The 2020 Silverado Cab Chassis 4WD with the 4.3L V6 gets 15 MPG combined. This isn’t an SUV for soccer practice, it’s a bare-bones work truck designed for upfitting and heavy-duty tasks. Fuel economy is secondary to its core mission of providing a reliable, customizable platform for businesses and fleets. Buyers in this segment prioritize capability and cost of ownership (outside of fuel), understanding that their work, hauling, towing, and often idling on job sites, will inevitably impact fuel consumption.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 14 MPG in the city and 16 MPG on the highway for this particular Silverado configuration. The lower city rating reflects the stop-and-go driving conditions common in urban commercial environments, where frequent acceleration and deceleration take their toll. While slightly better, the highway figure isn’t exactly stellar either. The 4.3L V6, while adequate for basic tasks, works harder to maintain highway speeds, especially when the truck is loaded or towing. The six-speed automatic transmission, while generally reliable, isn’t as efficient as the eight- or ten-speed units found in more modern trucks.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado Cab Chassis 4WD 4.3L V6 at precisely $2,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a blend of city and highway driving, and factoring in the national average fuel prices at the time of the EPA’s testing. Real-world fuel costs will vary significantly depending on individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and the specific demands placed on the truck. A landscaping company that primarily uses the Silverado for short trips around town will likely see a higher annual fuel cost than someone who mainly uses it for longer highway hauls.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a baseline, real-world fuel economy for this Silverado Cab Chassis often falls short of the official numbers. Factors like payload, towing, terrain, and driving style play a significant role. Expect single-digit MPG figures when towing heavy loads, particularly in hilly areas. Even without towing, aggressive driving or prolonged idling can dramatically reduce fuel efficiency. It’s critical for owners to monitor their own fuel consumption to get a realistic understanding of their operating costs.

How it compares

Compared to other work trucks, the 2020 Silverado Cab Chassis 4WD 4.3L V6 lags behind in fuel economy. For example, the Ford F-150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 achieves around 20 MPG combined in 4×4 configuration. Ram trucks, while not directly comparable in cab chassis form with that specific engine displacement, generally offer slightly better fuel economy with their Pentastar V6 engines. Even within the Chevrolet lineup, newer Silverado 1500 models with the turbocharged 2.7L four-cylinder engine can achieve upwards of 18 MPG combined. This trade-off is often acceptable to buyers of the Cab Chassis, as their needs prioritize customization and heavy-duty capability over outright fuel savings. Consider also that these trucks are often upfitted with specialized bodies that significantly impact aerodynamics and weight, which further reduces efficiency. Explore all Chevrolet fuel economy data to see the wide range of efficiency available.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is important. Ensure the engine is properly tuned, the tires are correctly inflated, and the air filter is clean. Dirty air filters and poorly maintained engines can significantly reduce fuel efficiency, especially under the heavy workloads this truck is designed for.

Avoid unnecessary idling. This is especially important for fleet vehicles that often spend extended periods idling on job sites. Encourage drivers to shut off the engine whenever possible to conserve fuel and reduce emissions. Explore SILVERADO MPG across all years to see MPG variance.

Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The 4.3L V6 works best with a gentle touch. Rapid acceleration and hard braking waste fuel and put unnecessary strain on the engine and drivetrain. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible.

Reduce payload when possible. Every pound added to the truck reduces fuel efficiency. Remove unnecessary tools and equipment from the bed when they’re not needed. This is particularly relevant for trucks that are constantly loaded up with extra gear, impacting overall performance and efficiency.

Consider upgrading to an efficient upfit design. If the truck has an aftermarket bed or body, assess it for aerodynamic efficiency. A poorly designed upfit can create significant drag, which reduces fuel economy, especially at highway speeds.