The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2WD with the 3.0L Duramax diesel gets 26 MPG combined. This shows you can have a full-size pickup that can tow, haul, and handle work or weekend adventures, without high fuel bills. This is about minimizing compromise.

City and highway performance

The 2024 Silverado 2WD 3.0L Duramax delivers 23 MPG in the city and a respectable 29 MPG on the highway. This difference shows the engine’s design. The Duramax’s abundant low-end torque works well in city driving, requiring less throttle to get the truck moving. The 10-speed automatic transmission also plays a critical role, keeping the engine efficient. On the highway, the engine cruises quietly, saving fuel as it covers long distances. The relatively narrow gap between city and highway figures shows the diesel’s efficiency and the transmission’s ability to optimize performance across varied driving conditions.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2WD 3.0L Duramax at $2,150. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. The Silverado’s diesel engine requires diesel fuel, which sometimes costs more than gasoline. However, the increased fuel efficiency of the Silverado Duramax reduces this difference making for competitive fuel costs. Individual driving habits and local fuel prices will impact the amount spent, but this $2,150 estimate provides a benchmark for prospective buyers.

Real-world expectations

The EPA figures provide a comparison, but real-world MPG varies. Factors like driving style, load, terrain, and tire pressure matter. Aggressive acceleration, frequent towing, or hilly terrain will decrease fuel economy. Gentle driving on flat roads with properly inflated tires can often yield figures that meet or exceed the EPA estimates. Pay attention to how you drive and maintain your Silverado, and you’ll get the largest economic benefit for your efforts to conserve fuel. The numbers cited above reflect the best-case scenario for the 2WD Silverado with the diesel engine.

How it compares

The 2024 Silverado 2WD 3.0L Duramax is unique in the full-size truck market. Consider the Ford F-150, the Silverado’s closest competitor. You have to choose the F-150’s PowerBoost hybrid to achieve similar fuel economy, with that truck delivering approximately 25 MPG combined. The Ram 1500 offers a mild-hybrid eTorque system that can improve fuel economy, but it still falls short of the Silverado Duramax’s numbers in real-world driving. V8s in both competing trucks use even more fuel, in the 17-20 MPG range. The Silverado 3.0L Duramax meets the needs of a full-size truck buyer who doesn’t want to compromise on capability while demanding low fuel costs. All Chevrolet fuel economy data is available online for buyers who want a more efficient truck.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Adopting a smooth driving style is important. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking, and anticipate traffic flow to maintain a consistent speed. The Silverado’s 10-speed transmission works best when allowed to shift smoothly and efficiently. Keeping a steady foot on the gas pedal will net you the most benefit over time.

Proper tire inflation is critical for fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain it at the recommended level, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which decreases MPG. Properly inflated tires improve handling and tire life.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling around tools or equipment that aren’t needed adds strain to the engine and decreases fuel efficiency. Keep the bed of your Silverado clear of extraneous weight to get the benefits. If you rarely use the functionality of a full-size truck, research Silverado MPG across all years. You may find that a smaller truck or even an SUV meets your practical needs.

Regular maintenance ensures your Silverado runs efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and fuel filter maintenance. A well-maintained engine operates more efficiently and delivers better fuel economy.

Minimize idling. Diesel engines are more efficient than gasoline engines at idle, but prolonged idling still wastes fuel. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a couple of minutes, turn off the engine. Restarting is better than letting the engine run unnecessarily.