When you want a truck equipped for fun, but you also want to enjoy saving some money at the gas pump, you’re caught in a tough spot. Sitting between the proverbial rock and hard place happens to be a collection of trucks that offer good fuel economy and the benefits of 4WD. This means you can have your cake and eat it too; let’s take a look.

The Honda Ridgeline gives you a lot to love in a midsize truck

Thanks to the unibody construction, daily driving in the Ridgeline is smooth and easy. This impressive model comes with AWD and enough ground clearance for some fun times out on the trails. According to Gear Junkie, the Ridgeling is the tenth most efficient truck in the market.

Fuel economy rating – 21 mpg

A GM pair shows up with efficient diesel engines

The Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon are joined at the hip in many ways. These two pickup trucks share powertrains and a platform, giving use variety between the brands. The four-cylinder Duramax diesel version of these trucks gives you an efficient drive and plenty of torque for some 4WD fun.

Fuel economy rating – 22 mpg

One powertrain does the truck trick in the Ford Ranger

The latest version of the Ford Ranger only has one powertrain. Thankfully, it’s a relatively efficient model, giving us plenty of power from a small-displacement turbocharged engine. Choose one of the 4WD versions of this truck, and you’ve got everything you need.

Fuel economy rating – 22 mpg

Look at what the hybrid Ford F-150 delivers

Small cars with hybrid engines are more efficient than their counterparts, but can a truck have enough power with a hybrid engine? Ford says “yes” by giving us the hybrid EcoBoost engine of the F-150. This engine delivers the power needed and makes it easy for you to have fun on the trails in one of the most efficient trucks in the market.

Fuel economy rating – 23 mpg

Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz a disappointing small truck?

One of only two trucks in the compact class, the Santa Cruz finishes sixth on this list. This little truck does use a couple of different engines, and it brings good qualities, including towing and AWD, to make it a capable truck. However, the fuel mileage could be better.

Fuel economy rating – 23 mpg

The Ram 1500 does an excellent job on the trails and at the pump

Diesel engines are efficient; that’s becoming more understood as we analyze them. The Ram 1500 with the EcoDiesel engine gives owners strong power numbers, can be had in 4WD, and delivers the efficiency desired to spend a little less at the pump.

Fuel economy rating – 24 mpg

Another GM truck pairing makes the cut

Finishing in fourth on this list, we see the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra pairing. These two trucks are most efficient when equipped with the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel turbocharged engine. Add the benefits of 4WD, and you’ve got a truck built to give you more fun than you ever thought possible.

Fuel economy rating – 24 mpg

The go-anywhere Jeep Gladiator receives the bronze

The third-place finisher among the most economical 4WD trucks is the Jeep Gladiator. Similar to some of the other trucks on this list, this model is most efficient when equipped with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine. Standard 4WD and all the Jeep off-road goodies make this a fun and efficient truck to drive.

Fuel economy rating – 24 mpg

The Ford Maverick is the small truck wearing the silver medal

The other compact truck in the market is the Ford Maverick. This little pickup is impressively capable and equipped with features you don’t find in many vehicles. The AWD system makes this an off-road capable machine, and the small engines offer the efficiency you desire.

Fuel economy rating – 25 mpg

It’s not a fair fight; the Rivian R1T wins the fuel economy battle

The Rivian R1T is the most fuel-efficient truck in the market today. This all-electric truck comes with AWD and offers plenty of power to give you the drive you want on any road. You can tow, carry, and travel where you want using the electric efficiency of this pickup.

Fuel economy rating – 70 MPGe

Next, check out what the US Army just bought, or learn more about the most fuel-efficient pickup trucks in the video below:

This article was updated on 2/10/2023.