Long Commutes? Find Which Pickup Truck Has the Best Fuel Economy

Which pickup truck has the best fuel economy? That question sits at the heart of every long commute and every cost spreadsheet. For Dongfeng, and for our RICH 6PRO pickup in particular, fuel savings are not a marketing line - they are the result of platform engineering, rigorous quality control, and calibration that holds up when the bed is loaded and the highway is long.

Why Efficiency Wins?

A long commute is not just distance. It is time, fatigue, and money. Many trucks feel strong off the line, yet waste fuel once the payload climbs or the road surface turns rough. When drivers ask, "Which pickup truck has the best fuel economy?" they are really asking which truck stays efficient in the real world - stop-and-go traffic, crosswinds, grades, and weekend runs with tools and materials.

The Dongfeng RICH 6PRO is built on an international-grade platform with professional off-road chassis tuning. The front double-wishbone independent suspension with a stabilizer bar controls bounce and wheel angle to reduce rolling loss. At the rear, progressive leaf springs with a resonance damper carry weight without dramatic squat, so the engine does not waste energy clawing back momentum after each stop. This mechanical foundation is what keeps economy stable after months and years, not only during a short demo drive.

✅  Quick Numbers That Matter

Standardized NEDC announcements give an apples-to-apples look at economy. The RICH 6PRO delivers competitive figures while keeping 4WD capability:

•  6MT 4WD: 7.5 L/100 km, typically 0.5 - 0.8 L/100 km lower than several direct rivals.

•  8AT 4WD: 7.9 L/100 km, typically 0.4 - 0.6 L/100 km lower than comparable models.

These gains come from the Alliance M9T diesel paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic (or a precise 6MT). The powertrain was developed for upcoming emissions and efficiency targets and has a long track record for durability. Small daily savings add up fast over a 20,000 - 30,000 km yearly commute.

Built To Save, Built To Last

Economy only counts when it is repeatable. That is why Dongfeng applies a joint-venture grade quality system (AVES) and "smart manufacturing" on the same line used by benchmark platforms. The body structure undergoes 10-year anti-corrosion verification supported by 1,440-hour corrosion tests - critical for humid coastal routes and winter salt regions. Lower maintenance and longer service life keep total ownership cost down, which matters as much to a commuter as it does to a small contractor.

Inside the cabin, comfort and ergonomics reinforce safety and stamina. The zero-gravity seats reduce pressure points during long stints. The driver's seat height travel extends from 30 mm to 50 mm, accommodating a wider range of body types. Forward lower-field blind spot is reduced by 1.5 m (around 14%), improving low-speed maneuvering in cities and job sites. Everyday usability details - family-style smart key, BCM functions like headlamp delay-off and power-window power-down delay, and a 10.25-inch display - make the truck easier to live with when you are in and out multiple times a day.

✅  Safety And Driver Focus

Efficiency must never come at the expense of protection. The RICH 6PRO uses a ZONE BODY safety cell with high-strength materials and load paths that help manage impact energy. Passive details include a collapsible brake pedal, adjustable front belt heights, and a three-point belt for the rear center seat. Active systems help you avoid trouble: an ESC suite with eight integrated functions (on 4WD & 8AT), reversing radar and camera, LED daytime running lamps with automatic headlights, and tire-pressure monitoring (8AT). Chassis tuning also mitigates "nose-up" posture under heavy load, which supports stability and reduces the aerodynamic penalty during acceleration.

Capacity, Power, And Total Cost: No Forced Trade-Offs

Drivers often worry that fuel thrift means giving up capability. The RICH 6PRO is designed so you do not have to choose. The cargo bed offers an internal length of 1.85 m with generous width and a standard wear-resistant liner. The rear suspension's high-strength leaf springs raise stiffness by 50%, so the truck resists squat and keeps tire contact when loaded. Tailgate hardware is reinforced from 250 kg to 600 kg capacity (+140%), backed by a full-steel roll bar and handy tie-down points. Fewer trips mean fewer liters burned.

Under the hood, the 2.3T M9T produces 108/120 kW and 380 N·m of torque. Low-end torque climbs 12.5% (from 240 N·m to 270 N·m), raising hill-start ability from 40% to 45% grades. That is not a lab statistic - it is what you feel when you pull away on a steep work-site ramp or a mountain junction. With the ZF 8AT, shift logic keeps the engine in its efficient band; with the 6MT, ratios are chosen for steady-state cruising and controlled climbs. Either way, calibration aims for smooth response at low revs, which is where commuters spend most of their time.

Not every upgrade is mechanical. The updated exterior features a confident grille and eagle-eye projector headlamps (8AT adds auto-on with LED DRL). The cabin stays practical: a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, cruise control (diesel), six-way driver adjustment, and thoughtful storage like a dedicated eyewear case. In cold climates, the winter package adds seat heating, a heating water pump, dual diesel filtration, a metal rear bumper, and off-road tires - because economy matters only if the truck starts, warms, grips, and goes.

Who Benefits Most?

•  Long-distance commuters seeking fewer fuel stops and lower fatigue.

•  Small businesses balancing payload with predictable operating costs.

•  Fleet managers optimizing total cost, uptime, and driver satisfaction.

So, which pickup truck has the best fuel economy? If your checklist includes real-world efficiency, low ownership cost, safety, and load-ready hardware, the Dongfeng RICH 6PRO deserves a test on your route. Bring your commute, bring your payload, and compare your actual consumption - not just brochure numbers.

Call To Action: Ready to put the math to work? Book a Dongfeng RICH 6PRO test drive or request a fleet efficiency review. We will map fuel usage to your daily miles and typical loads, so you can decide with confidence. If your daily question is still "Which pickup truck has the best fuel economy?", let the next answer come from your own trip log.