If you’re looking for power and performance, some vehicles come with a trade-off: they burn through fuel fast. Heavier vehicles, especially those built for towing, hauling, or off-road adventures, tend to guzzle gas at a higher rate due to their size and engine demands. Here are 20 of the heaviest vehicles that may leave you paying more at the pump. Whether it’s trucks or SUVs, these vehicles prioritize strength over fuel efficiency.
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Ford F-450 Super Duty
Weighing nearly 8,500 pounds, the Ford F-450 Super Duty is a beast designed for industrial and towing purposes. Equipped with a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel engine, it generates immense power but comes at the cost of fuel efficiency, averaging just 14-15 MPG. The truck’s weight, combined with its heavy-duty function, causes it to burn through fuel, especially when under load. Though it’s a powerful workhorse, this model’s fuel consumption makes it costly to operate over long distances.
Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
Designed for hauling, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD tips the scales at around 7,500 pounds. Its Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 provides robust performance but sacrifices fuel economy, getting just 13-14 MPG. When towing or hauling, its fuel consumption rises sharply, making it one of the less efficient trucks. For those needing raw power, the Silverado delivers, but with steep fuel expenses.
RAM 3500 Heavy Duty
The RAM 3500 Heavy Duty, weighing about 7,500 pounds, packs a serious punch with its 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine. This level of power is necessary for towing large loads, but it also leads to poor fuel economy, averaging 14 MPG. The combination of weight and engine power causes it to burn fuel quickly, especially when fully loaded.
GMC Sierra 3500HD
With a curb weight of nearly 7,000 pounds, the GMC Sierra 3500HD is built for strength, not fuel efficiency. Its 6.6L V8 engine delivers strong performance but drinks fuel, achieving only about 13 MPG. The truck’s large frame and work-oriented design make it a fuel-heavy option. Those who need this level of towing power often find themselves paying more at the pump.
Nissan Titan XD
Weighing just under 7,500 pounds, the Nissan Titan XD combines heavy-duty capabilities with a 5.6L V8 engine. Its size and power result in a fuel efficiency of just 15 MPG, which drops further under load. Though versatile and powerful, the Titan XD is notorious for burning through fuel quickly, particularly on long trips. For towing and heavy hauling, it’s reliable but expensive to fuel.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser, at 5,700 pounds, is built for off-road adventures but at a fuel cost. Its 5.7L V8 engine delivers power, but that power comes with an average of just 13 MPG. The vehicle’s heavy design and all-terrain capabilities contribute to its high fuel consumption. Despite being a favorite for off-road enthusiasts, its fuel efficiency is among the lowest in its class.
Cadillac Escalade ESV
Luxury comes with a price, and in the case of the Cadillac Escalade ESV, that price is poor fuel efficiency. Weighing over 6,000 pounds and powered by a 6.2L V8 engine, the Escalade averages only 14 MPG. The combination of its weight and luxurious features makes it a significant fuel consumer. While it offers unparalleled comfort and performance, its fuel usage is far from efficient.
Lincoln Navigator L
The Lincoln Navigator L is a luxury SUV that weighs more than 6,200 pounds and features a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine. Though slightly more efficient than some of its V8 competitors, it still struggles with fuel economy, achieving just 16 MPG. Its size and luxurious interior make it a heavy vehicle, which increases its fuel consumption. This model is perfect for comfort, but not for fuel savings.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Known for its rugged design, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class weighs around 5,700 pounds and features a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine. The G-Wagon’s weight, paired with its engine, results in an average of 14 MPG, making it a fuel-thirsty option. Though it’s a symbol of luxury and off-road performance, its fuel efficiency leaves much to be desired. For all its off-road capabilities, the G-Class still guzzles gas at a rapid pace.
Infiniti QX80
Weighing over 5,600 pounds, the Infiniti QX80 is a heavy luxury SUV that runs on a 5.6L V8 engine. While it offers robust performance, it averages only 14 MPG, making it one of the least fuel-efficient in its class. The weight of the vehicle, coupled with its powerful engine, contributes to its high fuel consumption. This SUV provides luxury and space, but at the cost of frequent fuel stops.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is built for luxury and towing, and it weighs nearly 6,400 pounds. Its 6.4L V8 engine is powerful, but it manages only about 13 MPG in fuel efficiency. The large size and weight of this SUV, especially when loaded with passengers or cargo, make it burn fuel quickly. It’s perfect for those who need space and power, but fuel costs can add up fast.
Range Rover
The Range Rover, with its 5,300-pound frame and 5.0L V8 engine, is a powerful luxury SUV. Despite its off-road capabilities, it only manages around 16 MPG, which is on the low end for vehicles in its class. The heavy weight of the vehicle, combined with its powerful engine, makes fuel consumption an issue. While it excels in performance, it’s not known for saving at the gas station.
Ford Expedition Max
The Ford Expedition Max weighs over 5,700 pounds and comes equipped with a 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine. Although it’s slightly more efficient than some of its counterparts, it still averages only 17 MPG. The size and weight of this SUV make it a fuel-heavy option for large families. Though spacious and capable, the Expedition Max can burn through fuel, especially during long trips.
Chevrolet Suburban
Weighing over 5,800 pounds, the Chevrolet Suburban is one of the heaviest full-size SUVs on the market. Its 5.3L V8 engine offers around 15 MPG, making it a fuel guzzler for long drives. This vehicle is known for its spacious interior and towing capacity, but its weight contributes heavily to poor fuel efficiency. Families and road trippers alike may find themselves refueling more often than expected.
GMC Yukon XL
At nearly 6,000 pounds, the GMC Yukon XL shares many characteristics with the Suburban, including its poor fuel economy. Powered by a 6.2L V8 engine, it manages only 14 MPG on average. The vehicle’s large size and luxury features make it a popular choice for families, but it is costly at the pump. Its fuel consumption rises even more when towing or fully loaded with passengers and gear.
Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia is another large SUV that weighs over 5,700 pounds and runs on a 5.7L V8 engine. Averaging just 14 MPG, it’s not the most fuel-efficient choice for families. The weight and power needed for towing or hauling add to its high fuel consumption. While it’s great for space and performance, frequent stops at the gas station are inevitable.
RAM 1500 TRX
The RAM 1500 TRX is built for high performance, and its 6,350-pound weight reflects that. Powered by a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine, it’s a beast on the road but averages only 10 MPG. Its focus on speed and off-road capabilities make fuel efficiency a lower priority. For those seeking power and performance, the TRX delivers, but at a significant fuel cost.
Hummer H2
At over 6,600 pounds, the Hummer H2 is known for its military-inspired design and rugged build. Its 6.0L V8 engine provides plenty of power, but with fuel economy ratings as low as 10-12 MPG. The vehicle’s large size and off-road focus make it a heavy consumer of fuel. While it excels in durability and off-road capability, it’s one of the most fuel-thirsty vehicles on the market.
Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe weighs nearly 5,700 pounds and features a 5.3L V8 engine that delivers only 15 MPG. Its size and power make it a popular option for law enforcement and families, but fuel efficiency takes a hit. This SUV’s large frame and performance-oriented design contribute to its high fuel consumption. For those who prioritize space and power, the Tahoe offers plenty, but fuel costs will be a consideration.
Ford Excursion
The Ford Excursion is one of the heaviest SUVs ever built, weighing close to 7,000 pounds. Its 6.8L V10 engine is powerful, but it manages just 10 MPG, especially when towing heavy loads. The Excursion’s massive size and capability make it perfect for hauling, but it’s notorious for burning fuel quickly. It’s ideal for those needing extreme capacity, but it comes with a hefty fuel bill.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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