The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2WD with the 3.0L Duramax diesel achieves 26 MPG combined. This is good fuel efficiency for a full-size truck, while still offering the capability that Silverado owners demand. This configuration isn’t for the off-road enthusiast or the contractor hauling heavy equipment daily. This truck serves the buyer who needs the occasional utility of a truck bed and the space of a large vehicle, but prioritizes fuel economy during regular commutes and highway trips.

City and highway performance

The EPA breaks down the Silverado’s fuel economy further, awarding it 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the truck’s weight and size are more noticeable. The highway MPG showcases the Duramax diesel’s efficiency when cruising at consistent speeds. The 10-speed automatic transmission plays a critical role here, keeping the engine in its optimal power band and maximizing fuel savings. This makes the Silverado 2WD 3.0L an attractive option for those who frequently travel long distances or live in areas with lengthy commutes.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2WD 3.0L at $2,150. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and uses the national average fuel price. Fuel prices vary significantly across the country and fluctuate constantly, so your actual fuel costs could be higher or lower. However, the $2,150 provides a standardized benchmark for comparing the Silverado’s fuel expenses against other vehicles. Shoppers can get a sense of all Chevrolet fuel economy data too.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures offer a good baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary depending on driving habits, road conditions, and even weather. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and carrying heavy loads will all decrease MPG. Conversely, smooth driving, proper tire inflation, and regular maintenance can help you achieve or even exceed the EPA estimates. Some drivers say they achieve highway MPG figures in the low 30s during steady-state cruising, demonstrating the potential of this diesel engine when driven efficiently.

How it compares

The Silverado 2WD 3.0L Duramax sets a high bar for fuel economy among full-size trucks. The Ford F-150, while offering a hybrid powertrain, does not consistently achieve these diesel’s numbers in real-world driving. Even the Ram 1500 with its eTorque mild-hybrid system lags behind in highway efficiency. A comparable Ram achieves around 20 MPG combined. The Toyota Tundra, known for its reliability, prioritizes power over fuel efficiency in most configurations, achieving closer to 19 MPG combined in its non-hybrid trims. These comparisons matter to the Silverado buyer because they’re looking for a full-size truck that doesn’t break the bank at the pump. Shoppers can review SILVERADO MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to maximizing fuel economy with the Duramax diesel. Avoid abrupt starts and stops to prevent unnecessary fuel consumption. The Silverado’s 10-speed transmission is designed to keep the engine in its most efficient range, so let it do its job by applying smooth and consistent throttle pressure.

Monitor your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure, and use a reliable gauge to ensure your tires are properly inflated.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo in the bed or cab of your Silverado adds to the vehicle’s overall weight, decreasing fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need to be hauling around on a daily basis.

Minimize idling. Idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. The Duramax diesel is designed for quick and easy restarts, so it’s generally more efficient to shut it off than to let it idle.