Pickup trucks dominate Canadian roads, especially in provinces where towing, winter driving, and rural living demand capability. Yet some trucks pay a heavy price at the fuel pump. High horsepower engines, heavy frames, and aggressive off road hardware often translate into very poor fuel economy. For buyers who need extreme performance or serious towing ability the tradeoff may be acceptable, but these trucks are among the thirstiest machines currently available in Canada.
Ram 1500 TRX (2021 to 2024)
The Ram 1500 TRX is legendary for its performance, but it is equally famous for its fuel consumption. Powered by a supercharged 6.2 liter V8 producing over 700 horsepower, the truck delivers astonishing acceleration for something weighing more than 6000 pounds.
Fuel economy, however, is brutal. Official estimates place the TRX around 22.4 L per 100 km in the city and 16.5 L per 100 km on the highway.
In aggressive driving conditions the number can climb dramatically, with some tests reporting figures approaching 30 L per 100 km.
It is one of the most entertaining trucks on sale, but it is also one of the most expensive to fuel.
Ford F 150 Raptor R (2023 to Present)
Ford’s Raptor R is essentially the TRX’s main rival in the super truck world. Under the hood sits a supercharged 5.2 liter V8 borrowed from the Mustang Shelby GT500.
Performance is astonishing, but fuel economy suffers accordingly. Official ratings land around 10 mpg city and roughly 15 mpg highway, which translates to more than 23 L per 100 km in city driving.
Drivers who regularly use the truck’s full power quickly learn that frequent fuel stops are part of the experience.
Toyota Tundra TRD Pro (2022 to Present)
Toyota replaced its traditional V8 with a twin turbo hybrid powertrain in the latest Tundra TRD Pro, yet fuel economy still trails many competitors.
Despite the hybrid assistance, the truck remains heavy and designed for serious off road use. Typical combined fuel consumption figures land around the mid teens in L per 100 km depending on configuration.
That makes it respectable for its class but still expensive to run compared with more efficient trucks or hybrid alternatives.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 (2022 to Present)
The Silverado ZR2 is built for rugged terrain rather than fuel efficiency. Its naturally aspirated 6.2 liter V8 engine produces strong power and excellent towing ability.
Unfortunately the engine’s appetite for fuel is significant. Large tires, off road suspension components, and heavy four wheel drive hardware only make matters worse. For buyers who want maximum trail capability the tradeoff may be worthwhile, but daily commuters will notice the difference at the pump.
GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X (2022 to Present)
The Sierra AT4X shares much of its hardware with the Silverado ZR2, including the big 6.2 liter V8 engine. Like the Chevrolet, it is built primarily for off road performance.
Massive all terrain tires, lifted suspension components, and full time four wheel drive create serious drag and rolling resistance. As a result fuel economy numbers remain firmly in the inefficient range compared with smaller or hybrid trucks.
Nissan Titan Pro 4X (2017 to 2024)
The Nissan Titan has always prioritized durability and towing power. Its 5.6 liter V8 engine produces strong torque but also consumes a significant amount of fuel.
Compared with newer turbocharged engines used by competitors, the Titan’s naturally aspirated V8 tends to deliver lower efficiency. Combined with the truck’s weight and traditional body on frame design, the result is fuel economy that lags behind many rivals.
Ford F 250 Super Duty 6.8 V8 (2023 to Present)
Heavy duty trucks like the Ford F 250 Super Duty are designed for work rather than efficiency. When equipped with the large gasoline V8 engine, fuel consumption can become extremely high.
These trucks weigh significantly more than typical half ton pickups, and towing heavy loads only increases fuel use. Buyers who rely on the truck’s strength often accept the tradeoff, but drivers who use them primarily for commuting may be shocked by the fuel costs.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 6.6 Gas (2020 to Present)
The Silverado 2500 HD is another work focused truck that prioritizes capability over efficiency. Its 6.6 liter gasoline V8 is built to haul heavy trailers and carry large payloads.
That strength comes at the cost of serious fuel consumption. Heavy duty trucks often return far worse mileage than lighter pickups, especially when used for towing or hauling equipment.
Ram 2500 Power Wagon (2019 to Present)
The Ram Power Wagon is one of the most capable factory off road trucks ever built. Locking differentials, heavy duty suspension, and specialized off road components make it extremely capable in difficult terrain.
The downside is fuel economy. The large 6.4 liter HEMI V8 combined with aggressive off road hardware means the Power Wagon consumes a lot of fuel even during normal driving.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon (2020 to Present)
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon blends pickup truck practicality with the legendary off road ability of the Wrangler. Solid axles, large tires, and serious trail equipment make it extremely capable away from pavement.
Those same features also reduce efficiency. The truck’s boxy shape, high ride height, and heavy four wheel drive components create significant aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance. As a result fuel economy is noticeably worse than many midsize trucks designed primarily for road use.
For Canadian buyers the reality is simple. The trucks that deliver the most power, off road ability, or towing strength often demand the most fuel. For some drivers that tradeoff is worth every litre, but anyone shopping in this segment should be prepared for frequent stops at the pump.
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