While all-electric pickups like the Ford F-150 Lightning and GMC Hummer EV Pickup perform many of the duties of a truck without burning any fuel, for most of today's buyers, a truck that can be conveniently filled at the local gas station is still necessary. Fortunately, truck makers have responded with fuel-efficient models that sip gas like family sedans.
From full-size to compact models, we've assembled a list of the most fuel-efficient new light-duty pickup trucks based on city and highway combined estimates from Natural Resources Canada's latest Fuel Consumption Guide.
2023 Ford F-150 Hybrid 2WD | 10.1 L/100 km
As the first mass-produced battery-electric full-size pickup truck, the Ford F-150 Lightning gets all the attention. Yet, Canada's perennial best-selling new vehicle offers over a half-dozen engine options, including the off-road Raptor's unique engine spec. But the gas-electric 2023 F-150 Hybrid 2WD is the most efficient when it comes to fossil-fuelled trims.
Available in the XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trims, the rear- or four-wheel drive hybrid F-150 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 and electric motor. Power is not lacking, making a robust 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque. But it also sips fuel like a mid-size SUV, scoring a 10.1 L/100 km city and highway combined estimate with 2WD and 10.4 with 4WD. A mobile generator is an option with three F-150 engines and the Hybrid powertrain. With it, you can run several power tools simultaneously at the job site.
2023 Jeep Gladiator 4x4 EcoDiesel | 9.8 L/100 km
Based on Jeep's popular Wrangler Unlimited mid-size SUV, the 2023 Gladiator pickup truck can be a business vehicle during the week and a party machine on weekends. The only new pickup with a detachable roof and doors, the Gladiator's venerable 3.6L V6 makes 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Sipping regular 87-octane gasoline, it's rated at 12.6 L/100 km with the manual gearbox or 12.3 with the optional automatic.
If you are looking for a Gladiator with more torque that also happens to be more fuel efficient, it's hard to argue against the optional EcoDiesel. Not available on the Mojave trim, the turbocharged 3.0L diesel V6 develops 260 hp and a substantial 442 lb-ft. Mated exclusively to the automatic, this unit is calibrated for shifts at lower engine speeds when paired with the diesel. It is rated at 9.8 L/100 km or 10.0 if you opt for the rock-climbing Rubicon trim.
2023 Chevrolet Silverado Turbo Diesel 2WD & 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Turbo Diesel 2WD | 9.2 L/100 km
Twins separated at birth, the most fuel-efficient versions of the light-duty 1500 versions of the General Motors' Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickup trucks share a turbocharged 3.0L diesel V6. It makes 277 hp, 460 lb-ft, and sips diesel at 9.2 L/100 km in 2WD and 9.8 with 4WD.
Each GM truck offers double cabs, crew cabs, short beds, and various trims of increasing plushness, making for plenty of choices. From the base Work Truck to the new topline ZR2, the Chevy is priced less than its GMC platform-mate., with the diesel available on its LT, RST, LTZ in 2WD or 4WD and only 4WD on the LT Trail Boss, and High Country.
The Sierra 1500 has always been the GM truck for buyers who think a Chevy needs to be more fancy. So even though they share a platform, powertrains, and cab styles, the Sierra 1500 stands out with exclusive trims. The diesel is available in the Sierra 1500 SLE, Elevation, and SLT trims with a choice of 2WD or 4WD, or just 4WD in the AT4, Denali, and Denali Ultimate.
2023 Ram 1500 4x4 EcoDiesel | 8.0 L/100 km
Across a 2023 lineup of Regular, Quad Cab, and Crew Cab body styles, 2WD or 4WD traction, and a wide variety of trim levels, Stellantis' Ram brand should have a full-size pickup truck to meet your needs. There are two different generations to choose from: the Ram 1500 Classic (dating back to 2009) and the newer (and more expensive) non-Classic 1500, which arrived in 2019.
A pair of V8s are on the engine menu. The base eTorque V6 gets a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to smooth out the fuel-saving stop/restart function and help the engine attain a competitive 9.4 L/100 km in 2WD form. But the efficiency champ in the Ram lineup is the 3.0L V6 turbodiesel. Available in the Rebel, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, and Limited trims, the EcoDiesel engine generates 260 hp and 480 lb-ft. Even with standard 4x4, it scores a remarkable 8.0 L/100 km.
2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid Super Crew | 6.4 L/100 km
If low operating costs for your next new truck are essential, the base version of Ford's compact Maverick pickup should be near the top of your list. With a starting price in the low-$30,000 range, the Maverick Hybrid is also the most frugal new truck you can buy in Canada that doesn't need to be plugged in with a 6.4 L/100 km fuel economy rating.
The Hybrid marries a 2.5L four-cylinder gas engine and electric motors to create 191 hp. Ford doesn't give a total torque figure, but the Maverick Hybrid's engine makes 155 lb-ft, and the electric motor develops 173 lb-ft. A continuously variable automatic transmission sends power only to the front wheels.
Available in XL, XLT, and Lariat trims, when called upon to do truck things, the Maverick Hybrid can tow up to 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms). But if you need more capacity or want traction at all four wheels, the optional 250 hp and 277 lb-ft turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder can haul up 4,000 lb (1,814 kg) and still score an admirable 9.8 L/100 km city and highway combined fuel economy estimate.
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