The full-size truck that gets better gas mileage than a mid-size truck

Fuel efficiency is a hotter topic than ever as global events make the price of gas unpredictable and subject to fluctuations. One of the more positives of companies downsizing their engines and introducing hybrid options is that engines become more efficient overall. The United States has been lucky in terms of fuel costs compared to European countries, but it is certainly becoming more of a consideration than ever to choose a brand new vehicle that is more fuel efficient. The difference of just a few miles per gallon could be the difference of thousands of dollars over the course of a few years, so it’s worth keeping in mind.

Perhaps those most affected by this are those who drive large pickup trucks. Not only are they thirstier than lighter vehicles, but they are also used as workhorses, sometimes traveling thousands of miles per month, and often with a heavy load attached, which further hurts fuel economy. Two of the largest full-size truck manufacturers have considered this in recent years, and now two options in particular offer the dominant presence of a full-size truck, but with lower efficiency than most midsize trucks.

The 2026 F-150 is the new benchmark for full-scale hybrid efficiency

The 2026 Ford F-150 has managed to perform well in efficiency tests, and the biggest help in that regard is the offering of a hybrid variant. The PowerBoost version of the F-150 combines the standard 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 with an electric motor. It’s not a special plug-in hybrid; the battery is charged by the engine itself and by regenerative braking.

2026 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Specs

This has improved this version of the F-150 in terms of overall efficiency. It’s a system that works by seamlessly combining gas and electric energy, and means the added torque from the batteries can propel the F-150 forward without having to use as much engine power, thereby using less fuel.

Economy is important, but for those looking for a large truck, this is a secondary measure compared to the capabilities of the truck itself. Being a powerful, high-torque engine, the addition of a hybrid has improved the truck in most respects. While not as traditionally muscular as a V8, the electric inclusion has helped the F-150 have instant torque and response, two measures useful when lugging 11,200 pounds or tackling steep uphill sections.

Even the best turbocharger has some throttle lag, but the PowerBoost launches you forward. Acceleration is direct and easy. You will burn less gas because you simply never accelerate deeply.

-Michael Frank for TopSpeed

The 2023 RAM 1500 EcoDiesel found its efficiency elsewhere

While the RAM opted for a petrol powertrain after 2023, their most economically effective option was a version of the RAM 1500 that used a perhaps more traditional method: a trusty diesel. While it may seem like a quick fix at first compared to the more advanced fuel economy methods that would come in later years, there are real reasons to use a diesel engine in a full-size truck, especially if fuel economy is a concern. Diesel contains more usable energy per gallon than gasoline and, like the F-150 hybrid, has more pulling power at lower speeds. While the diesel isn’t as important in city driving, it becomes especially notable in terms of efficiency during long highway cruises.

2023 RAM 1500 EcoDiesel Specs

Although this version has now been discontinued, it is still a more economical option than the current six-cylinder petrol options. RAM is a few years behind Ford in hybrid truck adoption, with production starting in early 2026, but the truck is expected to have an immense towing capacity of 14,000 pounds and 615 pound-feet of torque.

A comparison with popular medium trucks

Midsize trucks tend to be a better all-around choice for most consumers, considering price, economy and how much capacity they need. And although large trucks will always be more expensive on average, the economics appear to be closer together. Certainly, the most efficient and popular midsize truck, the Toyota Tacoma, is known for being quite efficient, even in terms of a midsize truck. Since the base turbo four-cylinder makes a usable but relatively meager 228-278 horsepower, it’s no wonder it can deliver impressive range. However, achieving the same mpg as the F-150 hybrid and RAM EcoDiesel isn’t all that impressive when you consider their added weight, and that their towing capacity far exceeds that of the Tacoma.

Then you have other medium-sized trucks. Take the popular GMC Canyon. At first glance you would expect reasonable efficiency results from the Canyon with its 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, but according to real-world data fueleconomics.govexpect just 20 mpg in a fair mix of city and highway use. The powertrain in the GMC is useful in its own way, with more than 300 horsepower and a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds; it’s a very capable engine for a four-cylinder. The impact on fuel economy, however, is clear: the powerful turbo and generous specs require more fuel than much larger engines in the F-150 hybrid and RAM EcoDiesel.

A mid-range offering with six cylinders

Four-cylinders are becoming more common in the mid-size pickup market, but six-cylinders are still the sweet spot for many. One of the popular applications of a V6 in mid-size pickups is in the Nissan Frontier. A value-friendly and robust truck that offers great value for money, but what about in terms of economy?

2025 Nissan Frontier Specs

Everything about the Frontier is excellent when you consider the price, but there is no change that many more capable six-cylinder full-size trucks are somehow more efficient, proving the sheer economy of a well-engineered hybrid or diesel engine that is not only built for fantastic towing power and torque, but also for economy.

The assessment of the potential full-scale efficiency

Regardless of truck size, very few pickups can match the 2026 F-150 hybrid and the 2023RAM1500 EcoDiesel in their quest to make a utility-based vehicle efficient. And with Ford’s commitment to hybrid and RAM’s upcoming models, we can expect even higher numbers in the future. Given the innovation in this area of ​​engineering, it’s likely that we’ll not only see higher combined mpg for these full-size trucks, but they’ll also be capable of heavier duty work, with higher torque and towing capacity.

Sources: fuelefficiency.govFord, RAM, Nissan