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2008's most fuel-efficient trucks
Fuel-efficient cars by body style
- Best overall
- Sedans
- SUVs
- Trucks
Choosing a new truck? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet. The following trucks are ranked by city miles per gallon (MPG), followed by highway MPG based on the Environmental Protection Agency's Fuel Economy Guide for the 2008 model year. (For details of the testing, see the notes below.)
| Rank | Model | MPG: city/hwy | Annual fuel cost * | Carbon footprint (tons/yr of CO2) |
Additional info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (tie) |
Ford Ranger |
21/26 | $2662 | 8 tons | 2WD, 4 cylinder, 2.3 liter, Manual (5), Regular gas |
| 1 (tie) |
Mazda B2300 |
21/26 | $2662 | 8 tons | 2WD, 4 cylinder, 2.3 liter, Manual (5), Regular gas |
| 3 |
Toyota Tacoma |
20/25 | $2785 | 8.3 tons | 2WD, 4 cylinder, 2.7 liter, Manual (5), Regular gas |
| 4 |
Nissan Frontier |
19/23 | $2913 | 8.7 tons | 2WD, 4 cylinder, 2.5 liter, Manual (5), Regular gas |
| 5 (tie) |
Chevrolet Colorado |
18/24 | $3060 | 9.2 tons | 2WD, 4 cylinder, 2.9 liter, Automatic (4), Regular gas |
| 5 (tie) |
GMC Canyon |
18/24 | $3060 | 9.2 tons | 2WD, 4 cylinder, 2.9 liter, Automatic (4), Regular gas |
| 5 (tie) |
Isuzu i-290 |
18/24 | $3060 | 9.2 tons | 2WD, 4 cylinder, 2.9 liter, Automatic (4), Regular gas |
| 8 |
Isuzu i-370 |
16/22 | $3403 | 10.2 tons | Crew cab, 2WD, 5 cylinder, 3.7 liter, Automatic (4), Regular gas |
| 9 (tie) |
Dodge Dakota |
16/20 | $3403 | 10.2 tons | 2WD, 6 cylinder, 3.7 liter, Manual (6), Regular gas |
| 9 (tie) |
Mitsubishi Raider |
16/20 | $3403 | 10.2 tons | 2WD, 6 cylinder, 3.7 liter, Manual (6), Regular gas |
Related link:
2006-2007 Fuel-efficiency guide
Notes:
* Annual fuel cost is based on an assumption of cars driven 15,000 miles annually, 54 percent on the highway, 46 percent in the city, and a fuel price of $4.08 per gallon. Visit the EPA's Web site to calculate annual fuel costs using a different fuel price or annual miles for a specific vehicle.
This year, the EPA has changed the way it estimates MPG to more accurately reflect real driving conditions. Estimates reflect the effects of: faster speeds and acceleration; air conditioner use; and colder outside temperatures. The tests lower MPG estimates for most vehicles compared to previous years. Miles per gallon will vary for models with different vehicle specifications. Driving habits will also affect MPG.
Each model is allowed to appear on the list only once, except the Honda Civic, which appears on the list twice because of its availability in both regular gasoline and gasoline-electric hybrid versions.
2 Comments
By Jane Keller Watson on November 18, 2008 9:42 AM
Note to readers:
We have now posted the EPA's updated list of 2009's most fuel-efficient trucks.
-- Jane Keller Watson
NWautos senior editor
By geolemon on December 18, 2008 5:00 PM
This is a pet peeve of mine.
I owned a 1990 Nissan truck - and had big fun with it. I lowered it, some custom wheels - it looked cool! And it had a 5 speed, 4 cylinder engine.
I easily got 30MPG, and 90% of my driving was city / suburban, including my commute.
It was really handy - fun, and practical, for anyone who didn't need to tow a boat. Absolutely *the* perfect type of vehicle for even a semi-professional home remodeler like myself.
You just can't buy a truck like this in the US anymore! They've all gotten bigger! I swear the Toyota Tacoma even seems as big as full-size trucks used to be.
Come on, automakers! Just like Honda introduced the Fit since the Civic has grown and grown since the 80's, can't Toyota introduce a truck - maybe a Scion badge - to slot in under the Tacoma? Or, GM, to replace the S10? Even the Ranger has grown (and now is downright outdated - it simply has no competition!)
So sad. Trucks like these are perfect for anyone comfortable with their penis size.