How Far Can You Drive? We Analyze Half-Ton Fuel-Tank Range
As truckmakers race to discover new technology to improve fuel economy ratings for half-ton pickup trucks, the one piece of equipment that could help you drive past more fuel stations more often is your pickup's fuel tank. Today, almost every one of the half-ton manufacturers offer an optional larger factory fuel tank; however, just two (Ford and Ram) make that option available across the majority of their lineup. We should note that the GM models (Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra half-tons) only offer the larger fuel tank option on their regular cab model, so there is no way to order the premium V-8 engine with the larger 34 gallon tank.
The 2016 Toyota Tundra is the most recent pickup to offer the larger-tank option (not available in regular cab or base trim), but when the new Nissan Titan comes to market at the end of this year, the entire segment will offer a vehicle capable of driving hundreds of miles farther than the average car.
We've taken each of the half-ton pickups and their strongest V-6 and V-8 engines to see how far their EPA fuel economy numbers can carry them. All ranges were calculated using combined EPA fuel economy numbers.
Largest Optional Fuel Tank
1. 2015 Ford F-150, 2.7L V-6 EcoBoost, 19/22/26 mpg city/combined/highway
22 mpg combined times 36-gallon (optional) tank = 792-mile range
2. 2015 Ram 1500, 3.0L V-6 EcoDiesel, 20/23/28 mpg
23 mpg combined times 32-gallon (optional) tank = 736-mile range
3. 2015 Ford F-150, 3.5L V-6 EcoBoost, 17/20/24 mpg
20 mpg combined times 36-gallon (optional) tank = 720-mile range
4. 2015 Ford F-150, 5.0L V-8 Coyote, 15/18/22 mpg
18 mpg combined times 36-gallon (optional) tank = 648-mile range
5. 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 5.3L V-8, 16/19/23 mpg
19 mpg combined times 34-gallon (optional) tank = 646-mile range
6. 2015 GMC Sierra 1500, 5.3L V-8, 16/19/23 mpg
19 mpg combined times 34-gallon (optional) tank = 646-mile range
7. 2016 Toyota Tundra, 4.6L V-8, 15/16/19 mpg
16 mpg combine times 38-gallon (optional) tank = 608-mile range
8. 2016 Toyota Tundra, 5.7L V-8, 13/15/18 mpg
15 mpg combined times 38-gallon (optional) tank = 570-mile range
9. 2015 Ram 1500, 5.7L V-8 Hemi, 14/16/20 mpg
16 mpg combined times 32-gallon (optional) tank = 512-mile range
Standard Fuel Tank
1. 2015 Ram 1500, 3.0L V-6 EcoDiesel, 20/23/29 mpg city/combined/highway
23 mpg combined times 26-gallon tank = 598-mile range
2. 2015 Ford F-150, 2.7L V-6 EcoBoost, 19/22/26 mpg
22 mpg combined times 23-gallon tank = 506-mile range
3. 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 5.3L V-8, 16/19/23 mpg
19 mpg combined times 26-gallon tank = 494-mile range
4. 2015 GMC Sierra 1500, 5.3L V-8, 16/19/23 mpg
19 mpg combined times 26-gallon tank = 494-mile range
5. 2015 Ford F-150, 3.5L V-6 EcoBoost, 17/20/24 mpg
20 mpg combined times 23-gallon tank = 460-mile range
6. 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 6.2L V-8, 15/17/21 mpg
17 mpg combined times 26-gallon tank = 442-mile range
7. 2015 GMC Sierra 1500, 6.2L V-8, 15/17/21 mpg
17 mpg combined times 26-gallon tank = 442-mile range
8. 2015 Nissan Titan, 5.6L V-8, 13/15/18 mpg
15 mpg combined times 28-gallon tank = 420-mile range
9. 2015 Ram 1500, 5.7L V-8 Hemi, 14/16/20 mpg
16 mpg combined times 26-gallon tank = 416-mile range
10. 2016 Toyota Tundra, 4.6L V-8, 15/16/19 mpg
16 mpg combined times 26-gallon tank = 416-mile range
11. 2015 Ford F-150, 5.0L V-8 Coyote, 15/18/22 mpg
18 mpg combined times 23-gallon tank = 414-mile range
12. 2016 Toyota Tundra, 5.7L V-8, 13/15/18 mpg
15 mpg combined times 26-gallon tank = 390-mile range
Manufacturer images
Comments
Once you get into the 400-500 mile range I don't think anyone really cares. Who has ever bought one truck over another because it hold 8 more gallons?
This list is useless when some tiny engines don't get any thing close to the rating in real world
The ram hemi 4x2 8 speed gets 22 and 4x4 21 highway. I've gotten close to 500 miles on a tank all highway with the 26 gallon tank.
Who can drive more than 400 miles without stopping to take a leak anyway. You guys can keep your Depends.
I did some research and looking at the numbers posted over at WWW.fueleconomy.gov and went to MY MPG page.With 4 trucks reporting for the new F150 V-6 turbo 6 speed ,the average owner is reporting just 15.9 with a high of 19 mpg combine.But almost all western states now have raised speeds on there interstates to well over 80 mph some reporting as high as 85 mph.Plus throw in wind speed and direction since most days the wind blows pretty heavy out west I will find it hard to see these kinda of numbers with a 35 gallon tank.So this testing by Pickuptruck.com or Cars.Com is some what useless.To favor the new F150 again in your testing again shows how quick you are to justify going to V6 turbo's and aluminum skinned trucks,these trucks will never show the value of there design.GM,Chrysler will continue to build V8,steel made trucks with some content with aluminum.And with software changes and transmission refinements GM,Chrysler will bring the gap so close that to pick Ford F150 over Silverado,GMC,Ram would come down to just brand loyalty.
Some time ago I read this comparison, after looking at the fuel costs, the 2.7 EcoBoost, compared very well to the 3.0 EcoDiesel as far as the cost to fill up. For my area, the numbers in this article are still accurate.
http://www.fordf150blog.com/f-150-ecoboost-2-7-vs-ecodiesel-range/
Some of you mentioned the 2.7 averaging 19-ish, this article reflects those numbers as well. More realistic in my opinion!
When will tundra put an 8-speed in their truck?
Didn't think much about the 36 gallon tank when I bought my truck, but now that I have it I can't imagine going back to the smaller one. Towing is such an MPG killer, with those extra 10 gallons I can re-fuel at my convenience after coming home from a weekend trip rather than on the way back. It sounds like a small thing but when you're in zombie mode after a weekend of sun and booze, driving straight home is very nice.
Good article. Bob Hegbloom and Ram are still being shady on their ecodiesel page and only comparing the ecodiesel hwy mpg with the standard tank vs the 3.5 Ecoboost small tank. Not the 2.7L EB or any of the large tanks ford offers. Ram doesn't have a big tank ecodiesel. If Ram was fair they would compare it to the 2.7L. Thanks for the list.
This is big. 500,000 defective Ram pickups with defective steering can now trade in their vehicles. smh!
so pickuptrucks.com's used a calculator with manufacturer estimated MPG ratings and fuel tank size. that 2nd grade algebra lesson finally came in handy!
PUTC used the Hemi mpg numbers for the 6 speed, ram makes very few 1500's with a 6 speed if any still.
Actual owner here of a 15 s/crew XLT with the 2.7 ecoboost. I get around 9-10 liters per 100km or 24-26 mpg and that's at 68 mph highway.
In town with the auto start/stop it's around 18
Amazing truck, power and economy.
@alberta
oil you mean imperial gallons. Nice try
@wolf hunter probably when the HD trucks move to a 8 speed.
The Tundra's Aisin transmission is strong as it sits. It can take a tons of power (TRD S/C) over stock with no trans upgrades. I have driven 8-9 speed vehicles, there is a lot of shifting going on, I honestly wouldn't want that in a truck.
Aisin produces the 6 speed transmissions for Rams High Output Cummins also, and I haven't heard of anyone that's destroyed one of those, unlike the crappy Ram (Dodge) RExxx transmissions.
Diesel has been 10 cents per gallon cheaper than gas for over 9 months in central california. Our gas isn't cheap but at 3.19. But much cheaper than on the coast.
Ben and Jack- become useful info when you're talking about out-and-back trips. Around here, trips into or across Canada can cost extra if you have to refuel up there. For those pulling large trailers (sure the numbers drop drastically) but the large tank still means reducing/avoiding having to refuel while hooked up. Some gas stations are a nightmare with a big trailer.
Prices as of last night:
reg gas= $3.15.9
diesel= $3.09.9
SW Oregon.
These prices have been holding steady all spring and summer.
It is true that Ford has the biggest Fuel Tank, its just a shame they don't have a proper engine connected to it.
Useless article! its based on on rated MPG and ecoboost comes way short of its rated MPG!
It is true that Ford has the biggest Fuel Tank, its just a shame they don't have a proper engine connected to it.
Posted by: GM_Man | Jul 27, 2015 11:34:54 AM
Yeah they put that larger tank in there so that Ford drivers can actually make it to the next city when they are pulling down single digit fuel economy when towing anything bigger than a sing jetski trailer with their ecoboost.
Can't wait for the Cummins powered Titan!
@woopud
To bad it's a v8
Hahahahahaha... I have a 13 FTX 4x4 5.0 with the 36 gal tank... dirivrn to fumes and barely eaked out 540 miles... these are all a joke...
take a look over at fuelly.com and many of the 2.7 ecoboosts are getting the rated epa fuel economy or better.
Under your criteria of "strongest V6 and V8" engines, the Ram 1500's 3.6L Pentastar would be their strongest V6 in terms of horsepower, and at 17/20/25, would get 640 miles per tank, since the 32 gallon tank is standard with a regular cab and 8-foot bed, and a respectable 520 with the short-box trucks that have the 26 gallon tank standard.
I have 08 Silverado with 4.8 v8 and it gets 26 mpg,,that's imperial btw..
My personal record was 800km on a tank even with my camper on the back,
,mind you the strong wind from the back must have helped..lol
A large fuel tank is critical for towing large trailers a long way, even if it exceed's your bladder capacity. You can buy fuel where its cheapest, which can be considerable when towing across state/country lines and on vs off Interstate, and not have to worry about trying to maneuver truck and trailer into a gas station.
A large fuel tank is critical for towing large trailers a long way, even if it exceed's your bladder capacity. You can buy fuel where its cheapest, which can be considerable when towing across state/country lines and on vs off Interstate, and not have to worry about trying to maneuver truck and trailer into a gas station.
Just an interesting bit of info for anyone curious. I have a 2011 F-150 Supercrew 4x4 with the 3.5 ecoboost and 26 gallon engine. For a long trip, getting 22-23 MPG instead of the advertised 21 is very doable going 65. But disregarding that, you can get a lot more than 26 gallons in that "26 gallon" tank. Usually if you fill slowly you can get a couple gallons more. I once got either 33 or 34 gallons of ethanol free in it. That tank took me somewhere around 650 miles. Go figure.
@mp
@woopud
To bad it's a v8
What is that suppose to mean?
I do not know who wrote this story, but # 2 on top, the Ram diesel, no mater how many times I go to the build site, I can't seem to be able to build any Ram 1/2 diesel, with anything but the 26 gal fuel tank! SO I have reason to be live all the others might be suspect also.
Ram only comes with the small tank. Because of the DEF tank you cannot get the bigger tank. Thanks, come again PUTC
I have an 09 Nissan Titan Crew Cab with the long bed and a 37 gallon tank ( from the factory). I've gotten well over 600 miles per tank quit often and on 1 occasion was able to squeek out 702 miles and then it took just 35 gallons to refill. I regularly get 18.5-19 mpg out of this truck.
Gas is cheaper today than it's been in a long time. Stop worrying. Buy some more.
To those that run their tank till it's darn near empty (pretty much running with low fuel light on), you will burn out your fuel pump.
To those that want to pump in that extra 1 or 2 gallons, after the pump has shut off, you are risking messing up the charcoal canister, (emissions equipment).
If you want to keep pushing your trucks that way, go right ahead, but you'll be the ones complaining when stuff breaks on you and cost you big money after it's out of warranty.
When will PUTC drive an Ecodiesel and 2.7 at 80% load towing, and compare?
Lastly, I just went 5,000 plus miles on a trip to the northwest. Who drives 65? I don't recall passing many at the 75 speed limit.
Boy, some of those FE figures guys are getting out of their pickups is fantastic!
They must be a pain in the ast to be behind on the road!
I like that Canadian guy who has a new F-150 returning a dream like 24mpg.
From what I've read the average FE from a new aluminium F-150 is averaging under 17mpg in the real world. That's average!
Auxiliary fuel tanks on trucks is not new. During the Arab Oil Embargo and the Iranian Hostage Crisis all the manufactures offered auxilliary fuel tanks as optional of the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks and there were aftermarket installations as well. This became a popular option. Nothing like parking your vehicle in a long gas line and wondering if you could get fuel before the gas station ran out of their allotment or even/odd days according to the last digit on you license plate to make you look for alternatives especially if you had to drive your vehicle longer distances.
I have a 14 Ram 1500 ED crew cab, except when towing, 600+!miles per take is not an issue. Also, the ecodiesel cannot be purchased with a 32 gallon tank, they need the space for the def tank.
My cc 4x4 Ecodiesel gets 600 miles per tank almost every fill up. 720 miles was my best between fillups.
I agree with HK all day, my 2011 f-150 5L has 36 gallons, towing my jayco I get between 8.5-9.5 MPG and having a range of almost 300+ miles vs having a 200+ mile range is a major advantage. I honestly couldn't go back to a 26 gallon tank. Driving 3 hours then refueling when you feel like it vs driving 3 hours and NEEDING to refuel is a big difference.
This is stupid. What about the size of the fuel tank? I went 850 km (830miles) without refuelling but that was with a 135 litre (36 gal US) fuel tank. I averaged 17.7 US mpg going through the Rockies and at 65-70 mph. That was also with 10 ply All Terrains.
I'm happy I got 19 mpg (in crazy Houston traffic) for a fully loaded 2015 F150 Platinum(empty bed) at 5000 mileage.
How about your fully loaded premium trucks, did you get a descent and premium MPG on it?
Handling and acceleration are unmatched and maybe power too.
Ride comfort wise, you are always be reminded that you are riding in a powerful pick up especially on bumps. A truck in a truck performance and not like a crossover or a minivan.
your mileage drops significantly when towing.... longer range - especially at night can be really helpful.
I love my 2016 F250 diesel shortbed..but...the 26 gallon tank is a HUGE engineering mistake! This truck is made to tow...and the range is far too small with a trailer out on the open road under real life conditions! It does great with no trailer...but who buy's this truck to not tow a travel trailer across country at some point/or often?!
If I'd of known..I would of ONLY purchased the longbed with the 37.5 gallon tank! The shorter truck is easier to maneuver overall, but why the "short on capacity Ford??"
Let me know how to contact Ford directly about this if anyone knows? I wrote a review about it...not sure they will reply. Yet they need to know they have made a mistake and need to offer a fix to owner's who haul!
I think your #2 truck EcoDiesel info is NOT correct.. it doesn't come with a 32Gal tank option in the Diesel even with the longer bed... even though the website says it is available.
One of the best options on F150's are 36 gal tanks, but for some reason Ford changed this in 2016 and cut down to 23 gal?????? I want to know, who was this ganius. it should fired!!!!!!
Although some think the Eco diesel has a 32 gallon tank, they are only available with a 28 do to the DEF tank taking up additional space under the bed.
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