14 MPG combined. Frankly, if you’re worried about fuel economy, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 with mud-terrain tires, four-wheel drive, and the 6.2-liter V8 is not the right choice. This truck is built for power, off-road capability, and a commanding presence. The fuel consumption is the cost for those who prioritize performance and functionality. These owners aren’t comparing this truck with hybrid crossovers; they’re focused on horsepower and axle ratios.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for this Sierra configuration are 13 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway. These figures are telling. The 6.2-liter V8 requires a lot of fuel to move this heavy truck from a stop, which explains the lower city rating. The highway figure is better, but the mud-terrain tires create rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag, preventing it from achieving the fuel efficiency of a road-focused truck. The 10-speed automatic transmission tries to keep the engine in its best range, but physics wins.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $4,150 for this Sierra, based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is something to consider. The estimate assumes a split between city and highway driving. If you mostly drive in the city or off-road, expect to spend more on gas. This cost gives you a financial view of the truck’s thirst, helping buyers weigh the benefits of owning it against the fuel consumption. For owners of this configuration, this might be considered a fixed cost.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy can vary. Your driving style, payload, towing, and even tire pressure can impact your dashboard numbers. Fast acceleration and hard braking will hurt fuel economy. Towing, especially heavy loads, will increase consumption. In cold weather, winter gasoline and defrosting will also reduce efficiency. However, careful driving, maintaining tire pressure, and minimizing cargo can bring you closer to the EPA estimates, but likely not exceed them. Prepare to not hit those numbers.

How it compares

Compared to other trucks, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD with the 6.2L V8 and mud-terrain tires is on the lower end for MPG. A comparable Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 may achieve around 17 MPG combined in a similar build. Even the Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi V8 and eTorque assist often gets slightly better MPG than the Sierra. A Chevy Silverado 1500 with a 5.3L engine may reach 16 MPG combined. The trade-off is clear: Those looking for better fuel efficiency might choose other powertrains or trucks. Someone looking at SIERRA MPG across all years options knows this is an outlier. These trucks are often chosen for towing, off-road ability, or the sound and feel of a V8.

Tips to maximize efficiency

This Sierra configuration will never be a fuel sipper, but some things can help. Smooth acceleration and watching traffic can reduce fuel consumption. This engine is sensitive to throttle, so gently press the gas pedal and avoid speeding.

Make sure your tires are inflated and aligned. Low pressure increases rolling resistance, reducing MPG. Mud-terrain tires create more drag than all-season tires, so getting the most out of them is critical.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Extra tools, gear, or other items in the truck bed add weight, increasing consumption. Remove anything not needed.

Consider using the truck’s drive modes. In some situations, switching to 2WD (if available) or selecting a “Tour” or “Eco” mode can slightly improve fuel economy on the highway. Avoid using 4WD on paved roads, as it will strain the drivetrain and reduce MPG. See all Gmc fuel economy data to compare across the lineup.

Regular maintenance is critical. A tuned engine and clean air filter will ensure combustion and fuel efficiency. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule to keep your Sierra running well.