Fuel Efficient Pickup
 

Soon i will be in the market for a fuel efficient pickup truck. I would like for it to be OBDII so that my scangauge can work with it and I would like for it to be 4x4 for the winter months.

What are some recommendations? Im thinking a small toyota will probably be my best bet.

Re: Fuel Efficient Pickup
 

My brother in law did quite well in his Ranger with a 5 speed manual.

Re: Fuel Efficient Pickup
 

Why not go to fueleconomy.gov and check out your options?

Re: Fuel Efficient Pickup
 

I have been doing that. I was just hoping to get some recommendations based on real world fuel economy.

Re: Fuel Efficient Pickup
 

u live in kansas why do u need 4x4 for the winter???

if u wanted a pickup id suggest a 2.2L 5 speed s10, easily get high 20's stock low 30's interstate with a few simple mods.

but they dont have a 4 cyl 4x4, i dont believe anyone does.

so its the ranger 4x4 3.0 v6 or the 4.3l s10 4x4. both get around 18-20 mpg

Re: Fuel Efficient Pickup
 

I'm not sure if any manufacturers other than Toyota offered a 4 cylinder 5MT 4x4. However, with a 5MT the smaller V6 (often around 3 liters) in each is probably decent, so you may not have to be limited to one brand.

To reduce the 4x4's hit on fuel economy you might lower it and put it on highway tread tires. Some 4x4s can be lowered for free; for example, those with torsion bar front ends. Look for torsion bars instead of coil springs.

Re: Fuel Efficient Pickup
 

Just be careful which year Ranger you buy.

I had a 5 spd 4 cylinder 2.3 L Ranger pickup (1996) and the best it got was 18 mpg. I checked everything and replaced anything to do with hampering fuel mileage and nothing.

Re: Fuel Efficient Pickup
 

There was a problem with your '96; you just never found it. Hell, my V8 F150 4x4 averages better than that, and I only use it for hauling!

I have a '98 3.0 a/t Ranger that easily gets 28 and can touch 30 on a good tank... but I know how to drive it. If my epileptic-footed friend drove it he'd be lucky to get 20.

Re: Fuel Efficient Pickup
 

i dunno my friends 3.0 ranger he had and he wasnt hard on it routenely got 18-19 mpg...

Re: Fuel Efficient Pickup
 

Mine must be magic then! :thumbup: