Historically high gas prices are prompting American drivers to consider vehicles with better fuel economy. Trucks can be some of the thirstiest vehicles on the road when it comes to gas.
Automakers have developed hybrid technology to improve the fuel efficiency of larger, heavier truck models, making them more powerful and increasing their total driving range per full tank.
The most affordable new pickup truck on the market is also the most efficient truck, and it’s a Ford.
Ford’s small truck is the cheapest, most fuel-efficient new truck of 2026
The Ford Maverick first appeared as a 2022 model year. It attracted a lot of attention due to its price under 30 thousand dollars and small size compared to other trucks. The Maverick is positioned below the mid-size Ford Ranger.
Ford’s small pickup truck starts at $26,771 (thanks to the employee pricing program). It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to produce 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. The pickup truck achieves an incredible 42 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway, making it the most economical truck model in many ways.
How far can a Ford Maverick go on a full tank of gas?
Ford’s small truck has a 13.8-gallon gas tank. The hybrid front-wheel drive base model earns 38 miles per gallon combined. A full tank should give drivers a driving range of approximately 524 miles. Thanks to its excellent fuel economy, drivers can get even more range from a full tank on long highway drives.
The Ford Maverick is one of the few trucks on the market that offers a driving range of over 500 miles without a huge gas tank or diesel fuel. This is a great option for drivers who want to save money at the pump.
How big is the 2026 Ford Maverick?
The 2026 Ford Maverick is 199.8 inches long. It is 72.6 inches wide (without mirrors) and 68.8 inches long. The length of its bed is 54.4 inches.
Every Ford Maverick comes with a FlexBed, which is a highly customizable bed with a 12-volt built-in power lead, wood slots to section the bed, and a multi-position tailgate to make hauling cargo easier. Ford’s trucks and the Hyundai Santa Cruz are two of the smallest pickup trucks on the market.
Should you buy the 2026 Ford Maverick?
The 2026 Ford Maverick is not a traditional pickup truck. It’s a standard hybrid that’s much smaller than popular midsize models like the Honda Ridgeline and Ford Ranger.
Ford’s small truck is economical, efficient and comes in multiple configurations, making it easily customizable. This is a great truck for drivers who want the utility of a pickup, but can sacrifice the power and capability offered by larger, more expensive models.
It provides an entry point to truck ownership for drivers who may never have considered purchasing a pickup. Its price and powertrain make the Maverick one of the most unique models in its segment.
Reporting by Charles Singh, USA TODAY/Nashville Tennessean. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.