Here Are All of the Available 4-Cylinder Trucks

From traditional body-on-frame haulers to modern unibody models, these fuel-efficient pickups offer something for everyone.

Benjamin Hunting | 
Apr 4, 2023 | 3 min read

Toyota

It wasn't too long ago that four-cylinder trucks were aimed exclusively at bargain hunters looking to save money at the fuel pumps. Today, thanks to technology such as turbocharging and direct fuel injection, it's possible to snag a pickup that matches the performance of a traditional V6 with the fuel mileage of two cylinders fewer. Several truck builders have removed six-cylinder models entirely from the options sheet, going all in on four-cylinder power — even a full-size pickup.

Here's a look at every four-cylinder truck you can currently buy new.

 Ford

2023 Ford Maverick

The compact Ford Maverick can be equipped with one of two four-cylinder engines for 2023. The base hybrid matches a 2.5-liter unit with a single electric motor to generate 191 horsepower and an impressive 37-mpg fuel economy estimate. The pickup's optional turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is good for 250 horsepower but drops to 26 mpg in front-wheel drive trim. The turbo Maverick doubles the hybrid's towing capacity with a rating of up to 4,000 pounds.

Ford

2023 Ford Ranger

Ford provides a second four-cylinder truck option with the midsize Ranger. It comes exclusively with a turbocharged 2.3-liter engine that generates 270 horsepower. Rear-wheel-drive models return fuel mileage of 23 mpg, and the Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds with the correct options.

Chevrolet

2023 Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon

General Motors’ Chevrolet Colorado and its GMC Canyon mechanical twins are redesigned for 2023 with bolder exteriors, updated cabins, and more technology. For the Chevy, three versions of a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine start with 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The two higher specs generate more horsepower at 310 and torque at 390 or 430 lb-ft — depending on the configuration — than the previous V6.

GMC

The pricer GMC version only comes with the most powerful engine. Maximum towing capacity increases in both trucks to 7,700 pounds.

GM has yet to publish fuel mileage estimates for the new 2023 midsize trucks. Last year's four-cylinder-equipped 2WD Colorado returns 22 mpg.

Hyundai

2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz compact truck starts with a modest 191-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that returns 23 mpg for front-wheel drive models. The next step is a turbocharged version that churns out 281 horsepower while dropping fuel economy to 22 mpg. The turbo version also posts the most impressive tow rating, with 5,000 pounds of total capacity.

Toyota

2023 Toyota Tacoma

The midsize Toyota Tacoma's base engine is a 2.7-liter, four-cylinder design that is good for 159 horsepower. Fuel economy for rear-wheel-drive trucks is estimated at 21 mpg while towing is rated at 3,500 pounds. Notably, the base four-cylinder is only offered in base SR and mid-level SR5 trim levels.

Chevrolet

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the only full-size pickup on the market with a four-cylinder engine. It’s the same engine found in the new 2023 Colorado. The Silverado uses the higher 310-hp tune that easily motivates the Silverado's considerable bulk, and fuel economy for all-wheel drive is a respectable 19 mpg. The big Chevy’s turbo-four is rated to tow up to 9,200 pounds.


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Benjamin Hunting

Benjamin Hunting is a writer and podcast host who contributes to a number of newspapers, automotive magazines, and online publications. More than a decade into his career, he enjoys keeping the shiny side up during track days and always has one too many classic vehicle projects partially disassembled in his garage at any given time. Remember, if it's not leaking, it's probably empty.