A Look at Some of the Most Fuel-Efficient Used Trucks on the Market

So you need the power of a pickup truck, but you also don’t want to sacrifice fuel efficiency to enjoy the capabilities it has to offer. It’s a dilemma as old as time. Having a pickup bed (and the towing powers that tend to come with a pickup) is useful for many reasons. The question remains: can you find a pickup truck with the right fuel efficiency to help you get where you’re going without spending a small fortune on gas? Absolutely. Below we’ll cover some of our favorite used trucks for sale now that have solid fuel economy for their vehicle class. We’ll stick to 2022 models because they’re just “old enough” to bring low price tags without being so past their prime that they no longer have modern features. 

The Compact Ford Maverick

While Ford applied the Maverick to some other models decades ago, it was revived in 2021 for the following year’s 2022 Maverick. A sporty, fun-to-drive, and versatile truck, the Maverick is a compact truck with a lot to offer. That means it’s going to get you what feels like car-like handling and what is certainly car-like parking simplicity, but all with the utility of a pickup bed. The 2022 Ford Maverick sits on the same chassis as Ford’s Bronco Sport to give you some context for the spirit of this vehicle. It’s made to be agile and ready for adventure. 

Okay, let’s get to the important part: the fuel economy. The EPA states that the 2022 Maverick equipped with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine sees fuel economy figures of 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. Those highway figures are nothing to sleep on. In fact, they just about put the Maverick in the category of “commuter-friendly” vehicles. So if you have a job that requires you to drive far and wide to different sites and clients, consider the Maverick.

It doesn’t hurt that the Maverick boasts available AWD, too, so if you have to leave paved roads for dirt ones, it can give you the traction you require to stand in command. It can also tow an impressive 4,000 lbs, so it’s ideal for light-duty jobs. Every 2022 Maverick is going to have a four-door crew cab body style, and a 4.5-foot bed.

The Full-Size Ford F-150

If you need the powers of a full-size truck, then you simply need them, and we’d recommend the 2022 Ford F-150. You’ll have the option of a regular cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew cab, so you can decide how much passenger space you need. And you can choose between a 5.5-ft, 6.5-ft, or 8-ft bed, so we like to show the 2022 F-150 to professionals who need a versatile pickup with some advanced towing powers. Speaking of which, the F-150, when equipped with the 3.5L V6, can tow up to 14,000 lbs.

Alright, let’s talk about fuel economy for a moment. The EPA gives the 2022 Ford F-150 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway when equipped with the 2.7L engine. But the more impressive feature here might be the auto start-stop technology. Available on all F-150 models with EcoBoost engines starting in 2017, this technology automatically shuts off the engine when a vehicle comes to a stop and restarts it as soon as the driver releases the brake. Start-stop technology can significantly improve fuel economy for drivers who spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic on freeways or at red lights and stop signs in city environments. 

It’s also worth noting that more recent F-150 models have a pretty popular cabin for a few reasons. One of those is the shift lever that can actually be folded flat with the center console to form an expansive work surface. You can even find some with fold-flat front seats that create a nice big, flat area for taking a nap between jobs (or under the stars on camping trips if tents aren’t really your thing). Oh, and on the rear of it, you might just find one with the popular Pro Power Onboard Generator, which enables you to plug in things like refrigerators, TVs, flood lights, and power tools on the go.

The Midsize GMC Canyon

If you’re after a pickup with fuel economy figures that come close to those of a compact truck but towing figures that mirror those of a full-size one, then you’re in the market for a midsize truck, and we’d recommend the GMC Canyon. It’s a fun, stylish model with tons of engine and trim options. 

Okay, let’s look at fuel economy real quick. You’ll see up to 20 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway for the 2022 Canyon models equipped with the available diesel engine. So what’s nice about that is that it sees the same freeway fuel economy as the compact Maverick while offering a larger bed and more towing powers: 7,700 lbs to be exact.

The Canyon could also be a good choice for luxury lovers because, for 2022, we saw the Denali Black Edition, boasting some of the high-end features associated with the Denali label. These included black assist steps for easier entry, all-weather floor liners to keep your cabin clean, gloss-black 20-inch rim wheels, and other high-end perks. Even if you don’t opt for that luxury model, you can consider the Elevation model, which has a power-adjustable driver’s seat to get into a comfortable position for long drives, a dampened tailgate, and a remote start.

The Adventure-Ready Hyundai Santa Cruz

So, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is technically classified as a “Sport Adventure Vehicle.” It’s like a crossover with a small pickup bed. But it has a pickup bed nonetheless, so it makes our list. The Santa Cruz is the ultimate in city-friendly trucks. It has compact dimensions that make it easy to squeeze into tight parking spots, and it sees fuel economy figures of 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.

Its pickup bed is admittedly small. With the tailgate closed, it is 52.1 inches long, and with it open, it’s 74.8 inches long. It has a max width of 53.9 inches. But if you’re just looking for an awesomely versatile pickup that can keep up with city streets and also give you a place to toss dirt bikes and kayaks on the weekends, the Santa Cruz is just right.

Find a Great Used Truck With Us Today

By now, we’ve dispelled the myth that pickup trucks can’t be fuel-efficient. And if you’re looking for a great deal on a popular pickup from a brand you know and trust, visit us at Roanoke Ford. Whether you lead an active lifestyle full of outdoor recreation and camping or you run a business that requires you to tow and haul a ton of stuff, the possibilities you can create with a pickup bed are nearly endless. 

We’re always rolling in the pre-owned trucks we know our customers want. We have a huge inventory of used models from all of the top names, spanning many model years and trims. Plus, buying a used truck can mean finding one that the previous owners already upfitted, at a discounted price. We’re excited to introduce you to our huge inventory of used trucks. So whether one of the models we covered today caught your eye or you’re after something else, our team is ready to assist you!

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