The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 with mud-terrain tires, four-wheel drive, and the 5.3L V8 engine gets 17 MPG combined. This is not a Prius. It’s a capable off-roader and workhorse, built for buyers who prioritize capability and ruggedness over fuel efficiency. These fuel economy numbers are what you get with this specific ownership experience, and many find it a worthwhile trade.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates show 15 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway, highlighting where the Sierra’s V8 uses the most gas. Stop-and-go traffic requires frequent acceleration, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. The 10-speed automatic transmission helps optimize efficiency at higher speeds, resulting in better highway mileage. Understanding these figures allows owners to adjust their driving habits and plan routes to minimize inefficient stop-and-go driving, improving overall fuel consumption.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this Sierra configuration at $2,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, a mix of city and highway driving, and the national average fuel price. This is a significant expense that prospective buyers must consider in their budget, a substantial cost for owning a truck with these capabilities.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides standardized testing, real-world fuel economy can vary based on driving style, load, terrain, and tire pressure. Owners who frequently tow or haul heavy loads should expect numbers below the EPA estimates. Similarly, those driving in mountainous areas or on unpaved roads will likely see a decrease in fuel economy.

However, drivers with a lighter foot and consistent highway driving may achieve figures closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA’s 19 MPG highway rating.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD with mud-terrain tires and the 5.3L V8 is similar to its competitors. For example, the Ford F-150 with the comparable 5.0L V8 and four-wheel drive achieves a similar 17 MPG combined. The Toyota Tundra with its older generation V8 and four-wheel drive is often quoted at 15 MPG combined. The RAM 1500 with the 5.7L HEMI and 4×4 can only manage 17 MPG combined. While other powertrain options, such as the GM’s turbocharged 2.7L inline-four or the Duramax diesel achieve significantly better fuel economy, they represent a different trade-off in terms of performance and initial cost. Buyers who want a V8 and four-wheel drive typically understand that they are not prioritizing fuel efficiency. Across all years, explore the SIERRA MPG to spot any potential trend.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Because of the Sierra’s fuel consumption, optimizing driving habits can help. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking, maintaining a steady pace when possible. Use cruise control on the highway to minimize speed fluctuations, which increases efficiency.

Regular maintenance is crucial. Make sure the tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, and keep up with scheduled oil changes and air filter replacements. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently, getting the most miles from each gallon.

Consider minimizing the use of four-wheel drive when it’s not needed. Driving in 4WD on dry pavement can reduce fuel economy and cause unnecessary wear on the drivetrain. Only engage 4WD when necessary for optimal traction in challenging conditions.

Remove any unnecessary weight from the truck bed or cabin. Excess weight reduces fuel economy, making the engine work harder. Cleaning out the bed and removing items not needed in the cab will help improve MPG, even slightly. For all Gmc fuel economy data, feel free to visit.