America’s Cheapest New Truck Is Also Its Most Efficient

Historically high gas prices are causing American drivers to consider vehicles with better fuel economy. Trucks can be some of the thirstiest vehicles on roads when it comes to gas.

Automakers have developed hybrid technology to improve the fuel efficiency of large, heavy truck models making them more powerful and increasing their total driving ranges per full tank.

The most affordable new pickup truck on the market also happens to be the most efficient truck, and it’s a Ford.

Ford’s Tiny Truck Is the Cheapest, Most Fuel-Efficient New Truck for 2026

The Ford Maverick first hit the scene as a 2022 model year. It garnered plenty of attention because of its sub-$30K price tag and small size compared to other trucks. The Maverick is slotted below the midsize Ford Ranger.

Ford’s tiny 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 affordable truck model by leaps and bounds.

How Far Can the 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 get drivers around 524 miles of driving range. Drivers can get even more range out of a full tank on long highway drives thanks to its superb fuel economy.

The Ford Maverick is one of the few trucks on the market to deliver over 500 miles of driving range without a massive gas tank or diesel fuel. This makes it a great option for drivers looking to save money at the pump.

How Big Is the 2026 Ford Maverick?

The 2026 Ford Maverick is 199.8 inches long. It’s 72.6 inches wide (without mirrors) and 68.8 inches tall. It has a bed length of 54.4 inches.

Every Ford Maverick comes with a Flexbed, which is a highly customizable bed that features 12-volt built-in power leads, lumber slots to segment the bed, and a multi-position tailgate to make hauling cargo easier. Ford’s truck and the Hyundai Santa Cruz are the two smallest pickup trucks on the market.

Should You Get a 2026 Ford Maverick?

The 2026 Ford Maverick isn’t a conventional 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 affordable, efficient, and it comes in plenty of configurations, making it easily customizable. It’s a great truck for drivers that want the utility of a pickup, but can sacrifice the power and capability that larger, more expensive models provide.

It provides an entry point to truck ownership for drivers who may not have ever considered buying a pickup. Its pricing 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.