The most fuel-efficient 2021–2026 diesel truck is the Chevrolet Silverado at 27 mpg combined (≈$2,900/yr in fuel). Next best: GMC Sierra (26 mpg) and Ram 1500 (26). The average diesel truck here gets about 23 mpg — versus 24 mpg for all new cars.
Within the current ranking the gap runs from 23 to 27 mpg — picking the wrong end of this list costs roughly $255 a year in fuel at 12,000 miles. The typical diesel truck here reads 24 mpg, 2 mpg worse than an average vehicle — a difference of about $127 a year. Calculated from ForCar's copy of the EPA fuel-economy database.
Most fuel-efficient 2021–2026 Diesel Trucks — gas mileage comparison chart
Every 2021–2026 diesel truck ranked by EPA combined MPG — the gas mileage the car actually returns, not the brochure figure — with the real annual fuel cost and CO₂. Tap any diesel truck for its recalls, reliability score and used-market price.
| # | Vehicle | Combined MPG | Annual fuel | CO₂ g/mi | City/Hwy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chevrolet Silverado | $2,900 | 383 | 23/33 | |
| 2 | GMC Sierra | $3,000 | 399 | 23/29 | |
| 3 | Ram 1500 | $3,000 | 384 | 23/33 | |
| 4 | Jeep Gladiator | $3,250 | 436 | 21/27 | |
| 5 | Chevrolet Colorado | $3,400 | 435 | 20/30 | |
| 6 | Ford F150 | $3,400 | 446 | 20/27 | |
| 7 | GMC Canyon | $3,400 | 435 | 20/30 |
Source: EPA fuel-economy data, 2021–2026, best variant per diesel truck. Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate at ~15,000 mi/yr.
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Which brand makes the most efficient diesel trucks?
Average combined MPG across each brand's 2021–2026 diesel truck lineup:
What's a good MPG for a diesel truck?
For 2021–2026, the average diesel truck gets about 23 mpg combined. Anything above that beats the class; the best on this list reaches 27 mpg. Compared with 24 mpg for all new vehicles, diesel trucks trade some economy for space, capability or performance.
The most efficient one — the Silverado — costs about $2,900/yr to fuel, saving roughly $0/yr versus a typical 23-mpg diesel truck.
Same diesel trucks, other running costs: safety & insurance
MPG is only one piece of ownership cost. For the same class, compare the safest diesel trucks by NHTSA crash-test score and what they cost to insure by vehicle type.
Best MPG by other body types
| List | Tops the list | Best figure |
|---|---|---|
| Best MPG SUVs | Kia Niro | 53 mpg |
| Best MPG Trucks | Ford Maverick | 38 mpg |
| Best MPG Sedans & Cars | Toyota Prius | 57 mpg |
| Best MPG AWD Cars | Toyota Prius | 54 mpg |
| Best MPG Hybrids | Toyota Prius | 57 mpg |
| Best MPG Wagons | Honda CR-V | 40 mpg |
| Best MPG Minivans | Toyota Sienna | 36 mpg |
| Best MPG V8 Cars | Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 21 mpg |
| Best MPG Two-Seaters | Mazda MX-5 | 29 mpg |
| Best MPG Hybrid SUVs | Kia Niro | 53 mpg |
| Best MPG Electric Cars | Lucid Air | 146 MPGe |
| All best MPG cars | Every class in one ranking | — |
Best MPG Diesel Trucks — FAQ
Which diesel truck has the best gas mileage?
The Chevrolet Silverado is the most fuel-efficient diesel truck at 27 mpg combined (2021–2026 EPA data), about $2,900/yr in fuel.
What's a good MPG for a diesel truck?
The average 2021–2026 diesel truck gets about 23 mpg combined — anything above that is good, and the leaders reach 27 mpg.
How is this ranked?
By EPA combined MPG for each diesel truck, using the most efficient variant per model. Every figure is official EPA data hosted by ForCar — the full 2021–2026 field, not a hand-picked ten.