When you need to balance what you spend on a truck with how much fuel it uses, you’ve got an arduous search on your hands. Finding the right used pickup truck that also delivers reasonable gas mileage is difficult. By their nature, trucks aren’t very efficient at all. These vehicles, made for hard work, use a lot of gas. While that is certainly true, you can find some affordable used trucks that deliver gas mileage you can live with during your workday.

Which used truck gets the best gas mileage?

There’s only one option when you want the most efficient truck in the used market and you need a half-ton truck. Instamotor tells us the 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is the truck you want to drive. This truck brings a 3.0-liter diesel V6 engine that delivers 240 horsepower and reaches 30 mpg on the highway. This solid truck can handle the work you need to get done. The average price for this used truck is $20,900.

Efficiency and reliability in a used pickup truck

If you’re searching for a truck that gives you good gas mileage and a strong reliability score, you don’t have to look any farther than the 2013 Toyota Tacoma. This impressive midsize truck can go anywhere, and it offers you a combined fuel mileage rating of 25 mpg. You shouldn’t pay more than $18,000 for this truck.

The Ford F-150 could be a used truck efficiency surprise

Are you still unsure of which truck to drive? If you’re not pleased with paying the higher price for diesel to get the Ram or driving a midsize truck, the 2015 Ford F-150 is here to rescue you. This truck has a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that delivers up to 26 mpg combined. This means you’ll use gasoline and have the half-ton truck you want for about $23,000.

An affordable balance of gas mileage

If you want a capable truck that’s a little newer but still affordable, the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado is an excellent option. This used pickup truck has a four-cylinder engine to give you 20 city/26 hwy mpg for less than $21,000. You won’t have a lot of the upgrades of higher trims, but you will have a relatively efficient truck to drive.

If you want used trucks with good gas mileage and a smooth ride

When you’re combing the used truck market for the best efficiency, consider the drive of these trucks. Most models feel like trucks on the road, but one smooths things out with a unibody construction. That one truck is the 2019 Honda Ridgeline. This could be the right used pickup truck for you with its 19 city/26 hwy mpg, smooth driving manners, and affordable price that should be no more than $27,000.

How can I get better gas mileage in used trucks?

All used pickup trucks require some compromise between the power you need and the efficiency you desire. If you want to get the most mileage out of your truck, follow the tips offered by J.D. Power to drive better every day.