18 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but it’s the reality for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD TrailBoss with the 5.3L V8, and frankly, it’s a figure most buyers of this truck are prepared to accept. This isn’t a commuter vehicle; it’s a machine designed for off-road adventures and rugged practicality. It’s bought by those who prioritize capability over less gas, folks who need to tow, haul, and conquer challenging terrain. The TrailBoss is a statement, and that statement rarely includes, “I’m on a quest to minimize my carbon footprint.”

city and highway performance

The EPA estimates peg the city fuel economy at 16 MPG and the highway at 21 MPG. These figures reflect the aerodynamics and the demands of a large V8, even one aided by technologies like cylinder deactivation and a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. Consider the city figure a baseline; aggressive driving, heavy stop-and-go traffic, and frequent use of four-wheel drive will inevitably push that number lower. The highway figure is more achievable under ideal conditions, think steady cruising at legal speeds, but even then, the TrailBoss’s off-road tires and lifted suspension create aerodynamic drag.

annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, expect to spend approximately $2,450 per year on fuel. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles annually, with a mix of city and highway driving, using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs may vary. If you primarily drive in the city, tow frequently, or live in an area with higher fuel prices, you’ll likely exceed this estimate. If you primarily drive on the highway and practice fuel-efficient driving habits, you might come in slightly under, but generally, the $2,450 figure offers a reasonable benchmark for budgeting.

real-world expectations

Forget chasing the EPA numbers in everyday driving. Real-world figures tend to be lower, especially if you use the truck’s capabilities. Hauling building supplies from the local hardware store means lower MPG, and pulling your boat to the lake will be even worse. Tackling some weekend trails means single-digit fuel economy. This isn’t a criticism; it’s simply the cost of doing business with a truck built for demanding tasks. The 5.3L V8 provides ample power but needs to be fed. The payoff comes in the form of effortless towing, confident off-road performance, and the satisfaction of owning a capable machine.

how it compares

Compared to other full-size, off-road-oriented trucks, the 2020 Silverado TrailBoss’s fuel economy is in line with expectations. The Ford F-150 Raptor, with its high-output EcoBoost V6, manages slightly better, at around 15 MPG city and 18 MPG combined. A comparable Ram 1500 Rebel with the 5.7L Hemi hovers around 17 MPG combined. The Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, known for its reliability but not its efficiency, trails behind at around 14 MPG combined. The slightly better fuel economy of the F-150 Raptor might appeal to some, but the Silverado TrailBoss buyer is often swayed by brand loyalty, styling, or the specific features offered by Chevrolet. You can review SILVERADO MPG across all years across the Chevy lineup.

tips to maximize efficiency

While the Silverado TrailBoss isn’t designed for hypermiling, there are a few things you can do to get a bit more mileage out of each gallon. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The 5.3L V8 responds well to a gentle touch, and smooth driving habits can improve fuel economy, especially in city driving.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels.

Minimize idling. Idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles restart quickly and efficiently, so there’s no need to let the engine run unnecessarily.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed helps optimize fuel economy. Cruise control prevents speed fluctuations, which can waste fuel. Set it and forget it, especially on long highway drives.

Consider your cargo. Extra weight increases fuel consumption. Remove any unnecessary items from the bed of the truck and avoid hauling heavy loads unless necessary. A cleaner truck is a more efficient truck. Learn more by checking out all Chevrolet fuel economy data.