19 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but that’s what you can expect from the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD with the 5.3L V8. It’s a truck built for work, towing, and tackling tough terrain. Buyers who choose this setup usually prioritize capability over ultimate fuel efficiency, understanding the trade-off.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Silverado 4WD 5.3L will get 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The lower city figure is because the engine works harder in stop-and-go traffic, accelerating this heavy truck from a standstill. The highway MPG is better, partly because of the 10-speed automatic transmission, which allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs. Factors like speed and payload can significantly affect these numbers, especially on longer road trips. Hauling a trailer or a bed full of equipment will reduce that highway MPG, sometimes a lot.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for this Silverado is $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with an even split between city and highway driving, and using national average fuel prices. This is just an estimate. If you drive more than 15,000 miles a year, or if fuel prices in your area are higher, plan to pay more. If you drive fewer miles or live where gas is cheaper, your actual fuel cost will be lower.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a baseline, but real-world MPG often differs. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, aftermarket modifications like larger tires, and even weather conditions (colder temperatures often result in lower MPG) can all affect fuel economy. Expect lower MPG than the EPA estimates if you regularly tow or haul heavy loads. Careful driving, proper maintenance, and minimizing unnecessary weight in the truck bed can help bring your real-world MPG closer to the EPA figures. The “4WD” part of this truck’s description will reduce MPG compared to a 2WD model. Most owners understand this is the cost for better traction and capability in bad weather.

How it compares

The Silverado’s fuel economy is similar to competitors with similar capability. A comparable Ford F-150 4×4 with the 5.0L V8 is rated at around 19 MPG combined. The Ram 1500 4×4 with the 5.7L HEMI V8 is also similar, around 17 MPG combined. Some versions of the Toyota Tundra with its 5.7L will manage around 14 MPG in some configurations. Small differences matter less to buyers who prioritize towing capacity, payload, reliability, and overall cost of ownership. Someone looking for the best fuel economy in a truck might consider the Chevy Colorado with the diesel engine, which gets significantly better MPG, but has less horsepower and towing capacity. You can find all Chevrolet fuel economy data on this site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The 5.3L V8 delivers plenty of power, but using that power excessively burns fuel. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic conditions can improve your MPG. The 10-speed transmission is designed to keep the engine in its most efficient range, so let it do its job. Don’t manually shift or override the automatic settings unless necessary for towing on steep hills.

Keep your Silverado well-maintained. Regular oil changes, properly inflated tires, and a clean air filter help the engine run well and improve fuel efficiency. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, reducing engine performance and MPG.

Reduce extra weight. Carrying extra weight in the bed or cab of your truck reduces fuel economy. Remove any tools, equipment, or other items you don’t need for your daily drive. Even small amounts of extra weight add up over time and affect your MPG.

Think about how you drive. Using cruise control on the highway can help maintain a consistent speed and improve fuel economy. Avoid using cruise control in hilly areas, as the transmission may downshift frequently, wasting fuel. 4WD will reduce MPG because it requires more power to turn the axles. Don’t constantly engage 4WD unless conditions dictate its use.

Research and choose the right grade of gasoline. The 5.3L V8 does not require premium fuel, and some drivers have reported a slight improvement in MPG or performance when they use it. Check the potential benefits against the cost of premium fuel to decide if it’s worthwhile for your driving. Always check the owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations. Remember to also review SILVERADO MPG across all years to compare all models.