When it comes to towing, finding a truck that balances power with fuel efficiency can be challenging. Many trucks offer impressive towing capacities, but often at the cost of poor fuel economy. Thankfully, there are several options on the market that provide the best of both worlds. Here’s a look at 15 trucks that deliver strong towing performance without sacrificing MPG.
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Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is another truck that excels in both towing and fuel efficiency. Its 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel engine produces 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, enabling a towing capacity of up to 12,560 pounds. Despite its power, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel manages to get up to 26 MPG on the highway. Features like active grille shutters and advanced aerodynamics enhance its fuel-saving capabilities. This truck is ideal for those who prioritize both performance and fuel economy.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Diesel
Chevrolet’s Silverado 1500 Diesel stands out for its efficiency and towing capacity. The truck is powered by a 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel engine that generates 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This allows it to tow up to 9,500 pounds while achieving an impressive 33 MPG on the highway. Its advanced suspension ensures a smooth ride even when towing heavy loads. If you’re seeking efficiency in a full-size truck, the Silverado 1500 Diesel is hard to beat.
GMC Sierra 1500 Diesel
The GMC Sierra 1500 Diesel shares its engine with the Silverado but offers a more luxurious experience. It comes equipped with a 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel engine, delivering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 9,500 pounds. On top of its performance, it achieves up to 30 MPG on the highway. The Sierra also includes advanced features like an in-vehicle trailering app and a premium interior. It’s a top choice for those who want both efficiency and a refined driving experience.
Toyota Tundra Hybrid
Toyota’s Tundra Hybrid is a newcomer to the hybrid truck market, and it’s already making waves. Powered by a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine, it generates 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a towing capacity of 12,000 pounds. Despite this power, the Tundra Hybrid manages up to 20 MPG combined. It also features Toyota’s suite of driver assistance technologies, making towing safer and easier. This hybrid option proves you don’t have to sacrifice efficiency for towing performance.
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger offers solid towing performance in a smaller, more fuel-efficient package. Its 2.3L EcoBoost engine delivers 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, giving it the ability to tow up to 7,500 pounds. Remarkably, it achieves up to 26 MPG on the highway, which is excellent for a midsize truck. With its 10-speed automatic transmission, the Ranger optimizes both fuel economy and power delivery. For drivers who need an efficient truck that can still handle towing, the Ranger is a strong option.
Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline is a standout for its unique design and fuel-efficient performance. Powered by a 3.5L V6 engine, it produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Achieving up to 24 MPG on the highway, the Ridgeline combines practicality and efficiency. Its unibody construction also ensures a smoother ride compared to most trucks. For those who want versatility, fuel economy, and towing capacity in one, the Ridgeline delivers.
Chevrolet Colorado Diesel
The Chevrolet Colorado Diesel excels in the midsize truck category, offering both efficiency and towing power. It comes with a 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine that produces 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to tow up to 7,700 pounds. Additionally, it achieves an impressive 30 MPG on the highway, making it one of the most efficient trucks in its class. With its strong torque at low RPMs, the Colorado Diesel is perfect for towing heavy loads without guzzling fuel.
GMC Canyon Diesel
Much like the Chevrolet Colorado Diesel, the GMC Canyon Diesel also offers efficient towing capabilities. Featuring the same 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine, it generates 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds. Fuel economy is another highlight, with the Canyon Diesel achieving up to 30 MPG on the highway. However, what sets the Canyon apart is its upscale interior and premium features, making it a more luxurious alternative.
Nissan Titan XD
The Nissan Titan XD strikes a balance between heavy-duty power and decent fuel efficiency. Powered by a 5.6L V8 engine, it produces 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to tow up to 11,040 pounds. While it doesn’t match the fuel economy of lighter trucks, the Titan XD still manages up to 21 MPG on the highway. Its heavy-duty frame and enhanced towing features make it a great option for those needing more power without entirely sacrificing MPG. The Titan XD is perfect for heavy-duty towing without breaking the bank at the pump.
Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel
Jeep’s Gladiator EcoDiesel is an ideal choice for those who love off-road adventures and need towing capabilities. It’s powered by a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to tow up to 6,500 pounds. Despite its off-road prowess, the Gladiator EcoDiesel still manages to achieve up to 28 MPG on the highway. The combination of towing power and Jeep’s legendary off-road capabilities makes this truck a standout.
Ford Maverick Hybrid
The Ford Maverick Hybrid stands out as the most fuel-efficient truck on the market today. Its 2.5L hybrid engine produces 191 horsepower, and while it only tows up to 2,000 pounds, it delivers an impressive 37 MPG combined. This truck is an ideal choice for light towing and city driving, where fuel efficiency is crucial. The Maverick Hybrid offers compact versatility without sacrificing MPG, making it perfect for drivers who need minimal towing power with maximum efficiency.
Ram 2500 Cummins
The Ram 2500 Cummins is renowned for its towing capabilities and fuel efficiency. Its 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel engine delivers 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque, giving it a towing capacity of up to 20,000 pounds. Despite being a heavy-duty truck, the Ram 2500 achieves up to 22 MPG on the highway, making it one of the most efficient in its class. Its smooth ride and advanced suspension make towing large loads more comfortable.
Ford Super Duty F-350
The Ford Super Duty F-350 is a powerhouse designed for serious towing while maintaining competitive fuel efficiency. Its 6.7L Power Stroke turbo-diesel engine generates 475 horsepower and a massive 1,050 lb-ft of torque, enabling a towing capacity of up to 37,000 pounds. Even with its extreme power, the F-350 manages up to 20 MPG on the highway. Features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist make towing large trailers safer and easier.
Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier is a compact truck with a focus on practicality and fuel efficiency. Its 3.8L V6 engine delivers 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to tow up to 6,720 pounds. Despite its power, the Frontier achieves up to 24 MPG on the highway, which is competitive for its size. The Frontier also offers a smooth ride and modern interior, making it a comfortable option for daily driving and towing alike.
GMC Sierra 2500HD
The GMC Sierra 2500HD offers heavy-duty towing power without compromising too much on fuel economy. With a 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel engine, it produces 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque, giving it a towing capacity of up to 18,500 pounds. Despite its size, the Sierra 2500HD manages up to 20 MPG on the highway, which is excellent for a heavy-duty truck. Its premium interior and advanced trailering features add to its appeal. This truck is perfect for those needing maximum towing power with a touch of luxury and efficiency.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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