Capability Meets Efficiency: The Most Efficient V8 Trucks on the Road

Rising fuel prices have every driver in America looking for ways to save at the pump. For some, it means opting for a hybrid or an electric vehicle. However, this isn’t the best option for everyone, especially for customers who need the capability of a truck. Your search for an Atlanta truck dealer brought you to a team that understands the need for a workhorse that will not only get the job done but do so efficiently. That’s why we’re here to highlight three V8 trucks that get the best MPG: the Chevy Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and Ford F-150.

The Silverado, Sierra, and F-150 are renowned for their capability and reliability, but how much money will they save you at the fuel pump, and will these savings come at the cost of power or comfort? To get the most for your money, we recommend shopping for used models, specifically those from the last few years. These trucks are relatively new, boast all the latest features, and offer impressive fuel economy that guarantees you’ll keep more of your hard-earned money in your wallet. Here’s a look at what you can expect from the fuel-efficient used trucks available here at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth.

2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 (17 MPG city / 24 MPG highway)

Chevy redesigned the Silverado for 2019, introducing a larger yet lighter and more powerful truck. The 2019 redesign shaved 450 pounds off the truck while expanding the wheelbase and increasing cargo and passenger volume. Along with this expansion came improvements to the Silverado’s powertrain lineup, including the introduction of the all-new 5.3L V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the 5.3L V8 delivers 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.

The Silverado’s Dynamic Fuel Management system balances the truck’s performance with efficiency. The system constantly monitors the accelerator pedal to determine the engine’s optimal operation, such as how many cylinders need to be engaged to deliver the appropriate amount of horsepower and torque. With 17 cylinder activation combinations, the system makes the V8 one of the most efficient powertrains in the industry. The numbers don’t lie, with the 2020 model rated at up to 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. Opting for the Silverado with the six-speed automatic transmission decreases this efficiency to 15 MPG and 22 MPG, respectively, in the 2019 model.

Beyond this impeccable balance of efficiency and power, you’ll also find used Chevy Silverados are an exceptional value. The trucks feature the latest connectivity, safety, and driver-assist technology. For example, you’ll find models outfitted with Chevy’s HD Rear Vision Camera, HD Surround Vision, or Rear Camera Mirror that extend your visibility around the truck. With the Off-Road Equipment Package, you can even test the Silverado’s efficiency and capability on the trail in the Z71 trim, which adds Rancho monotube shocks, a locking rear differential, a heavy-duty air cleaner, and front skid plates for enhanced protection on rough terrain.

2020 GMC Sierra 1500 (17 MPG city / 24 MPG highway)

Since Chevy and GMC are siblings under the GM umbrella, it makes sense that the Sierra was also redesigned for 2019 as a larger, lighter, and more capable truck. However, the similarities don’t end there and extend to the 2019 GMC Sierra’s powertrain lineup, which includes the same 5.3L V8 engine with Dynamic Fuel Management that optimizes the truck’s performance while minimizing fuel consumption. The result is phenomenal, with the 2020 Sierra averaging up to 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway when the 5.3L V8 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

So, what makes the Sierra different from the Silverado? Shopping for a GMC Sierra means enjoying more luxury and premium features. Where Chevrolet is known for its lower prices without sacrificing quality, capability, or innovation, GMC is renowned for its high-end details and luxury trims like the Denali. For example, the 2019 Sierra introduced the segment’s first Multi-Color Head-Up Display, which puts vital information in a crisp display on the windshield. The truck also debuted the industry’s first-ever CarbonPro carbon-fiber cargo box for enhanced durability when hauling even the bulkiest cargo or navigating extreme driving conditions. You’ll also find several other exclusives like the Sierra Denali’s Adaptive Ride Control, which continuously reads and responds to the terrain to optimize ride quality and handling.

If you need the Sierra to tow or haul heavy loads, you won’t be disappointed with the MultiPro Tailgate and the ProGrade Trailering System with the Trailering App. The MultiPro Tailgate introduced the multifunctional tailgate to the industry with its six unique features to make accessing the bed and loading or unloading cargo easier. When towing heavy loads, you can also rest easy with tools like the ProGrade Trailering System and Trailering App. The system lets you create custom trailer profiles, complete pre-departure checklists, monitor the trailer’s tire pressure, and more via an app on your smartphone or the Sierra’s center touchscreen display.

2021 Ford F-150 (17 MPG city / 24 MPG highway)

Our list of the most efficient V8 trucks on the road today wouldn’t be complete with the Ford F-150. Ford fully redesigned its best-selling truck in 2021, but don’t be afraid of older used models you find here at our Atlanta dealership because they have the same engine lineup. However, that isn’t to say the new generation isn’t worth looking for. For instance, Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of safety and driver-assist tools was made standard on all trims, and the new truck is also equipped with Ford’s revolutionary SYNC 4 infotainment system.

Beyond these new standard features, the 2021 F-150 is plenty capable and efficient. Although it comes standard with a 3.3L V6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, you can easily find a used Ford F-150 with Ford’s 5.0L V8 engine and ten-speed transmission, delivering 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. This pairing makes the F-150 capable of hauling heavy loads without sacrificing efficiency, with the truck getting up to 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway to save you more money on fuel.

Towing any size load is also easy with the V8-powered F-150, thanks to unique features like Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist and the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Tow Monitoring. The F-150’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes navigating your trailer in reverse easier by letting you turn a knob on the dash to position the trailer where you need it. Regardless of your skill level, you can back up the trailer in minutes with little stress. Additionally, the Blind Spot Information System outfits the truck with a virtual spotter that keeps an eye on your truck and trailer, making it easier and safer to change lanes and navigate the roads and highways around Atlanta.

Chevy, GMC, and Ford: Your Options Are Plentiful

While fuel prices may be steadily on the rise, Chevrolet, GMC, and Ford give you plenty of fuel-efficient trucks that don’t require you to sacrifice capability for efficiency. Models like the Sierra, Silverado, and F-150 ensure you have the V8 power you need to get any job done without costing you a fortune at the pump. These trucks break the gas-guzzling stereotype, proving you can have it all in a workhorse built to work hard and play harder, and you can find them here at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth. Contact us today to get started.