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A 3/4 ton pickup truck can be handy for towing, hauling, and much more. However, where they can struggle is in the gas mileage department. Due to their massive size, and capability, they tend to have lower mileage ratings than their 1/2-ton (1500 series) alternatives.
With that said, for those that need the ability of a 2500 series truck but still need excellent gas mileage, here are the best 2500 series trucks with the best gas mileage!
Why should you trust me? I have worked in the automotive industry for years. I enjoy learning everything there is to know about vehicles and sharing my knowledge here. This extends outside of this website and into building up my cars.
Check out Fuelly! Manufacturers of 2500 series (3/4 ton) pickup trucks are not required to disclose their mileage rates. Fuelly has done a fantastic job of gathering information from actual owners, and that is where this information was collected. You can check out their website here!
1. Nissan Titan
- Towing Capacity: 9,317 - 11,033 pounds
The Nissan Titan may not be long for this world; however, it sits at the top of the list of best gas mileage 2500 series pickups. While the Titan may not have the number 2500 in its name, it is considered a 3/4 ton pickup truck and is easily placed here.
At an estimated 14.6 miles per gallon, its average gas mileage is almost a whole gallon per mile over the runner-up (the RAM 2500). This gas mileage is achieved with their trusty 5.6L V8 that pushes out 400 horsepower and 416 lb-ft torque.
The Nissan Titan isn’t quite in the big leagues on the sales numbers, but it does represent an excellent option for those looking for a larger truck with better-than-average gas mileage.
2. RAM 2500
- Towing Capacity: 17,740 - 19,990 pounds
The RAM 2500 narrowly beats the F-250 and GMC Sierra 2500 at 13.5 mpg. The best gas mileage on the RAM 2500 is achieved by opting for the 6.4 Liter Hemi engine paired with the 8-speed automatic. This engine pushes out 410 horsepower and can tow up to 15,040 pounds. It needs that extra power, with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds.
Not only does the RAM 2500 have one of the best gas mileage ratings in its class, but it features one of my favorite interiors and exteriors. RAM completely revamped its styling cues a couple of years back, and it now represents one of my favorites.
3. Ford Super Duty F-250
- Towing Capacity: 16,700 - 37,000 pounds
While the F-250 may not have the best gas mileage on this list, it stands out as my favorite. At 13.4 miles per gallon gas mileage, it trails slightly below the RAM 2500 by just a 10th of a gallon. Its mixture of muscular styling, impressive interior, and build quality leave it at the top of my list.
The F-250 gets its gas mileage from a combination of its best gas mileage in the form of a 6.7L V8 Diesel engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
4. GMC Sierra 2500
- Towing Capacity: 14,500 - 18,500 pounds
With my recent purchase of a Chevy Tahoe, I am quickly starting to see why people like GM products. That said, the GMC Sierra 2500 and the Silverado 2500 are at the bottom of this list of excellent gas mileage. On average, the GMC Sierra 2500 reflects 13.3 miles per gallon, just under the F-250’s 13.4.
The GMC Sierra 2500’s mileage is achieved with its 6.6L Turbo-Diesel engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
5. Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- Towing Capacity: 14,500 - 18,500 pounds
I can’t say why, but Fuelly shows the Silverado 2500 as almost a full MPG lower than the GMC Sierra 2500, which is impressive since they are corporate twins.
The Silverado 2500 will be your best choice over the GMC Sierra if you want a sportier and more practical option. Alternatively, skip this one and get the GMC Sierra if you want more luxury.
Why don’t larger pickups get better gas mileage?
Compared to 1/2-ton pickups, SUVs, and cars, these larger heavy-duty pickups get considerably worse gas mileage. Why is that?
1. They are heavier vehicles.
This is the main reason these larger work trucks get worse gas mileage than other alternatives. With their size comes additional weight, which requires more power to move them forward. With more power needed, it means lower gas mileage!
2. Less efficient engines
These larger pickups require more power to push their massive size, and their engines are built more for their capability than for their gas mileage.
While a mid-size crossover should prioritize gas mileage, as they are used mainly as commuters, a larger pickup like this is primarily used for towing, carrying payloads, and working hard.
Because of this, their engines are tuned and built to ensure they can achieve this while maintaining reliability. Gas mileage shows up lower down on the needs for these trucks.
3. Aerodynamics is an issue.
SUVs have quickly moved towards a teardrop shape, the most aerodynamic shape. Meanwhile, as trucks are built more for towing and payload, they don’t prioritize this shape and instead have massive noses and truck beds (which are not conducive to gas mileage).
The more vertical surface area you have, the more power is needed to push against air, making gas mileage worse.
Do you need a 2500 series pickup, or should you save gas and get a smaller pickup?
Many people choose to save gas and purchase a smaller pickup. The main reason is that they do not need the larger capacity of the 2500 series trucks.
For example, purchasing a 1500 series truck will save you money if you never tow or haul large items. However, if you often carry heavy loads or tow with your pickup, then a 2500 truck is the best choice. (1000 and 1500 series trucks do not offer good towing capacity)
- Top 4 Pickup Trucks that can get 30mpg on the highway
- 5 Modern Full-Size Trucks with the Best Gas Mileage
- Here are the most Reliable Pickup Truck Engines
What are different series of pickups used for?
- 1500 series (1/2-Ton) – Smaller and lighter, with a lower towing capacity. Better for commuting, general usage, and as a lifestyle rig.
- 2500 series (3/4-Ton) – Larger size and higher towing power, but not as good on gas mileage as its smaller siblings.
- 3500 series (1 ton) – Largest size available (for general purposes) with the most power for serious towing. It may use more gas in this series, but it offers the best ability to tow and haul.
Conclusion
The 2500 series (aka 3/4-ton) is a fantastic in-between option for when you need more towing and payload capabilities than a 1/2-ton can do but don’t want to spend or don’t need everything that a 3500 series can do. Regardless, these trucks don’t get the best gas mileage on the market; however, some do it better.
If you don’t care about anything other than the gas mileage, and the fact that it is a 2500 series truck, you should easily choose the Nissan Titan, as it stands out as having considerably better gas mileage than the other options on the market.
