Written byIf you seek a vehicle that can tow relatively heavy loads and still get the best mileage, you’re not alone. Suppose you regularly pull a camper, boat, or other trailer. In that case, you might be looking for a vehicle with strong towing versatility that doesn’t match your needs.
It’s good news is that, while some of us still might be caught in the dregs of the V-10 era, getting the fuel economy of a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, the modern automotive market has a lot of fuel-efficient vehicles for those of us who might need more than a dainty two- or four-door can offer—and also don’t have our offshore oil refineries.
From hybridized powertrains to diesel torque, read on, and let the best and most fuel-efficient vehicles that tow 5,000 pounds or more warm your imagination’s rearmost cylinders — with real-world specs and proven performance.
Top 5 Fuel-Efficient Towing Vehicles ( 5,000 lb Capacity)
Must check: Top 10 Powerhouse Trucks for Towing 20,000 lbs and Beyond
#1. Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid (2023-2025 models)
Specifications:
- Towing Capacity: Up to 12,700 lb (with Max Trailer Tow Package)
- Engine: 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 + 35 kW electric motor
- Power Output: 430 hp / 570 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: 25 mpg combined (25 city / 26 highway)
- Drivetrain: Available in 2WD and 4WD
- Special Features: Pro Power Onboard (up to 7.2 kW), Trailer Backup Assist, onboard scales, updated hybrid electrical system (2024–2025)
Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid: Class-leading towing strength and fuel efficiency. The Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid sets the standard for high-efficiency towing. Capable of towing 12,700 pounds, and with a hybrid configuration that’s good for 25 mpg combined, it’s designed for heavyweight performance without the costly fill-ups.
Its hybrid system supplements low-end torque, making towing smoother, and features like Pro Power Onboard transform the truck into a mobile worksite. The refreshed versions for 2024-2025 also come with revised electrical architecture and upgraded hybrid programming, and are an excellent option for drivers who are after hybrid tech, serious power, and everyday usability.
#2. Ram 1500 EcoDiesel (2020–2023)
Specifications:
- Towing Capacity: 12,560 lb (with the maximum tow package)
- Engine: 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel turbocharged
- Power Output: 260 hp / 480 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: Up to 26 mpg combined (up to 29 mpg highway)
- Drivetrain: Available in 2WD and 4WD
- Special Features: Active grille shutters, air suspension (optional), Uconnect infotainment, premium cabin materials
The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel offers full-size truck utility and capability with the fuel economy of many smaller midsize trucks. Armed with a 3.0L turbocharged V6 that punches out 460 lb-ft of torque, it tows up to 12,560 lbs and gets up to 29 highway MPG.
Ram also prioritized comfort, providing one of the smoothest and quietest rides in the class, particularly with the optional air suspension. Diesel efficiency combined with a high-quality interior and innovative towing features, such as trailer sway control, causes the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel to be a standout choice for drivers who don’t want capability with a trade-off.
#3. Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon Diesel (2016-2022)
Specifications:
- Towing Capacity: Up to 7,700 lb (2.8L Duramax diesel with trailering package)
- Engine: 2.8L Duramax I4 Turbo-Diesel
- Power Output: 181 hp / 369 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: 30/23 mpg (hwy/city)
- Drivetrain: RWD, 4WD
- Special Features: Hill descent control, diesel exhaust brake, integrated trailer brake controller, off-road packages (Z71, AT4)
If you want midsize efficiency combined with a solid towing capability, the 2.8L Duramax diesel in the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon is hard to beat. These trucks can also tow up to 7,700 pounds (more than some larger SUVs), all while returning up to 30 m.p.g. on the highway. With their lighter frames and diesel torque, they make light work of towing work, especially when RVs, boats, and work trailers are concerned.
The TrailHawk and Attitude both offer off-road packages, intuitive infotainment, and a good size for city driving. For buyers looking for diesel durability, excellent fuel economy, and dependable towing in a more compact package, these trucks check every box.
Read More:
- 10 Best Trucks for Towing Campers & Fifth Wheel Travel Trailers
- Top SUVs With the Largest Cargo Space Behind the 3rd Row Seating
- Top 10 Luxury Cars with Must-Have Air Conditioned (Cooled) Seats
#4. Ford Explorer Hybrid (2020–2024)
Specifications:
- Towing Capacity: Class III Trailer Tow Package makes it up to 5,000 pounds
- Power Output: 3.3L V6 hybrid with electric motor
- Horsepower: 318 hp Torque: 322 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic hybrid transmission
- Fuel Economy: 27 combined (27 city / 28 highway with RWD)
- Drivetrain: RWD and AWD offered
- Special Features: Three rows of seating, Co-Pilot 360™ safety package, terrain management system, regenerative braking
How does the Ford Explorer Hybrid do that? By combining the utility of a midsize SUV with the fuel efficiency of a hybrid, while still maintaining a respectable 5,000-pound towing capacity. It packs a 3.3L V6 hybrid setup, which outputs 318hp and smooth performance through a 10-speed auto transmission.
It’s perfect for families who require three rows of seating and the towing capacity to pull a camper, trailer, or boat, but don’t want to compromise on fuel economy. Capable of up to 27 mpg combined and featuring Ford’s Co-Pilot 360™ suite of driver assists, the Explorer Hybrid makes sense for active, fuel-conscious (Intent) maximising motorists.
#5. Hyundai Santa Cruz (2022–2025)
Specifications:
- Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs (2.5L turbocharged engine and AWD + tow package)
- Engine: 2.5L turbocharged inline-4
- Power Output: 281 hp / 311 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined (AWD, turbo models)
- Drivetrain: FWD and AWD available
- Special Features: Locking tonneau cover, under-bed storage, SmartSense safety suite, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Like the Maverick, the Hyundai Santa Cruz provides an updated interpretation of utility in a marriage of crossover comfort and pickup practicality. When powered by the 2.5L turbo engine and with AWD, it can tow up to a maximum of 5,000 pounds, which is perfect for light-duty trailers such as small boats or camping trailers.
At 23 mpg combined, it’s one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class when it comes to towing. On top of its capability, it provides you with upscale tech, clever cargo solutions that utilize a lockable under-bed storage, and a smooth ride, great for drivers who want Pickup truck versatility in a small package.
Research & Verification Highlights
Let’s take a look at all five of the vehicles below, which I’ve had vetted by numerous reputable sources for towing capability, fuel economy, and overall “creature comfort” on the road. Leading the pack is the Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid, with towing capacity up to 12,700 lb and approximately 25 mpg combined, thanks to a 3.5L EcoBoost hybrid system and Pro Power Onboard generator (Truck Report Geeks, J.D. Power,). And now the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, once fitted with an updated engine, can tow up to 12,560 pounds and return 26 mpg combined, one of the highest figures for a full-size diesel truck.
The midsize category is led by the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon Diesel, which have a 700 lb towing limit and 30 mpg highway. Ford Explorer Hybrid fits the bill for families, capable of towing 5,000 lb while attaining ~27 mpg combined. And then there’s the Hyundai Santa Cruz, featuring a turbocharged engine, crossover comfort, and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds or so, all within a compactly scaled truck body that’s efficient.
Conclusion
When you’re in the market for a car that’ll tow 5,000 pounds or more with the confidence to know that you won’t be making an excessive and continuous amount of pit stops for gas, these five make the best overarching experience of power, performance, and MPG. The Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid takes the lead with unbeatable towing and hybrid technology.
The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel demonstrates that diesel power can be as capable as it is efficient. For midsize requirements, high torque and top-dog fuel economy come from the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon Diesel. The Ford Explorer Hybrid is a family-friendly SUV that offers a bit of three-row versatility and strong hybrid mileage.
On the other hand, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is a nice combination of urban-friendly size with functional towing strength and neat features. All of these are hand-picked and have been verified to help you tow with confidence and save you at the pump. Whether you’re going on a Whether you’re running errands or planning a weekend adventure, you’re sure to find a fuel-efficient towing vehicle that will suit your way of life.
