15 MPG combined. Frankly, if you’re eyeing the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 5.3L V8, mud-terrain tires, and four-wheel drive, fuel efficiency probably isn’t your main concern. This setup is made for serious capability, for those who prioritize off-road performance and a rugged look over saving money on gas. This is for the rancher who needs to cross a muddy field, the weekend warrior hitting the trails, or the homeowner who wants confident snow-day commuting. It’s about functionality and image, and the fuel economy is a trade-off they accept.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 with this specific setup are 13 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving where the truck’s weight and aggressive tire tread have a big effect. The highway number is a bit better, thanks to the 10-speed automatic transmission allowing the engine to cruise at lower RPMs. However, those mud-terrains still create more rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag compared to standard all-season tires, which reduces the overall fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for this Sierra version is $2,900. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Note that this is just an estimate, and your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, terrain, and local fuel prices. If you frequently tow heavy loads or spend a lot of time off-road, expect to pay more. For shoppers looking at all Gmc fuel economy data, other engine and drivetrain combinations are worth considering.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary quite a bit. Driving style is a big factor; aggressive acceleration and hard braking will significantly decrease your MPG. The type of driving also matters. Commuting in heavy traffic will likely result in lower numbers than cruising on the open highway. Expect variations, and don’t be surprised if you see numbers slightly above or below the official estimates.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size trucks with similar off-road abilities, the 2022 GMC Sierra’s fuel economy is generally as expected. The Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and four-wheel drive, also with off-road tires, gets around 17 MPG combined. A Ram 1500 Rebel with the 5.7L Hemi V8 and four-wheel drive gets around 15 MPG combined. If you’re interested it would be worth looking at SIERRA MPG across all years to make a comparison. These trucks often have lower fuel economy, since this truck is often valued on its off-roading prowess.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While you can’t fundamentally change this truck, you can take steps to improve your fuel economy. Avoid aggressive acceleration and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Anticipate traffic flow and brake smoothly to minimize unnecessary fuel consumption.

Regular maintenance is critical for good fuel efficiency. Make sure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, as under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance. Keep your engine properly tuned and change the air filter regularly to maintain good combustion.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the truck bed. Hauling around extra cargo affects fuel economy, so only carry what you need. Also, think about removing aftermarket accessories, such as roof racks or oversized bumpers, that can increase aerodynamic drag.

Plan your trips carefully, combining errands and avoiding peak traffic hours when you can. This can reduce stop-and-go driving, which is especially bad for fuel economy in a large truck.