Every Year the EPA and the Department of Energy release their annual fuel efficiency guide for consumers. This year is exciting because of all the competition in the hybrid pickup truck market. Although there were several two wheel drive trucks taking the top spots, a few four wheel drive trucks made the top ten including both the Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra.
This market is one to keep your eye on in the next few years since the regulations for fuel economy are going to change in 2016 and then again two years later. Expect to see fewer hybrids on the market and more diesel options in pickup trucks to conform to these regulations.
In this year’s fuel efficiency guide you will find only 3 four wheel drive trucks in the top ten and two of those are from General Motors. Here is a look at the top ten as seen in the EPA and Department of Energy’s fuel efficiency guide for 2013. Miles per gallon are listed as city/ highway / combined and average expected annual fuel cost.
- Toyota Tacoma regular cab 2WD, 2.7L I-4, 5-spd manual, 21/25/23, $2,200
- Ram 1500 regular cab HFE 2WD, 3.6L V-6, 8-speed auto, 18/25/21, $2,400
- Toyota Tacoma regular cab 2WD, 2.7L I-4, 4-speed auto, 19/24/21, $2,400
- Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid crew cab 2WD, 6.0L V-8, electric transmission, 20/23/21, $2,400
- GMC Sierra Hybrid crew cab 2WD, 6.0L V-8, electric transmission, 20/23/21, $2,400
- Chevy Silverado Hybrid crew cab 4WD, 6.0L V-8, electric transmission, 20/23/21, $2,400
- GMC Sierra Hybrid crew cab 4WD, 6.0L V-8, electric transmission, 20/23/21, $2,400
- Ram 1500 regular cab 2WD, 3.6L V-6, 8-speed auto, 17/25/20, $2,550
- Ford F-150 regular cab 2WD FFV, 3.7L V-6, 6-speed auto, 17/23/19, $2,700
- Toyota Tacoma regular cab 4WD, 2.7L I-4, manual (5) or auto (4), 18/21/19, $2,700
Obviously the smaller 2wd pickups got the top ratings in this year’s guide but it is exciting to see some of the full size trucks creeping up the ratings. Although they are hybrid it is still an accomplishment to have a full size 4wd truck make the cut.