Fuel Saving Tips for Your Mid to Large Pickup Truck

A mid to large pickup truck can be strong, safe, and surprisingly efficient - if you drive and maintain it the right way. From the perspective of Zhengzhou Nissan, we design efficiency into the Z9 platform, and we also see how daily habits unlock even more savings. Below we share our best, field-tested guidance, plus where the Z9 makes a measurable difference.

Drive Smart: Techniques That Cut Fuel Use

Fuel economy starts with smooth control. Rapid starts and hard braking waste energy, especially in heavier pickups. Keep throttle inputs light and steady. Anticipate traffic, and let the truck's momentum work for you. On highways, use a consistent cruising speed instead of frequent bursts of acceleration.

The Z9 is engineered to help. Our ZF 8AT automatic transmission, the same brand used by many premium vehicles, shifts with low friction losses. It keeps the engine in its peak efficiency band whether you choose our gasoline powertrain (up to 190 kW and 400 N·m) or the diesel option (up to 140 kW and 500 N·m). In stop-and-go city driving, this matters: more usable torque at lower revs means less time and fuel spent climbing the rev range.

When conditions turn rough, resist the urge to overwork the engine. The BorgWarner part-time 4WD system engages only when you need it, so you are not paying a constant fuel penalty on dry pavement. Off-road, use Crawl Mode to maintain traction without wheelspin, and rely on the Eaton differential lock to prevent wasted energy. With 240 mm ground clearance and suspension travel ranked among the top in class, the Z9 clears obstacles with fewer speed changes, which also preserves fuel.

✅  Quick Wins You Can Apply Today

• Keep speeds between moderate highway limits; aerodynamic drag rises sharply at high speeds.
• Accelerate gently from 0-40 km/h; the Z9's full-load 0-40 km/h in 3.4 s shows strong torque - use it smoothly, not abruptly.
• Use 2H on dry roads; switch to 4H/4L only when traction requires it to avoid extra driveline losses.
• Plan routes to avoid repeated steep climbs; even with up to 100% gradeability, smart routing saves fuel.
• Reduce idling; EPB + Auto-Hold make stoplights easier without riding the throttle.
• Night driving? Use the Z9's ultra-bright, wide headlights and Ultra-Low-Beam mode to keep speeds steady and confident.

Trim The Waste: Payload, Aerodynamics, And Maintenance

Many owners of a mid to large pickup truck carry gear they rarely use. Extra mass makes the engine work harder. The Z9 offers up to 28 interior storage locations and a class-unique 970 L flat rear-floor area; use that organization to sort, store, and remove what you do not need every day. Lighter is thriftier.

Aerodynamics also matter. The Z9's body measures 5520 x 1960 x 1950 mm with a long 3300 mm wheelbase for stability. Keep bulky cargo below bed rails where possible. Close windows at highway speeds, and secure loose items that disturb airflow. The panoramic sunroof (0.87 m², openable) is best enjoyed at city speeds; at highway pace, keep it shut to reduce drag.

Maintenance is your hidden fuel saver. High-strength steel (97% frame content) gives the Z9 a solid base that holds alignment longer, but you should still check tire pressure frequently. Under-inflation increases rolling resistance, especially with 3.5-ton towing capability in play. Follow service intervals, use the recommended oils, and keep the air filter clean. With multi-screen connectivity and a 12.8-inch center display, the Z9 makes reminders easy to see - use them. A well-tuned powertrain, whether diesel or gasoline, burns less fuel per kilometer.

✅  Towing And Off-Road Loads: Stay Efficient Under Stress

When towing up to 3.5 tons or traversing water (up to 800 mm wading depth) and rock, use technology to save fuel:

• Pre-select the right gear with the ZF 8AT for steady climbs; avoid hunting between ratios.
• Engage the Eaton diff lock only when slip begins; then disengage to cut drag.
• Use Crawl Mode for slow, controlled progress; less wheelspin means less wasted energy.
• Keep speeds even on gravel; the 540° panoramic camera helps you choose smoother lines that require fewer throttle changes.

Why Z9 Architecture Supports Real-World Efficiency

At Zhengzhou Nissan, we design efficiency into the structure, not only the engine. The Z9's high-strength frame (97%) and class-leading safety body help the truck stay tight and predictable over hundreds of thousands of kilometers. That straight-tracking feel reduces micro-corrections that silently increase fuel burn. The long wheelbase enhances stability with loads, so you can maintain steady speeds. A ground clearance of 240 mm and top-tier suspension travel let you roll over broken roads without abrupt braking or acceleration.

Comfort features also support efficient driving. The rear seat backrest offers three recline positions, and the rear door opens to 90°, making loading simple. When drivers and passengers are comfortable, they make calmer choices behind the wheel. Bright, wide headlights with an ultra-low-beam mode improve night visibility, encouraging consistent speeds. The panoramic 540° camera increases confidence in tight areas; fewer three-point turns and less guesswork equal less fuel. Inside, multi-screen linkage with a 12.8-inch display gives clear access to driving data, while EPB + Auto-Hold (standard across the range) reduces fatigue in traffic.

Finally, capability does not have to fight efficiency. With gasoline output up to 190 kW/400 N·m and diesel up to 140 kW/500 N·m, the Z9 has ample low-end torque. Coupled with the ZF 8AT, it moves heavy loads without revving high, and that is where real savings live for a mid to large pickup truck owner.

Call To Action

Ready to experience intelligent efficiency? Book a Z9 test drive with Zhengzhou Nissan today and see how our chassis, powertrains, and driver-assist features help you save fuel every day - on city streets, job sites, and mountain passes.