While most SUVs and sedans get decent or above-average gas mileage, trucks are another story. That’s because trucks can be several thousand pounds heavier than the average passenger car and their body styles aren’t the most aerodynamic. A truck’s fuel economy decreases with more air resistance and rolling distance from larger tires.

Many people also use their trucks for towing jobs, which will deplete your truck’s tank even faster. Still, that doesn’t mean that every truck guzzles gas at the same pace. This midsize truck is more efficient than the rest of its rivals: and it’s the cheapest one you can buy.

Which midsize trucks have the highest fuel economy ratings?

According to KRQE News, many of the most efficient trucks belong to the midsize segment. The Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, Hyundai Santa Cruz, and GMC Canyon all make a respectable 23 mpg combined city/highway. 

Some full-size rivals can have potentially higher fuel economy ratings, but you may find yourself spending extra for a diesel engine option. The Jeep Gladiator earns 24 mpg combined, but it’s also the most expensive midsize truck at $52,674 on average.

The Ford Maverick is affordably priced and a truck with the best mpg

The Ford Maverick is cheaper than all of its rivals at $29,219 on average. The Maverick earns 26 mpg combined with FWD and 25 mpg combined if you have AWD equipped. This is possible thanks to a 250-hp turbo-four engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

If you don’t care about having all the bells and whistles, the base Ford Maverick only retails for $20,995. This model also has an even more efficient hybrid powertrain, a 191-hp turbo-four/electric motor combo paired with a CVT. Available exclusively with an FWD drivetrain, it earns 37 mpg combined city/highway.

Should you buy a Ford Maverick?

The turbo-four Ecoboost engine allows the Maverick to have a 4,000-lb towing capacity with the optional towing package equipped. This upgrade is only available for AWD models. Otherwise, the Ford Maverick has a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs and a payload rating of 1,500 lbs.

The Ford Maverick’s cargo box is 4ft-6in long, but it’s functional to make up for its relatively small size. You can lock the tailgate in a halfway position to accommodate lengthier cargo items and building materials like wooden boards. It also has standard cleats if you need to tie anything down, plus available power outlets and storage boxes.

For 2023, you can now option the Ford Maverick AWD with the Tremor package as an upgrade to the existing off-roading package. It adds an off-roading suspension with a 1-in lift, all-terrain tires, a locking rear differential, tow hooks, and more for $2,995. 

The Crew Cab holds five riders on either cloth or synthetic leather seats, depending on the trim. The interior appears with a heavy reliance on plastic materials. The middle rear seat also doesn’t look like it would be very comfortable for adults on longer trips.

However, starting on the Ford Maverick XLT, you can add a moonroof and heated front seats. The Lariat model has the best interior available, plus more tech features and ambient lighting. 

Each Ford Maverick has an 8-inch center touchscreen with standard smartphone integration. Besides a backup camera and automatic high beams, its only advanced safety features are forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Other safety features can only be purchased through optional packages.

The Ford Maverick might not be the flashiest truck available, but that’s to be expected with its low price point. More importantly, it’s a suitable workhorse for most light towing jobs and gets great mileage.