18 MPG combined is the price you pay for capability in the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD with the 6.2L V8. This isn’t a truck bought by penny-pinchers; it’s a tool, and a statement. The Silverado 6.2L is specifically sought out by those who need serious towing and hauling ability, and the visceral thrill of a naturally aspirated V8. They prioritize performance and a reliable drivetrain over squeezing every last mile from a gallon of gasoline.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates place city driving at 16 MPG and highway driving at 21 MPG. The city figure will be particularly sensitive to driving style. Heavy acceleration, stop-and-go traffic, and extended idling will all drag that number down quickly. The 10-speed automatic transmission does its best to keep the engine in its most efficient range, but there’s no masking the displacement and power available from that 6.2L V8.

On the highway, achieving that 21 MPG rating is realistic if you maintain a steady speed and avoid aggressive passing maneuvers. The temptation to use the engine’s ample power is always present, and indulging will impact your fuel consumption. The relatively aerodynamic shape for a full-size truck helps on long highway runs, but the Silverado’s weight and inherent design limitations still impact efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD 6.2L 8-cyl is $3,200. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and assumes national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on how much you drive, where you drive, how aggressively you drive, and the ever-fluctuating price of gasoline.

For those who use their Silverado for demanding work or frequently tow heavy loads, that $3,200 figure could easily climb higher. Conversely, if you primarily use the truck for shorter trips and drive conservatively, you might see slightly lower costs.

Real-world expectations

Expect to see numbers slightly below the official estimates, particularly if you spend most of your time in urban environments. In mixed driving, hovering around 15-17 MPG is more realistic for many owners. The 6.2L engine is responsive and eager to deliver power, and most drivers will find it difficult to resist its appeal.

Towing, of course, will significantly reduce fuel economy. Expect single-digit MPG numbers when hauling heavy loads. Owners should track their own fuel consumption over time to get a more accurate picture of their truck’s efficiency.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the 2021 Silverado 4WD 6.2L V8 sits where you’d expect for a truck of its size and power. The Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 offers better fuel economy, typically achieving around 20 MPG combined. The 6.2L buyer often prioritizes the sound, feel, and proven reliability of a naturally aspirated V8.

A Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi V8 and eTorque mild-hybrid system might achieve slightly better results, closer to 19 MPG combined, but the difference isn’t enough to sway someone who truly desires the Silverado’s particular combination of power and payload capability. For specific Chevrolet fuel economy data, explore the other available powertrains and trim levels within the lineup, and be sure to see how the SILVERADO MPG across all years compares.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid excessive idling. The large displacement engine consumes fuel even when stationary. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. This is especially important in city driving.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, directly impacting fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels found on the doorjamb sticker. This one simple step can yield noticeable improvements.

Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration. The 6.2L V8 loves to rev, but rapid acceleration and hard braking waste fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Use the abundant torque to your advantage; you don’t need to bury the accelerator pedal to get moving.

Plan your trips and combine errands. Starting a cold engine consumes more fuel than a warm one. Combining multiple errands into a single trip minimizes the number of cold starts, reducing overall fuel consumption.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The heavier your truck, the more fuel it consumes. Remove any unnecessary items from the bed and cab to lighten the load. This will have a small but measurable impact on your fuel economy, especially during city driving.