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It’s getting to be crunch time for buyers wanting a 2022 pickup truck in these times of daily gasoline price increases. You know going in that pickup trucks aren’t as fuel-efficient as hatchbacks, or electric vehicles. But other than Rivian, there are no EV trucks available. And Rivian is having problems eeking out just a few trucks a month. So of the 2022 pickup trucks available right now, which ones are the most frugal when it comes to fuel?

Is this the best automakers can do in 2022?

Close-up of a notice on gas pump stating that the dispensed fuel contains up to 10% ethanol.
Close-up of a notice on gas pump | Getty

We’ll preface this list by reminding enthusiasts that back in the 1990s, the Honda Civic attained 44 mpg City, and 51 mpg Highway. Here we are, 30 years later, and we’re looking at 30 mpg Highway miles as the touchstone for non-hybrid/electric fuel economy. 

1. Ford Maverick Pickup: 23 mpg City, 30 mpg Highway

Yellow 2022 Ford Maverick at Detroit Motor Show
The 2022 Ford Maverick won the 2022 Truck of the Year Award at the 2022 North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards | Getty

Topping the list is Ford’s Ranger. While not a full-size truck, it can handle most of what is expected of a pickup truck. Hauling capacity is a bit limited, but its hybrid engine combo is up to most tasks. 

2. Ram 1500 Pickup: 19 mpg City, 24 mpg Highway

Black 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel posed
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel | Ram

If you’re looking for a full-size gas sipper, the Ram 1500 is it. The Laramie Crew Cab is the most sought after, getting the best fuel economy from the 3.6-liter V6 engine option. 

3. GMC Sierra Pickup: 16 mpg City, 21 mpg Highway

White 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 in the woods
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 | GMC

Other than the limited standard safety features, the Sierra comes in right after the Ram 1500 as the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup.

4. Hyundai Santa Cruz Pickup: 21 mpg City, 27 mpg Highway

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz compact pickup truck in light blue parked in front of a steel barn
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz | Hyundai Motor America

In spite of not having a hybrid powertrain option, the Santa Cruz still comes in number four in our top fuel economy pickup trucks. 

5. Ford Ranger Pickup: 20 mpg City, 24 mpg Highway

Blue 2022 Ford Ranger XL in a field
2022 Ford Ranger XL | Ford

The Ford Ranger has great towing capacity for our look at 2022 pickup trucks, belying its size, and EcoBoost engine. Its best-in-class performance should be a consideration for anyone looking for a midsize truck.

6. Ford F-150 Pickup: 19 mpg City, 22 mpg Highway

A blue Ram 1500 pickup truck showing off its TRX Hellcat supertruck engine by skidding across the dirt, with wooded hills in the background.
2022 Ram 1500 TRX | Stellantis

This is the best-selling vehicle in the US. Ford has made many options and choices that appeal to truck buyers. Any consideration of buying a truck should include the Ford F-150.

7. Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon Pickups: 17 mpg City, 24 mpg Highway

Blue 2022 Chevrolet Colorado on a trail
2022 Chevrolet Colorado | Chevrolet

As the Colorado and Canyon are basically the same, we lumped them together to come up with a package that combines the most power in the midsize segment with a comfortable ride.

8. Chevy Silverado 1500 Pickup: 19 mpg City, 22 mpg Highway

2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country in a field
2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country | Chevrolet

The 2022 Silverado has improved on its compromised interior by presenting a newly designed cabin that favorably compares to the Ram 1500 interior. 

9. Honda Ridgeline Pickup: 18 mpg City, 24 mpg Highway

A red 2022 Honda Ridgeline midsize pickup truck is driving off-road.
The 2022 Honda Ridgeline | Honda

Though its off-road chops are not up to the competition, it offers a smooth ride with great cargo storage features. And really, most buyers want that more than four-wheeling qualities. 

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