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What's the Best Light-Duty Truck for MPG 2016: What the Judges Said
Light-Duty Truck Showdown: Comparing Four Fuel-Efficient Pickups
When it comes to light-duty trucks that balance power with fuel efficiency, today's market offers several compelling options. We put four of the most promising models through rigorous testing to determine which truck delivers the best overall package for both work and daily driving.
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Our expert judging panel included:
- Mark Williams — PickupTrucks.com editor
- Brian Wong — MotorVero Los Angeles bureau chief
- Bruce Smith — Freelance journalist specializing in trucks and 4x4s
- Kent Sundling — Editor and owner of MrTruck.com
How We Tested the Trucks
Our evaluation process included both track testing and real-world driving scenarios in various conditions. We assessed each truck across multiple categories including:
- Performance (loaded and unloaded)
- Fuel efficiency
- Ride quality and handling
- Interior comfort and technology
- Value proposition
- Work capability
The Contenders: Ranked from Fourth to First
4. Toyota Tundra SR: The Budget Workhorse
Specs: 4.6-liter V-8 | Total Score: 1,824 points
What Our Judges Liked
- Value leader: "The Toyota is a great value, the bang-for-the-buck winner." — Kent Sundling
- Work-ready design: "The no-nonsense look and feel of the SR interior with the column shifter says that Toyota understands work." — Mark Williams
- Responsive power: "The throttle response of the smaller V-8 is like a slingshot." — Williams
- Stable handling: "A very stable truck in the wind, its longer wheelbase makes handling effortless." — Sundling
What Fell Short
- Poor fuel economy: "Got the lowest fuel mileage in its group." — Sundling
- Cheap interior: "It has a very cheap-feeling interior with lots of road and wind noise." — Wong
- Suspension issues: "The jittery, nervous rear suspension under the Tundra." — Bruce Smith
- Performance trade-offs: "The Tundra fell flat, both loaded and unloaded, without an uptick in mpg to compensate." — Wong
3. Ram 1500 HFE: The Diesel Efficiency King
Specs: 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel | Total Score: 1,992 points
Best in test: Empty mpg, loaded mpg, EPA mpg ratings, tank range
Standout Features
- Torque-rich diesel: "The EcoDiesel powertrain's gaudy torque numbers shined through." — Wong
- Class-leading mpg: "It gets incredible fuel mileage that revived half-ton diesels." — Sundling
- Smooth operation: "You wouldn't know it's a diesel." — Sundling
- Comfortable cabin: "The seats were comfortable and supportive enough for a fairly long haul." — Wong
Potential Drawbacks
- High-speed limitations: "The diesel seems to fall flat after about 70 mph." — Smith
- Braking concerns: "They don't feel up to the size or weight of the truck." — Williams
- Ergonomics issues: "The non-telescoping steering column made it difficult to set up a good driving position." — Sundling
2. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ: The Refined Performer
Specs: 5.3-liter V-8 | Total Score: 2,018 points
Best in test: GVWR, maximum payload, sound levels, braking empty
Key Strengths
- Superior ride quality: "It has a stable road feel and carries a load confidently." — Williams
- Well-matched powertrain: "The GM eight-speed automatic's programming is perfectly matched to the engine." — Smith
- Premium cabin experience: "Most comfortable interior of the competitors, and was the quietest as well." — Wong
- Strong value: "This is the value part of the pickup truck segment." — Williams
Areas for Improvement
- Powertrain tuning: "There's a sluggish response, maybe to improve the mpg." — Williams
- Cab limitations: "The double cab is too small for adults in the rear seat." — Sundling
- Premium pricing: "It's the most expensive of the four contenders by at least $5,000." — Wong
1. Ford F-150 XLT: The Performance Leader
Specs: 2.7-liter V-6 EcoBoost | Total Score: 2,033 points
Best in test: Weight, torque, acceleration (loaded/unloaded), braking loaded, quarter-mile times
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Winning Attributes
- Exceptional power: "There's stunning power off the line with this engine." — Williams
- Impressive efficiency: "Its loaded mileage was impressive at better than 22 mpg." — Wong
- Advanced technology: "I'm still impressed at how much engine and truck information is available." — Williams
- Innovative design: "All extended cabs should open so wide." — Williams on the door design
Notable Compromises
- Ride quality: "The use of aluminum saves weight, but that translates into a twitchy road feel." — Williams
- Payload sag: "The F-150 looks and feels uncomfortably soft when loaded." — Smith
- Tech interface: "The very small multimedia screen made the backup camera hard to use." — Wong
Key Takeaways From Our Light-Duty Truck Comparison
After extensive testing and evaluation, several important insights emerged about today's fuel-efficient light-duty trucks:
1. There's No Perfect Truck
Each contender demonstrated unique strengths and weaknesses. The Ford excelled in performance but sacrificed some ride quality. The Ram delivered exceptional efficiency but had braking limitations. The Chevy offered refinement but at a higher price point, while the Toyota provided value but with noticeable compromises.
2. Engine Technology Has Advanced Significantly
The smaller-displacement turbocharged and diesel engines in these trucks prove that modern engineering can deliver V-8-like performance with better fuel economy. The Ford's 2.7-liter EcoBoost and Ram's EcoDiesel particularly impressed our judges.
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3. Payload Capacity Matters
How these trucks handled under load significantly impacted their rankings. The Chevrolet's confident loaded performance helped secure its second-place finish, while the Ford's noticeable sag when carrying weight nearly cost it the top spot.
4. Cabin Comfort is Crucial
With many buyers using their trucks as daily drivers, interior quality and noise levels played a major role in our evaluations. The Chevrolet's quiet cabin and the Ram's comfortable seats stood out positively, while the Toyota's noisy interior drew criticism.
Which Light-Duty Truck is Right For You?
The "best" truck ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities:
- Budget-conscious buyers: The Toyota Tundra offers the lowest entry price but comes with noticeable compromises in refinement and fuel economy.
- Mileage maximizers: The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel delivers class-leading fuel efficiency and impressive torque for towing.
- Premium seekers: The Chevrolet Silverado provides the most refined driving experience and quietest cabin.
- Performance enthusiasts: The Ford F-150 EcoBoost combines thrilling acceleration with respectable fuel economy.
Modern light-duty trucks offer an impressive blend of capability and efficiency that was unimaginable just a decade ago. Whether you prioritize power, efficiency, comfort, or value, there's a fuel-efficient pickup that can meet your needs without sacrificing the utility that makes trucks so versatile.
Motorveroben
Last Updated On Jul, 03-2025