Skip to Content

10 Best MPG Box Trucks You Can Buy

Best Box Truck Specification

Miles Per Gallon (MPG) is an important factor to consider if you run a box truck business or if you intend to start one. Trust me, with the recent global increase in the price of fuel (gas), you would not want to buy a box truck that is a fuel guzzler.

This is largely why fuel economy and miles per gallon have become bywords in the trucking and moving industry nowadays.

For example, the 26 feet long box truck is the largest out there. It can haul up to 10,000 lbs. of load and move about 5 – 8 rooms.

With a diesel fuel tank capacity of 57 gallons, it has average miles per gallon of about 8 -13 mpg. So also, a 16 ft. Penske truck will enable you to travel about 12 mpg. With a 33-gallon fuel tank, you can travel up to 396 miles when you fill up this truck.

Please note that there are certain factors you need to look out for if you want to maximize fuel for your box truck business.

For example, box trucks with smaller engines tend to have better fuel economy than larger ones. This is because of the vehicle’s body weight. The smaller the engine, the smaller the box truck, the lighter the weight, and the less fuel required.

Having said that, considering the number of options in the market, shopping for the best box trucks for Miles Per Gallon (MPG) can be challenging and time-consuming. In no particular order, here are 10 of the best Miles Per Gallon (MPG) box trucks that you can get today.

Best MPG Box Truck

  1. The 2.8L Duramax Diesel Box Truck

The 2.8L Duramax diesel box truck has the best Miles Per Gallon (MPG) for work box trucks as it has the best-in-class fuel economy with an impressive 30 miles for each gallon on the highway for two-wheel-drive models.

The fuel economy half-ton pickup truck comes in three drivetrain options. With a diesel fuel tank capacity of 57 gallons, it has average miles per gallon of about 8 -13 mpg.

The 2.8L Duramax Diesel box truck receives high praise for its best-in-class diesel horsepower, as well as its efficiency and smooth driving experience.

  1. Hino Box Truck

Hino is one of the Miles Per Gallon (MPG) box trucks in its class in the U.S., Canada, and other countries of the world. As a subsidiary of Toyota Motors Corporation of Japan, Hino trucks are built with the quality, toughness, and reliability that your business needs.

Hino’s long-standing reputation for being excellent in fuel economy is what makes the truck known in the logistics industry.

It is important to note that Hino has as much desire to help the global environment as it wants to help you succeed in your business. Its advanced engine and emission control technologies have made it a leader in compliance with strict industry standards.

One of Hino’s top contributions to the environment is its move to equip its trucks with a selective catalytic reduction system (SCR).

This converts harmful emissions into environmentally friendly water vapor and nitrogen. Hino’s concern for the environment will allow you to travel hundreds of miles every day with a reduced environmental footprint.

  1. Isuzu N-Series Box Truck

If you are an owner-box truck operator and you are looking toward cutting costs for fueling your truck, then you may want to consider the Isuzu N-Series box truck.

The Japanese automobile manufacturer, Isuzu, produces box trucks that are known for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and durability.

In particular, the Isuzu N-Series, or NPR, is a perfect choice for those who value dependency and high performance. The Isuzu NPR is outfitted with a 5.2L turbocharged diesel engine or 6.0L V8 gas engine, depending on your preference. Four wheelbase options are available, ranging from 109 to 176 inches.

The truck’s body varies from 10 to 20 feet. Space isn’t an issue since the Isuzu NPR offers both standard and crew cab configurations, seating up to 3 and 7 respectively.

The gas-powered edition of the Isuzu straight truck can carry up to 12,000 pounds GVWR, while the diesel-based NPR-HD can tow and haul up to 14,500 pounds GCWR.

  1. Freightliner M2 106

Another best Miles Per Gallon (MPG) box truck that you should consider when shopping for box trucks is the Freightliner M2 106.

The popular Freightliner trucks are some of the most powerful box trucks currently available. They are commonly used by firefighters and referred to as emergency vehicles due to their proven toughness and consistency.

Specifically, the Freightliner M2 106 is an all-around workhorse that is perfect for long-distance hauling and delivering bulky loads.

Aside from fuel economy and cost, the Freightliner M2 106 supports numerous customization options for avid truck owners. The M2 106 offers three engine choices: the Cummins B6.7, the Detroit DD5, and the Detroit DD8.

It can be equipped with both automatic and manual transmissions. Three cab configurations are available, including a day cab, extended cab, and crew cab. Depending on your setup, the M2 106 has an impressive GVWR of up to 66,000 pounds.

  1. International RH Series

International RH Series is no doubt one of the best Miles Per Gallon (MPG) box trucks out there in the market. This box truck is manufactured by American manufacturer Navistar International and the company hosts a variety of box truck models that offer versatility, maneuverability, and high productivity.

This includes the International RH Series, which possesses high capabilities that can meet the toughest of job demands. The International RH is geared with its own International A26 12.4L engine. Both automatic and manual options of up to 18-speed transmissions are available. Wheelbase lengths vary from 146 to 240 inches.

You can choose between a day cab or sleeper cab, offering comfort and convenience for long travels. With a GVWR of up to 60,000 pounds, you can count on the International RH to provide an array of benefits to help with your moving and delivery needs.

  1. Ford E-Series Cutaway

Since box trucks are highly suitable for furniture transportation service, then it means you should look towards purchasing the Ford E-Series Cutaway.

The Ford E-Series Cutaway vans are one of the most versatile vehicles you can buy, delivering a wide array of light-duty to medium-duty commercial and recreational applications.

Apart from great miles per gallon (fuel economy), another great feature of the Ford E-350 is the option for a single or dual-rear-wheel cutaway. Both the E-350 SRW and DRW Cutaways are equipped with either a 6.8L Triton V10 or 6.2L flex-fuel V8 gas engine.

These engines are paired with 6-speed automatic transmission The E-350 SRW Cutaway offers a GVWR of 10,050 pounds, with a max payload rating of 5,190 pounds.

The E-350 DRW Cutaway is available in cutaway chassis that can hold up to 12,500 pounds (GVWR), with a max payload rating of 7,560 pounds.

  1. The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Another best Miles Per Gallon (MPG) box truck is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The fuel economy half-ton pickup truck comes in three drivetrain options.

The is one of the best box trucks designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and safety, while simultaneously offering stellar carrying capacities.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 5th out of 17 full-size trucks. The average annual repair cost is $714 which means it has average ownership costs.

  1. GMC Sierra 1500

The GMC Sierra 1500 is beyond every reasonable doubt one of the best Miles Per Gallon (MPG) box trucks that you can get out there. The GMC Sierra 1500 is a light-duty pickup truck with five capable powertrains and a fuel-efficient 3.0 Duramax engine.

When driving on the highways, it can achieve a miles-for-every-gallon of up to 33. Like all modern trucks, the Sierra 1500 is just as good at hauling goods.

It has a spacious cabin, a full complement of driver aids, and a wide range of available engines, from a fuel-efficient four-cylinder to a muscular 6.2-liter V8.

  1. Chevrolet Express Cutaway

Another best Miles Per Gallon (MPG) box truck you can get out there is the Chevrolet Express Cutaway. The Chevy small box trucks are for years bestselling units across the US.

With so many engines and wheelbase combinations, Chevrolet’s engineers know how to touch the heart and needs of the business owner.

Chevrolet 3500 Express Cutaway is produced in 3 wheelbases: 139, 159, and 177 inches. The bigger and more capable 4500 Express box truck comes as 159 and 177 wheelbases. Good enough, there are two engines to choose from. Standard is 4.3L V6, but available is Vortec 6.0L V8.

Less muscular V6 offers 276 HP and 298 lb.-ft. Beefy V8 is capable of delivering 341 HP and torque of 373lb-ft. The engine works hand in hand with 6 and 8-speed automatic transmission. Chevrolet 3500 Express can hold up to 12,300 lbs. GVWR.

  1. Ford Transit Cutaway

Lastly, if you just need a box truck with excellent Miles Per Gallon (MPG) and not powerful engines from E-Series, but admire Ford’s dependability, then you should go for the 2018 Ford Transit box truck.

With maximum payload capacity up to 6,200 lbs. and GVWR range from 9,000 lbs. to 10.360 lbs. small 3.7 V6 engine Transit becomes a logical choice for many delivery businesses.

With so many official upfitters, Ford vehicles are easy to upfit with many vocational packages. Transit is possible to upfit with box cargo body from 10 to 18 feet.

Determining factor here is the wheelbase. Short wheelbase 138-in. can accommodate 10-12-ft length body, 156-in wheelbase 13-15ft, and longest 178-in wheelbase match 16-18ft cargo body.

In conclusion;

Please note that many variables impact the fuel economy of a box truck, which makes predicting real-world Miles Per Gallon (MPG) difficult. For example, bad driving behaviors like speeding and sudden acceleration/braking can lower fuel efficiency by up to 40 percent.

It is also important to note that diesel fuel simply packs more energy in every gallon than gas fuel, which makes it more economical overall. Diesel engines are still more efficient than gas engines, but less so for those who are mostly engaged in city driving.