Efficient Used Trucks That Are Perfect for Drivers Shopping on a Budget

There was once a time when truck buyers had to sacrifice fuel economy to own the pickups they wanted. Luckily, times have changed, and there are many more efficient options for people looking for used trucks for sale in Albany, NY, such as our inventory here at DePaula Ford. Additionally, there are quite a few used models that do well in this regard and truly save buyers at the pump.

People should also note that many of the most fuel-efficient used trucks happen to be Ford models. Of course, there are others, but many would say that Ford reigns supreme when it comes to producing these larger vehicles that are conservative on fuel economy. Here’s a look into some of the most fuel-efficient and budget-friendly used trucks that still offer great capability.

The Ford F-150 Lightning

While not efficient in the traditional way, thanks to its all-electric design, the Ford F-150 Lightning is still a great choice for those looking for an efficient truck. Though the Lightning dates back to the early 1990s, the version that most people know of came about in 2022. Now, it’s a top choice for people who want to say goodbye to the pumps altogether. The all-electric truck offers both the standard and extended-range models. The standard range version gets an average of 76 MPGe in the city and 61 MPGe on the highway. For even more efficiency, buyers can opt for the used Ford F-150 Lightning Extended Range. This one grants an average of 78 MPGe in the city and 63 MPGe on the highway.

The Ford F-150 Lightning uses two electric motors to operate. The standard range version has a maximum output of 452 hp, while the extended range model produces a max of 580 hp. Both models have a torque of 775 lb-ft. Many used truck buyers will be happy to know that despite this being a fairly large truck, it’s pretty swift. According to Car and Driver’s road test, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in four seconds flat. It only takes the truck 12.7 seconds to go a quarter mile at 107 mph.

Regarding towing, the extended-range model can handle up to 10,000 lbs. The standard range model is also impressive, as it can carry up to 7,700 lbs. Charging is also exceptional; rivers can charge the battery pack from about 15 percent to about 80 percent in 44 minutes. Of course, you can’t configure a used truck, but there are two battery options. One is a 98 kWh pack that grants 230 miles per charge. The other is a 131 kWh battery that promises 320 miles on a single charge.

The Ford Maverick

The Ford Maverick is another popular truck that happens to have great fuel economy. The front-wheel versions average 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The all-wheel drive versions get 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. Of course, there is also a Ford Maverick Hybrid, which is naturally more efficient. This model gets 42 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, making it easily one of the best trucks to get if your goal is to save money at the fuel pump. Buyers get the fuel economy from the Maverick without sacrificing performance.

The hybrid Ford Maverick comes standard with a 2.5-liter inline four engine paired with an electric motor. This setup has a maximum output of 191 hp. It’s front-wheel drive and uses a continuously variable transmission. The non-hybrid version of the Maverick has a 250-horsepower 2.5-liter engine. It’s also front-wheel drive with the option of making it all-wheel drive. It uses an eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver the power. Regarding speed, this is a pretty swift truck as it competes with many others in its class. This all makes the Ford Maverick a solid choice for anyone who wants an efficient truck.

The Ford F-150

The Lightning is impressive, but the regular Ford F-150 is also relatively fuel-efficient. Additionally, it has some fairly powerful options. The standard 2021 model averages 20 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway, courtesy of its 3.3-liter V6 engine. Those craving more power can opt for the hefty 5.0-liter V8 engine. It averages 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. This is a fairly impressive figure for an engine as big as a 5.0-liter. It shows that Ford has the ability to toe the line between fuel-efficient and non-hybrid engines.

Regarding specs, the standard 3.3-liter V6 has a maximum output of 290 hp. The more powerful option is the 400-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine. Additionally, there is a turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 that buyers can choose from. This is also a fuel-efficient option that will also save money at the gas pump. Of course, there is also the Hybrid Ford-F150, which has a PowerBoost twin turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 430 hp electric motor. It averages 25 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway.

The Ford Ranger

There is much to appreciate about the Ford Ranger. It has been on the market for quite a while, and many people regard it as being among the best pickup trucks. The 2023 model comes standard with a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four with a maximum output of 270 hp. Its torque is 310 lb-ft, and it has rear and four-wheel drive configurations and utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission. Regarding fuel economy, it averages 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway, offering a total range of 414 miles. There are more fuel-efficient options on the market, but the Ranger is still among the best used trucks in this regard. It can also tow up to 7,500 lbs, which makes it fairly useful in various situations.

The Jeep Gladiator

The Jeep Gladiator is both one of the most unique and the most fuel-efficient used trucks on the market. It comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a maximum output of 285 hp. It’s a four-wheel drive vehicle with automatic and manual transmission options. Regarding speed, the 2023 model accelerates from 0 to 60 mph between 6.9 and 9.6 seconds. There are faster trucks, but used Jeep Gladiators have pretty great suspension and handling. This is one of the many reasons people regard this truck so well.

Regarding fuel economy, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator gets an average of 17 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. It can also tow up to 6,500 lbs. However, the even more efficient option is the diesel version of the Gladiator, which has a 3.0-liter V6 with a maximum output of 260 hp. This version averages 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, making it a great choice for fuel-conscious drivers.

The Toyota Tacoma

Another of the most efficient used trucks you can get is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma. Powerwise, it has a 2.7-liter inline-four as standard with a maximum output of 159 hp and a torque of 180 lb-ft. This version of the Tacoma averages 20 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The other engine option for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 278 hp and has a torque of 265 lb-ft. Regarding fuel economy, it averages 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The Toyota Tacoma has been around for quite a while and has a strong reputation, which means buyers have many options.

Find a Budget-Friendly Pre-Owned Truck With Us Today

Luckily, many of the most fuel-efficient used trucks have much to offer buyers. There are many options on the market, and buyers can get them for fairly reasonable prices. It’s also great that there’s a diverse group of trucks that can help buyers save at the fuel pump without sacrificing capabilities. Of course, many of these options offer hybrid powertrains, but there are also quite a few traditional gas-powered vehicles. Our team here at DePaula Ford would be more than happy to walk you through our extensive selection of pre-owned trucks and help you find an efficient model that is sure to add value to your daily drive.