19 MPG combined is the fuel economy number associated with the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab. While it’s not a *good* number compared to modern SUVs, it’s an acceptable reality for truck buyers who prioritize capability and comfort over fuel savings. These buyers aren’t agonizing over every tenth of a mile per gallon; they need a truck, appreciate the Sierra’s strong looks and well-appointed interior, and understand that fuel consumption is a trade-off they’re willing to make.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Sierra 1500 Crew Cab, with the 5.3L V8 and 6-speed automatic transmission, achieves 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the inherent inefficiency of stop-and-go driving in a large vehicle. The Sierra’s weight and the engine’s displacement require significant energy to repeatedly accelerate from a standstill.

The highway number, while not spectacular, is more palatable because the truck spends more time at a consistent speed, allowing the engine to operate more efficiently, but expect that highway MPG to drop if you’re towing or hauling anything substantial. The 5.3L V8 is a workhorse, but it drinks deeply when doing serious labor.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab at $2,763. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices.

Keep in mind that average gas prices fluctuate greatly depending on location, grade of gasoline, and time of year, so your personal fuel expenses may exceed or fall below this estimate. This assumes typical driving patterns. Frequent towing, mostly city driving, or aggressive acceleration will all push that fuel bill higher.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary considerably. Owners report achieving figures close to the EPA’s highway rating during long road trips, but rarely hit the city number in their daily commutes. A combined average in the high teens is more likely for most drivers.

Hauling heavy loads, using four-wheel drive, or driving in hilly terrain all have a negative impact on fuel efficiency. This Sierra, like most trucks, is a tool, and how you use it dictates how much it will cost you at the pump. Check out all Gmc fuel economy data across their current and legacy lineups.

How it compares

The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab’s fuel economy is in line with expectations for the segment. A similarly equipped Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8 and 10-speed automatic is EPA-rated at 19 MPG combined (17 city/24 highway). The Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi V8 and 8-speed automatic also lands at 17 MPG city and 23 MPG highway, but manages 19 MPG combined. The Toyota Tundra, with its older powertrain, lags slightly behind at 15 MPG city/19 MPG highway/16 MPG combined.

These differences may seem minor, but they can add up over the lifespan of the vehicle, especially with fluctuating gas prices. For this buyer, capability and reliability are the primary concerns, with fuel economy often playing a secondary role. However, awareness of how the Sierra stacks up against the competition is valuable. You can also compare SIERRA MPG across all years to find out if newer or older generations are more fuel efficient for your use case.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The heavy Sierra requires more fuel to get moving, so gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow can conserve gasoline. Maintaining a steady speed minimizes fuel consumption.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the doorjamb sticker.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo in the bed or cab of the truck adds weight and reduces fuel efficiency. Remove any unnecessary items that you don’t need on a daily basis.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods wastes fuel. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles are designed to restart quickly and efficiently.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy, especially on long trips. Be mindful of traffic conditions and be prepared to disengage cruise control if necessary.