Most Fuel-Efficient Midsize Pickup Trucks From 2021 for Light Towing
Looking for a truck that does it all? Here are three fuel-efficient midsize pickup trucks that are suitable for an everyday vehicle. Midsize trucks have the versatility of a sport utility vehicle but the capability only an open truck bed can provide. Plus, these trucks from Honda, Chevrolet, and GMC have at least 20 mpg combined.
The Honda Ridgeline is a fuel-efficient midsize pickup truck that can tow
Edmunds provided a comprehensive review of the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. This fuel-efficient midsize pickup truck has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Experts and owners agree that the Ridgeline’s unibody style offers maximum comfort while still adding the benefits of a pickup truck. Not to mention, the 21-22 mpg combined isn’t bad.
The 2021 Ridgeline also has 280 hp and a maximum payload of 1,580 pounds. Some of the truck’s best safety features include Collision Mitigation Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control. A Multi-Angle Rearview Camera also helps the driver park and see what is behind the car, which can be especially helpful when towing. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety gave the Ridgeline high scores on necessary crash tests like the side impact and roof strength tests.
Fuel Economy: 18 City / 24 Hwy / 21 Combined
Maximum Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
Chevrolet’s Colorado is a good option for fuel-efficient midsize pickup trucks.
Buyers of the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado could choose from two engine choices. The 2.5L inline-four has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Opting for the 2.8L inline-four diesel engine has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The payload capacity sits a 1,574 pounds, which is still enough for most situations.
The Colorado is still easy to drive and park. It gets 22 mpg combined, which is plenty for most situations. Edmunds liked the OnStar System and Teen Driver Mode to monitor the vehicle and keep the driver safe. The new Safety Package system is available on the LT and Z71 models, adding forward collision and lane departure warnings. On the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration testing, the Colorado received a four-star safety rating.
Fuel Economy: 19 City / 25 Hwy / 22 Combined
Maximum Towing Capacity: 3,500 – 7,700 pounds
The GMC Canyon has some of the best towing numbers
The 2021 GMC Canyon has a few engine choices to suit many situations, but the base 3.6L V6 does alright. With that, the maximum towing capacity is 7,700 pounds; the best a midsize truck has to offer. It also manages to get 22 mpg combined, which is pretty standard here. For some added luxury, the Denali is the top-of-the-line option.
Edmunds liked the OnStar System to help provide emergency crash and stolen-vehicle notifications, even if you aren’t in the car. Add the Driver Alert Package to get forward collision and lane departure warnings. Tire Fill Alert tells you when to add air to your tires. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety might have given the Canyon its Top Safety Pick award, but the headlights fell short. It did receive high scores on some of the other tests.
Fuel Economy: 19 City / 25 Hwy / 22 Combined
Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds
While there aren’t many fuel-efficient midsize pickup trucks, these are the best options. Depending on your priorities, these trucks check the boxes for towing, comfort, and fuel economy.