 pounds when equipped with the Max Tow Package and carry a payload of up to 1,500 pounds. While its towing capacity is less than larger pickups, its payload capacity is competitive with some full-size models.
The Ford Maverick 2.0T AWD boasts an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, resulting in a combined rating of 25 mpg. While the AWD configuration isn’t available with the even more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain (which achieves 37 mpg overall in 2022 EPA estimates), the 2.0T AWD Maverick still provides exceptional gas mileage for a 4×4 truck. The 2024 Ford Maverick XL with the 2.0L engine and AWD starts at an affordable $26,140.
4. GMC Hummer EV (53 MPGe)
Due to its substantial weight, the GMC Hummer EV is not obligated to publish official EPA fuel economy figures. Vehicles exceeding a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 8,500 pounds are exempt from this requirement. However, GMC has chosen to release an official estimate for the Hummer EV, despite it weighing over 9,000 pounds empty.
The incredibly heavy GMC Hummer EV pickup achieves an official government estimate of 53 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) and offers a range of 314 miles. While its range is on the lower side for electric trucks, especially considering its massive battery pack, its MPGe rating is impressive for such a large vehicle.
Despite its HD pickup truck weight, the Hummer EV can still tow 7,500 pounds and carry a maximum payload of 1,300 pounds, aligning its truck capabilities more with a midsize pickup. With a staggering 1,000 horsepower and a starting price of $110,295, the Hummer EV delivers extreme performance and electric efficiency in a unique and attention-grabbing package. Read more about our first drive with the Hummer EV.
3. Chevrolet Silverado EV (67 MPGe)
Chevrolet’s Silverado EV is pushing the boundaries of electric truck range. GM claims a remarkable 450-mile range for the high-capacity 4WT model with its standard battery pack, asserting it as the longest standard range of any electric pickup currently available. The current longest-range model on sale, the 3WT-spec truck, still offers an impressive 393 miles of range.
Beyond range, the electric Silverado delivers exhilarating performance. In Wide Open Watts launch mode, it unleashes 754 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque, enabling supercar-like acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. It also maintains respectable truck capabilities, with a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds.
The Chevy Silverado EV also incorporates a highly functional mid-gate feature, reminiscent of the classic Avalanche, allowing for expanded cargo space by extending the bed into the rear seating area. Pricing for the 2024 Silverado EV starts at $74,800, positioning it as a premium, long-range electric truck option.
2. Ford F-150 Lightning 4WD Extended Range (70 MPGe)
Ford’s F-150 Lightning offers two battery configurations, both delivering impressive electric performance and 4WD capability. The standard range Lightning, starting at $54,995, produces 452 horsepower, while the extended-range version, available in XLT and higher trims and starting at $69,995, boosts output to 580 horsepower. Both configurations deliver a massive 775 pound-feet of torque.
EPA estimates rate 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, extends the range to 320 miles, and increases towing capacity to a maximum of 10,000 pounds with the Max Tow Package.
The F-150 Lightning Pro trim, available only with the standard-size battery, starts at $49,995 (excluding additional fees). Optional packages like the Tow Technology package and Max Trailer Tow package are available for enhanced towing capabilities. Read about our editor’s experience after several days behind the wheel of the F-150 Lightning to see if it lived up to the hype.
1. Rivian R1T Dual Max (84 MPGe)
Topping our list of the most fuel-efficient 4×4 trucks is the Rivian R1T, an innovative and groundbreaking all-electric pickup. It was the first all-electric pickup to reach the US market and is anticipated to outsell its SUV sibling, the R1S SUV.
In the Dual Max configuration, the Rivian R1T offers an estimated 410-mile range. The quad-motor Quad Max version elevates performance to an astounding 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque, leading the list in both power and torque figures.
The R1T also delivers solid truck capabilities, with a payload capacity of 1,760 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 11,000 pounds. The Rivian R1T boasts an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 91 MPGe city, 77 MPGe highway, and 84 MPGe combined, making it the undisputed leader in fuel efficiency among 4×4 trucks.
The 2024 Rivian R1T Dual Standard, featuring dual motors, AWD, and a 270-mile battery pack, starts at $69,000. The R1T Dual Max Adventure, equipped with a larger Max battery pack for over 400 miles of range, starts at $83,000. The quad-motor version, available only with the Large pack, is expected to begin deliveries next year. Explore our Rivian R1T and GMC Hummer EV showdown to see how these electric truck giants compare head-to-head.
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