Most Fuel Efficient Trucks: Best MPG Pickups for Northeast Iowa Drivers

Gas is expensive, and if you're logging long miles on Iowa highways or pulling a trailer several months out of the year, the wrong engine choice can cost you hundreds—sometimes thousands—more at the pump annually. But fuel efficiency often comes with a trade-off: many of the most efficient trucks have less towing power than their V8 counterparts. It comes down to what you actually need your truck to do. This guide covers the most fuel efficient trucks of 2026, many of which are available at Vern Laures Auto Center in Chickasaw County, Iowa.

What Pickup Truck Has the Best Gas Mileage? A 2026 Look at the Full Market

According to Car and Driver's latest fuel economy rankings, here's how the 2026 truck class stacks up on MPG and starting price:

2026 Ford Maverick—23–38 mpg combined. The Maverick is the outright MPG leader in the class. Its compact size and hybrid system make it an excellent daily commuter.
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500—17–20 mpg combined. Engine choice matters. The 3.0L Duramax diesel pushes the Silverado to the top of the full-size efficiency rankings.
2026 GMC Sierra 1500—16–24 mpg combined. The Sierra shares its platform and diesel option with the Silverado, delivering similar efficiency at a slightly higher base price.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz—20–25 mpg combined. A lifestyle-oriented compact pickup with solid city and highway numbers, built more for suburban use than heavy hauling.
2026 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid—23–24 mpg combined. The Tacoma Hybrid brings improved torque and efficiency to the midsize segment, though its premium price narrows the value case.
2026 Toyota Tacoma (Gas)—20–23 mpg combined. A capable, reliable midsize option with reasonable efficiency and a lower entry price than its hybrid sibling.
2026 Ford F-150—19–22 mpg combined. The best-selling truck in America offers strong efficiency through its PowerBoost hybrid and EcoBoost V6 options.
2026 Ford Ranger—22 mpg combined. A consistent midsize performer with straightforward efficiency and a practical price point for buyers who don't need a full-size.
2026 RAM 1500—17–22 mpg combined. The redesigned RAM earns strong MPG marks from its base V6 eTorque mild-hybrid, and its cabin is widely considered the most refined in the full-size class.
2026 Toyota Tundra Hybrid—19–22 mpg combined. A powerful full-size hybrid, but its nearly $60k starting price tag makes it the most expensive option on this list by a wide margin.

What Pickup Truck Has the Best MPG If You Need to Tow?

Most fuel economy guides stop at MPG and call it a day. But for northeast Iowa farmers, contractors, and haulers, MPG in isolation tells only half the story. A truck's efficiency rating and its towing capacity are often in tension—and the right truck for this part of Iowa needs to deliver on both.

Here's the complete picture: MPG, towing capacity, and price in one place:

2026 Model	MPG Combined (Range)	Max Towing Capacity	Starting MSRP
Ford Maverick	23–38 mpg	4,000 lbs	$28,145
Chevrolet Silverado 1500	17–20 mpg	13,300 lbs	$36,900
GMC Sierra 1500	16–24 mpg	13,300 lbs	$38,300
Hyundai Santa Cruz	20–25 mpg	5,000 lbs	$29,750
Toyota Tacoma Hybrid	23–24 mpg	6,000 lbs	$47,035
Toyota Tacoma (Gas)	20–23 mpg	6,500 lbs	$32,245
Ford F-150	19–22 mpg	13,500 lbs	$40,085
Ford Ranger	22 mpg	7,500 lbs	$33,350
RAM 1500	17–22 mpg	11,610 lbs	$42,025
Toyota Tundra Hybrid	19–22 mpg	11,450 lbs	$58,560
Honorable Mentions
Chevy Colorado	21 mpg	7,700 lbs	$32,400
Jeep Gladiator	19 mpg	7,700 lbs	$40,015

MPG figures are EPA fuel economy estimates. Towing capacity varies by configuration.

Tips for Getting the Best Gas Mileage Out of Your Truck

Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflation increases rolling resistance and can cost 1–3 MPG. Check monthly—cold Iowa winters drop tire pressure more than most drivers expect.
Use cruise control on the highway. Consistent speed eliminates the small throttle spikes that add up on long stretches.
Combine errands into one trip. Cold starts burn more fuel. One run to New Hampton beats three separate trips.
Remove the roof rack when you're not using it. Drag at highway speeds adds up. Take off seasonal gear when the job is done.
Stay on top of air filter changes. A clogged filter hurts engine efficiency. Easy fix, real savings.

Check out our blog for more car care tips.

Shop Fuel-Efficient Trucks at Vern Laures Auto Center in New Hampton

Vern Laures carries new RAMs and Chevys, along with a variety of pre-owned trucks. Every new vehicle purchase comes with a Lifetime Powertrain Guarantee at no added cost. Better MPG saves you money every year. That guarantee protects your investment for as long as you own the truck.

Stop in, ask about engine configurations, and take both for a drive before you decide.

Browse New Trucks at Vern Laures Auto Center

Frequently Asked Questions About the Most Fuel-Efficient Trucks

What pickup truck has the best gas mileage right now?

Among full-size trucks, the Chevy Silverado 1500 with the 3.0L Duramax diesel leads at up to 26 MPG combined. Among gas-powered full-size options, the RAM 1500 V6 eTorque achieves up to 23 MPG combined.

Does 4WD hurt gas mileage?

Yes—expect 2–3 fewer MPG combined compared to the same engine in 2WD. Engaging 4WD only when conditions demand it preserves fuel economy for the majority of miles driven.

Do diesel trucks get better MPG than gas trucks?

For highway and mixed driving, yes. The Silverado's 3.0L Duramax diesel outperforms every gas engine in the full-size class for combined MPG, and it's well-suited to the long highway stretches common in northeast Iowa.

How much does towing hurt fuel economy?

A loaded trailer can drop real-world MPG by 25–40% depending on weight and speed. High-torque engines like the Duramax diesel and RAM eTorque V6 manage trailer loads more efficiently than older V8 options.