17 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards for efficiency, but for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD TrailBoss with the 6.2L V8, it’s almost beside the point. This isn’t a truck bought by those prioritizing fuel savings. It’s a statement, a tool, and a weekend adventure enabler purchased by individuals who value capability and aggressive styling over trips to the gas station.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the Silverado TrailBoss 6.2L will achieve 15 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. While these numbers are useful for comparison purposes, understanding the conditions under which they’re achieved is important. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic where the big V8’s thirst becomes most apparent. The highway figure, while slightly better, is still impacted by the TrailBoss’s lifted suspension, knobby tires, and less-than-aerodynamic profile. The 10-speed automatic transmission helps optimize efficiency at different speeds, but physics ultimately wins.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this Silverado configuration at exactly $3,400. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% of those miles driven in the city and 55% on the highway, using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. This cost can fluctuate significantly depending on your individual driving habits, the actual price of gasoline in your area, and how frequently you use the truck’s four-wheel-drive system.

Real-world expectations

Expect the real-world fuel economy of the 2020 Silverado TrailBoss 6.2L to vary considerably. If you spend most of your time commuting in urban environments or frequently tow trailers, you’ll likely see numbers closer to, or even below, the 15 MPG city estimate. On longer highway trips, especially at consistent speeds, achieving the 19 MPG rating is possible, but aggressive driving or headwinds can easily diminish that. Owners report that a light foot yields the best results, but the temptation to tap into the V8’s power can be hard to resist. Also, keep in mind colder climates and winter gasoline blends may negatively impact fuel economy.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the Silverado TrailBoss 6.2L occupies a specific niche. A similarly equipped Ford F-150 Raptor, while offering arguably more off-road capability, achieves a slightly better 15 MPG city and 18 MPG highway EPA-estimated fuel economy, showcasing Ford’s EcoBoost technology. However, if you’re looking at a more conventional Silverado with the 5.3L V8 and 4WD, you can expect to see improvements, potentially achieving closer to 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. Across town the Ram 1500 Rebel with the 5.7L HEMI will give similar fuel economy numbers. These comparisons matter because buyers often cross-shop these trucks, weighing performance, style, and capability against fuel costs. Before a final purchase you should check all Chevrolet fuel economy data across the entire lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key. The 6.2L V8 delivers immediate power, but each hard launch comes at a fuel cost. Smooth, gradual acceleration allows the 10-speed transmission to shift efficiently and keeps the engine operating in its most economical range. Avoid unnecessary idling whenever possible.

Maintain proper tire inflation. The TrailBoss’s meaty off-road tires require specific pressures for optimal performance and efficiency. Check your door jamb sticker for the recommended PSI and ensure your tires are properly inflated, accounting for temperature changes. Remember these tires will never equal a highway all-season for efficiency.

Plan your trips strategically. Combining errands into a single trip minimizes cold starts, which are particularly fuel-intensive. Also, consider the route you take, opting for roads with fewer stoplights and less congestion whenever possible. This helps the overall SILVERADO MPG across all years.

Keep up with regular maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Ensure your Silverado receives scheduled oil changes, air filter replacements, and tune-ups according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Ignoring maintenance can lead to decreased performance and reduced fuel economy.

When conditions allow, use two-wheel drive. Engaging four-wheel drive adds weight, increases friction, and consumes more fuel. Only engage 4WD when necessary, such as on slippery surfaces or challenging terrain. Leaving the truck in 2WD on pavement will save a surprising amount of fuel over the long haul.