17 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2WD with the 4.3L V6, it’s a reality check for buyers who need a capable work truck at a (relatively) affordable price. This isn’t a truck aimed at impressing your neighbors with efficiency; it’s designed for dependability and practical use, and fuel economy is just one consideration.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that this Silverado configuration achieves 16 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. Those numbers reflect its design compromise: a capable V6 engine powering a full-size truck. Stop-and-go city driving inherently taxes fuel consumption, and the Silverado’s weight and size don’t help. That 21 MPG highway figure is more palatable, suggesting that longer, steady-speed drives are where this truck performs best in terms of fuel efficiency. However, even that highway number is modest compared to smaller trucks or SUVs.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,600 for this particular Silverado configuration. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that what you personally pay will fluctuate based on local fuel costs, your individual driving habits, and the actual miles you clock in a year. This $2,600 figure acts as a consistent benchmark to compare against other vehicles, but don’t take it as a definitive amount.

Real-world expectations

Manufacturer estimates are just that, estimates. Real-world fuel economy often deviates depending on how you drive and the conditions you encounter. If you regularly haul heavy loads, expect your MPG to plummet below the EPA estimates. Aggressive acceleration and frequent braking will negatively impact fuel consumption. Maintaining proper tire inflation and keeping up with scheduled maintenance can help you get closer to the stated figures, but ultimately, driving style plays a significant role.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size trucks, the 2020 Silverado 2WD 4.3L’s fuel economy sits in a specific niche. A 2020 Ford F-150 with the base 3.3L V6 might achieve marginally better numbers, around 20 MPG combined, but generally comes at a higher price. Ram’s 1500 Classic with the 3.6L V6 offers similar fuel economy at around 19 MPG combined. The Silverado’s advantage lies in its availability and suitability for basic work truck needs. You can explore all Chevrolet fuel economy data to see how this truck compares against Chevrolet’s broader model lineup. Consider that stepping up to a more powerful V8 in any of these competing trucks will result in even lower MPG figures, a tradeoff some buyers are willing to make for added capability. For a more detailed look at the Silverado, review SILVERADO MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

This Silverado configuration is engineered for utility, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to improve its fuel economy. One of the most impactful adjustments you can make is to adopt a smoother driving style: avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking, as these actions consume excessive fuel and put undue stress on the drivetrain.

Regular maintenance on the Silverado is critical, not just for longevity, but for fuel efficiency. Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure indicated on the door jamb sticker. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Similarly, keep up with oil changes and other scheduled services to maintain optimal engine performance.

Consider your typical payload. While this Silverado is designed to haul, carrying unnecessary weight will negatively affect fuel economy. Remove any items from the bed or cab that are not essential for your daily tasks. Even shedding a few hundred pounds can improve MPG, especially during city driving.

Plan your routes strategically. If possible, avoid congested areas and routes that involve frequent stops. Opt for routes with fewer traffic lights and more opportunities to maintain a consistent speed, as this will minimize fuel consumption.

Use the Silverado’s features designed to improve efficiency. The six-speed automatic transmission offers multiple gears to optimize engine performance at different speeds. Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a steady throttle position and avoid unnecessary speed fluctuations, which can waste fuel.