15 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but that’s not the purpose of the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD ZR2 6.2L 8-cyl. This truck is built for off-road capability and an imposing look, not saving fuel. Fuel economy is a lower priority for buyers seeking a ready-made off-road machine with a powerful V8 engine.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 14 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the ZR2’s realities: its heavy weight, aggressive off-road tires, and the power needed by its 6.2L V8 engine. The city figure highlights the fuel cost of constant stop-and-go driving with a heavy vehicle. The highway figure, while slightly better, is still significantly lower than a standard Silverado due to increased aerodynamic drag from the lifted suspension and off-road accessories, plus the engine working harder to overcome rolling resistance from the knobby tires.

Annual Fuel Cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 is $3,850. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Remember that fuel prices change, and your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits and location. If you drive more aggressively, tow frequently, or spend a lot of time off-road, expect this number to be even higher. This is a significant amount, and potential buyers need to consider this running cost when budgeting.

Real-World Expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the ZR2 depends a lot on the driver. Owners who often use the truck’s off-road capabilities or enjoy quick acceleration will likely see numbers below the EPA estimates.

Those who primarily use the truck for commuting on relatively flat terrain, and drive conservatively, might be able to achieve figures closer to the EPA ratings, but probably not higher. The ZR2’s specialized equipment and V8 engine mean that consistent fuel-efficient driving requires effort.

How It Compares

Compared to other off-road focused trucks, the Silverado ZR2’s fuel economy is generally similar. The Ford F-150 Raptor, with its turbocharged 3.5L V6, achieves a slightly better 15 MPG combined. The Ram 1500 TRX with its supercharged 6.2L V8 is significantly worse at 12 MPG combined. These figures illustrate the trade-offs in high-performance off-road trucks: they prioritize capability and performance over fuel efficiency. You can see all Chevrolet fuel economy data on this site. For a broader view, check out SILVERADO MPG across all years.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

While the ZR2 is not designed for maximum fuel efficiency, there are steps owners can take to use less gas. Gentle acceleration and avoiding hard braking can make a noticeable difference, especially in city driving. The ZR2’s powerful engine doesn’t need to be pushed hard to deliver adequate performance in most situations.

Proper tire inflation, as specified on the doorjamb sticker, is critical for optimal fuel economy. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Regularly check and maintain the correct tire pressure.

Minimize unnecessary weight in the truck bed. Carrying around heavy tools or equipment when not needed reduces fuel economy. Only load the truck with what’s required for the specific task.

Avoid extended idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling consumes fuel without providing any benefit.

Plan your routes to avoid stop-and-go traffic whenever possible. Highway driving generally provides better fuel economy than navigating congested city streets. Using route planning apps can help identify more efficient routes.