The 2020 GMC Sierra 4WD with the 5.3L V8 engine gets 19 MPG combined. This gas mileage might not be the best, but Sierra owners understand it’s what you get with a capable truck that has a comfortable interior and a strong presence. These buyers aren’t only looking for fuel savings; they’re buying a tool, a statement, and a machine designed for more than just saving gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates give a breakdown of the Sierra’s gas mileage in different driving situations, which helps you understand the overall MPG. Expect around 16 MPG in the city. This is because of the frequent stops and starts of city driving, which uses more fuel. The Sierra does better on the highway, getting 22 MPG. The 10-speed automatic transmission helps the engine run efficiently at higher speeds, keeping it at the best level for highway driving. However, the highway MPG can drop when the truck is full of cargo or towing a trailer.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 GMC Sierra 4WD 5.3L V8 at $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the average national gas prices when it was calculated. Your actual fuel costs could be different based on your driving habits, gas prices in your area, and the type of fuel you use. Even small changes in how you drive can change your fuel consumption over a year, which will affect how close you are to the $2,300 figure.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates give a standard to measure against, but actual fuel economy can change a lot. How you drive, the load you’re carrying, the type of land, and the weather all play a role. Driving fast, braking hard, and driving at high speeds will reduce fuel economy. Towing or carrying heavy loads, mostly on hills, will also lower MPG. Colder weather means the engine takes longer to warm up, and using four-wheel-drive can reduce efficiency. Some owners report numbers close to the EPA estimates when driving in mixed conditions, but lower numbers are common if the truck is mainly used for work or heavy towing. The SIERRA MPG across all years can change depending on the driver.

How it compares

The 2020 GMC Sierra 4WD 5.3L V8 is in the middle compared to other trucks in its class. A 2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8 and four-wheel drive usually gets around 19 MPG combined, which is the same as the Sierra. A Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi and eTorque mild-hybrid system can get a bit higher, sometimes up to 20 MPG combined, but it may cost more to buy and maintain the hybrid system. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is similar to the Sierra and has about the same fuel economy. Sierra buyers can focus on style, features, and value without losing much in MPG compared to other similar V8 trucks.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Sierra’s Driver Information Center to watch your fuel economy in real-time. This helps you change your driving habits and find ways to improve efficiency. Accelerating slowly from a stop, watching traffic lights, and driving at a steady speed on the highway will make a difference over time.

Make sure your tires have the right amount of air. Tires with low air pressure increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, mostly when the temperature changes, and change it if needed. Also, when you need new tires, think about using tires that are designed to improve fuel efficiency.

Keep the truck as light as possible. Extra weight in the truck bed can lower fuel economy. Take out anything you don’t need, mostly heavy items, to reduce the load on the engine. Avoid using roof racks unless you have to, as they increase wind resistance.

Consider using the Sierra’s drive mode selector. Modes like “Normal” can get better gas mileage than “Tow/Haul” or “Sport” modes. Choosing the right mode for how you’re driving can make the engine and transmission run better for better fuel efficiency. Remember that all Gmc fuel economy data can vary based on a specific vehicle’s configuration.