The 2022 GMC Sierra 4WD with the 6.2L V8 gets 16 MPG combined, a figure that some buyers accept. This truck isn’t bought for saving money on gas. It’s a tool, even a statement, bought by those who need serious capability and enjoy the rumble of a potent engine. The fuel bill is simply the price to pay.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway show the limitations of a large engine powering a heavy, four-wheel-drive truck. Stop-and-go traffic and the constant need to accelerate from a standstill drain fuel, resulting in the lower city number. The highway number, while better, is still affected by the Sierra’s aerodynamics and the rolling resistance of its tires. The 10-speed automatic transmission helps optimize fuel economy by keeping the engine in its most efficient range, but it can only do so much when moving this much mass.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 GMC Sierra 4WD 6.2L at $3,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs could be higher or lower depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and the price of gasoline in your area. Towing heavy loads or spending a lot of time idling will increase fuel consumption, pushing that $3,600 number higher.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy often varies. Many Sierra owners report achieving figures close to the EPA estimates, especially on longer highway trips. However, aggressive driving, frequent towing, or mostly city commutes will push the average MPG below the advertised 16. Don’t expect to exceed the EPA numbers unless you drive fuel efficiently on every drive.

How it compares

The Sierra’s fuel economy is similar to its competitors. The Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8 and 4WD gets around 17 MPG combined. The Ram 1500 with the 5.7L HEMI and eTorque mild-hybrid system does slightly better, around 18 MPG combined. Even the Toyota Tundra with its newer, twin-turbo V6, still comes in around 19 MPG combined. These small differences don’t matter for most buyers in this segment. They want power and capability over saving a little on gas. If you want to compare the all Gmc fuel economy data, you can see how the Sierra compares to other vehicles in the GMC lineup. If you are interested in finding out about SIERRA MPG across all years, this can also help get you on the right track while researching your purchase.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Don’t push the accelerator too hard. The 6.2L V8 responds quickly, and you might want to use its power, but every burst of acceleration uses more fuel. Smooth, gradual acceleration will improve your mileage. Anticipate traffic and maintain a steady speed. The less you brake and accelerate, the better your fuel economy.

Proper tire inflation is important. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which can be found on the sticker inside your driver’s side door. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. The recommended tire pressure will also improve handling and tire life.

Don’t idle unnecessarily. The 6.2L V8 burns a lot of fuel when idling. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Restarting uses less fuel than idling for a long time. Remote start on cold mornings is tempting, but consider the fuel consumption when idling.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Extra weight strains the engine and lowers fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the truck bed and cab. Even small amounts of weight can add up and impact your gas mileage, especially during city driving. If you often carry items that add weight, consider if you need them there.

Consider using a fuel additive designed to clean fuel injectors. Deposits can build up in the fuel injectors over time. They reduce their efficiency and impact fuel economy. A fuel additive can help remove these deposits and improve performance. Choose a product specifically designed for your vehicle and follow the instructions carefully.