15 MPG combined won’t win any fuel economy awards, but for the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with mud-terrain tires, four-wheel drive, and the reliable 6.2L V8, it’s a compromise. This isn’t a truck for hypermilers or budget-conscious commuters; it’s for those who prioritize capability, performance, and a commanding presence, often venturing off the beaten path where fuel costs are a secondary concern.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates suggest 14 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s thirst during stop-and-go traffic and frequent acceleration. Highway numbers, while slightly better, are limited by the large tires, four-wheel-drive components adding weight and friction, and the vehicle’s blunt aerodynamics. This truck is never going to slip through the air unnoticed, nor is it intended to. Owners accept these figures as the cost of owning a powerful, off-road-ready machine.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this Silverado configuration at $3,850. This assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, split between city and highway conditions, using national average fuel prices. While this is a significant expense, prospective buyers are likely more focused on the truck’s capabilities, towing, hauling, off-road prowess, rather than squeezing every last mile from a gallon of gasoline. It’s a calculated trade-off for the utility and enjoyment the truck provides.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates offer a baseline, real-world MPG will vary based on driving style, terrain, and load. Aggressive acceleration, frequent towing, or extended off-road use will significantly decrease fuel economy. Conversely, a more conservative driving style and a greater proportion of highway miles might yield slightly better results. Realistically, owners should expect to see figures generally aligned with the EPA’s projections, potentially a bit lower depending on their specific usage patterns.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size trucks, the Silverado with the 6.2L V8 and mud-terrain tires falls on the lower end of the fuel economy spectrum. A Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and four-wheel drive manages around 20 MPG combined. Even the Ram 1500 with its 5.7L Hemi V8 can achieve slightly better numbers, rated around 17 MPG. Buyers of the 6.2L Silverado aren’t typically cross-shopping for maximum efficiency; they prioritize the raw power and distinctive sound of the V8 engine. These buyers choose the 6.2L for its power delivery and iconic sound, accepting the fuel economy penalty. You can find all Chevrolet fuel economy data on our site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Minimize idling time. The 6.2L V8 consumes a considerable amount of fuel when idling, especially when cold. Turn the engine off if you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute.

Monitor your tire pressure. Mud-terrain tires, while great off-road, can increase rolling resistance. Maintaining the recommended pressure will help optimize fuel economy and extend tire life. It’s even more important with heavy tires like these.

Avoid aggressive driving. The temptation to unleash the 6.2L’s power is understandable, but hard acceleration and sudden braking will significantly reduce fuel economy. Drive smoothly and anticipate traffic conditions to conserve fuel.

Lighten your load and remove unnecessary accessories. Extra weight adds to the engine’s workload, impacting fuel economy. Remove any cargo or accessories that aren’t essential for your trip. Even better, if you don’t need the beefy mud-terrain tires all the time, consider swapping them out for a less aggressive tire if you do a lot of highway miles.

Use cruise control. On the highway, cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, reducing fluctuations in throttle input and improving fuel efficiency. You can find SILVERADO MPG across all years on our site.