Each Brand’s Most Efficient Pickup, Ranked by Cost Per Mile

With the national average price of a gallon of regular fuel now over $4, there is a corresponding spike in interest in EVs, the highest it has been in the last 5 years. EVs are generally efficient, though they aren’t for everyone. Therefore, I figured I would look at the most efficient pickup trucks from each manufacturer with sales in the U.S. in both gas and electric powertrains.

To level-set this conversation, I will use the current national average price per gallon of regular gas at $4.123, diesel fuel at $5.608, electricity at $0.1745 per kWh, and the official combined MPG from fueleconomy.gov. (For EVs, I used the EPA’s kWh/100-mile to calculate miles per kWh.) Real-world results may vary.

I will also note that public EV charging averages $0.408 per kWh, based on my research. I will call out both home charging and public charging prices, but I have ranked these trucks based on home charging rates.

Cost per mile calculations are figured by fuel cost per gallon divided by MPG. All vehicle pricing includes destination charges.

INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster – 14 MPG – $0.29 per Mile

The only pickup on sale from INEOS is the Grenadier Quatermaster. A base Quartermaster starts at $33,895 and clocks in at an EPA-estimated 14 MPG combined. Cost per mile = $0.29*

*Keep in mind the Grenadier Quartermaster requires premium fuel for which we do not have the national average price; the cost per mile would be higher than reported here.

Jeep Gladiator – 19 MPG – $0.22 per Mile

Jeep’s only pickup is the Gladiator. A base Sport trim starts at $42,010 and clocks in at an EPA-estimated 19 MPG combined. Cost per mile = $0.22

Honda Ridgeline – 21 MPG – $0.20 per Mile

Honda’s only pickup is the Ridgeline. A base AWD Sport trim with the 3.5L V6 is the most efficient configuration, starting at $42,290 and clocking in at an EPA-estimated 21 MPG combined. Cost per mile = $0.20

Nissan Frontier – 21 MPG – $0.20 per Mile

Nissan’s only pickup is the Frontier. A base 2WD SV trim in King Cab configuration with the 3.8L V6 is the most efficient configuration, starting at $33,895 and clocking in at an EPA-estimated 21 MPG combined. Cost per mile = $0.20

Ram 1500 – 22 MPG – $0.19 per Mile

Ram’s only light-duty pickup is the 1500. A base 2WD Tradesman trim in Quad Cab configuration with the 3.6L V6 is the most efficient configuration, starting at $44,620 and clocking in at an EPA-estimated 22 MPG combined. Cost per mile = $0.19

Toyota Tacoma Hybrid – 23 MPG – $0.18 per Mile

The top contenders from Toyota are:

• A 2WD Tundra Hybrid starting at $60,705 for a Limited trim, clocking in at an EPA-estimated 22 MPG combined. Cost per mile = $0.19
• A 4WD Tacoma Hybrid starting at $55,255 for a TRD Sport trim, clocking in at an EPA-estimated 23 MPG combined. Cost per mile = $0.18

Hyundai Santa Cruz – 25 MPG – $0.16 per Mile

Hyundai’s only pickup is the Santa Cruz, which is discontinued after the 2026 model year. A base 2WD SE trim with the 2.5L 4-cylinder is the most efficient configuration, starting at $31,350 and clocking in at an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined. Cost per mile = $0.16

Ford Maverick Hybrid – 38 MPG – $0.11 per Mile

The top three contenders from the Blue Oval are:

• A 2WD PowerBoost-equipped F-150 starting at $55,255 for an STX trim, clocking in at an EPA-estimated 23 MPG combined. Cost per mile = $0.18
• A 2WD Ranger with the 2.3L 4-cylinder engine starting at $35,245 for an XL trim, clocking in at an EPA-estimated 23 MPG combined. Cost per mile = $0.18
• A FWD Maverick Hybrid starting at $30,685 for an XL trim, clocking in at an EPA-estimated 38 MPG combined. Cost per mile = $0.11

GMC Sierra EV – 2 Miles per kWh – $0.09 per Mile

The top three contenders from GMC are:

• A 2WD Canyon with the 2.7L 4-cylinder engine starting at $40,995 for an Elevation trim, clocking in at an EPA-estimated 20 MPG combined. Cost per mile = $0.21
• A RWD Sierra with the 3.0L turbodiesel starting at $56,335 for an Elevation trim double cab, clocking in at an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined. Cost per mile = $0.22
• An AWD Sierra EV Elevation – Extended Range starting at $73,195, clocking in at an EPA-estimated 2 miles per kWh combined. Cost per mile = $0.09
  • The same Sierra EV, using only public charging, would cost $0.20 per mile to drive

It is worth noting that the most fuel-efficient, non-electric Sierra is the 3.0L Duramax turbodiesel model; however, the cost per mile is elevated thanks to the national average price of diesel fuel at over $5 per gallon.

Chevy Silverado EV – 2.08 Miles per kWh – $0.08 per Mile

While GMC offers nearly identical vehicles to Chevy, there are some key differences in the fuel economy results. The top three contenders from the Bowtie Brand are:

• A 2WD Colorado with the 2.7L 4-cylinder engine starting at $34,495 for a WT trim, clocking in at an EPA-estimated 21 MPG combined. Cost per mile = $0.20
• A RWD Silverado with the 3.0L turbodiesel starting at $53,740 for an LT trim double cab, clocking in at an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined. Cost per mile = $0.22
• An AWD Silverado EV LT – Extended Range starting at $71,695, clocking in at an EPA-estimated 2.08 miles per kWh combined. Cost per mile = $0.08
  • The same Silverado EV, using only public charging, would cost $0.20 per mile to drive

It is worth noting that the most fuel-efficient, non-electric Silverado is the 3.0L Duramax turbodiesel model; however, the cost per mile is elevated thanks to the national average price of diesel fuel at over $5 per gallon.

Tesla Cybertruck – 2.33 Miles per kWh – $0.07 per Mile

Tesla’s only pickup-like vehicle is the Cybertruck. A base Dual Motor is the most efficient configuration, starting at $69,990 and clocking in at an EPA-estimated 2.33 miles per kWh combined. Cost per mile = $0.07. The same Cybertruck, using only public charging, would cost $0.18 per mile to drive

Rivian R1T – 2.56 Miles per kWh – $0.07 per Mile

Rivian’s only pickup is the R1T. A base Dual trim with Max Battery configuration is the most efficient configuration, starting at $86,990 and clocking in at an EPA-estimated 2.56 miles per kWh combined. Cost per mile = $0.07. The same R1T, using only public charging, would cost $0.16 per mile to drive

Final Thoughts

It is no shocker that EVs made the most efficient use of fuel from an overall cost perspective, but the average price of the EV pickups far outweighs any immediate savings on fuel. 

What is surprising about this list is that the smallest 2WD pickup is not always the most efficient. Which brand surprised you the most? And were some of these numbers more surprising than others?

Below is a calculator for you to go into further detail based on your local fuel costs and real world economy.