Diesel trucks cover long distances and haul heavy loads, so a more efficient fuel intake means spending less time and money at the pump and fewer negative effects on the environment.
The popularity of diesel trucks remains generally high. Popular choices include the Ford F-250 Super Duty and the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, though Duramax and EcoDiesel models offer some of the highest average miles per gallon (MPG) on the market.
Understanding Diesel Truck Fuel Economy
Fuel economy details the number of miles your vehicle can drive per gallon of fuel. You can measure diesel truck miles per gallon by dividing the number of miles you can drive until your tank is empty by the capacity of your tank. For example, if you can drive 200 miles before refueling and can put 10 gallons of diesel in your tank, your vehicle achieves an average of 20 MPG.
Light-duty vehicles must comply with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to limit greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. These standards require trucks to have an efficient MPG average to be certified by the EPA.
Factors that affect diesel truck MPG include weight, condition and age. Your driving habits and any modifications you’ve made to your vehicle can also impact its fuel economy.
5 Diesel Trucks With the Best MPG
Diesel trucks with more efficient MPG will have a higher fuel economy. The best MPG is determined by:
- Engine efficiency
- Truck weight and aerodynamics
- Driving habits and maintenance
- Fuel quality
- Load and towing
Based on MPG, horsepower (HP) and torque, here is a list of the top-rated diesel trucks on the market:
- Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 3.0L Duramax: This light-duty Chevy wins the competition thanks to its average 23.3 real-world MPG. It has 305 HP and 495 lb-feet of torque.
- RAM 1500 EcoDiesel: With an average of 22.6 MPG, this light-duty truck is an efficient performer. It produces 260 HP and 480 lb-feet of torque.
- RAM 2500: This turbocharged, heavy-duty RAM achieves 15.7 MPG, 430 HP and 429 lb-feet of torque.
- Ford F-250 Super Duty: This heavy-duty Ford drives around 15.1 MPG in the real world. Its 405 HP and 445 lb-feet of torque make this Ford a strong option.
- Chevy Silverado 2500 HD: The real-world MPG average for this mighty Chevy is 14.3 MPG, along with 310 HP and 430 lb-feet of torque.
Light-Duty vs. Heavy-Duty Diesel Trucks
Light-duty and heavy-duty trucks are manufactured differently due to their intended uses:
- Light-duty trucks: Light-duty trucks are typically used for everyday driving and light hauls. They are generally easier to maneuver.
- Heavy-duty trucks: Heavy-duty trucks are more suitable for heavy towing and load capabilities, notably in commercial industries. They can come with enhanced transmissions to handle more demanding conditions.
Light-duty trucks offer better fuel economy than heavy-duty trucks. They require less power and fuel to drive. Heavy-duty truck manufacturers focus more on enabling the truck to complete tougher hauling and towing tasks.
Improving Diesel Truck Fuel Efficiency
Better driving techniques can lead to better fuel economy. To maintain a diesel truck and improve its MPG, we recommend taking these steps:
- Drive your vehicle at the tire manufacturer’s suggested pressure pounds per square inch (PSI).
- Don’t load your vehicle over its maximum weight capacity and evenly distribute it.
- Optimize your driving routes by taking distance and traffic conditions into account.
- Keep up with preventive maintenance to notice symptoms and potential problems.
- Avoid excessive idling and accelerate evenly to prevent excessive fuel usage.
- When driving at a consistent speed on flat terrain, utilize the cruise control.
Aftermarket modifications can be applied to your diesel truck to enhance fuel efficiency. Some popular options are drag reduction, fuel additives, air intake filters and vehicle monitors. These additions serve different purposes, but they all work toward the goal of improving diesel engine fuel efficiency.
Calculating Your Diesel Truck’s MPG
To calculate diesel truck MPG, divide the number of miles driven by the quantity of fuel gallons used to drive those miles. The best way to complete this calculation is to
- Start by filling your fuel tank to its maximum capacity.
- Record how many gallons make up your vehicle’s full tank.
- Set your odometer to zero and take a long drive.
- At the end of the trip, record the mileage indicated on the trip odometer.
- Divide the total miles you drove from Step 4 by the gallon amount required to fill the tank from Step 2.
Variables such as your driving habits, the road’s condition and your load’s weight can affect MPG calculations, so doing this test multiple times will give you a more accurate MPG average estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s break down common questions regarding diesel truck MPG.
What Is the Best Diesel Truck for Fuel Economy?
The current best MPG diesel truck is the light-duty Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 3.0L Duramax, which averages 23.3 MPG.
How Can I Improve My Diesel Truck’s MPG?
Maintain all parts of your vehicle, from the tires to the engine components, to keep it running in good condition. Drive consistently and consider aftermarket modifications.
Are Diesel Trucks More Fuel Efficient Than Gas Trucks?
Yes, diesel trucks are regarded as more fuel-efficient than gas trucks. Diesel engines are known for their high torque and towing capabilities, which makes them an excellent choice for individuals and industries. Even though diesel fuel is more expensive, you won’t have to make as many stops to refuel as you would in a gas vehicle.
Improve MPG With Hot Shot’s Secret
Lower MPGs are preferred because they require less fuel, which saves money and emits fewer pollutants. Cutting-edge diesel trucks, such as the Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 3.0L Duramax and Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, are great options offering high fuel economy.
Hot Shot’s Secret’s selection of expertly engineered formulas can help your truck run more efficiently. Use Diesel Extreme regularly to boost fuel economy while caring for your fuel system. You can also make the most of every tank of fuel with Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT). Shop our fuel additives to maintain your diesel engine’s performance and make improvements.