17 MPG combined is what you can expect with a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD equipped with the strong 6.2L V8. It’s not a fuel sipper, and Chevrolet doesn’t claim it is. This truck exists to deliver serious capability, and fuel economy is secondary to horsepower and torque. Buyers of this specific Silverado configuration – the one with the biggest engine and four-wheel drive – understand this tradeoff. They aren’t shopping for efficiency; they’re shopping for effortless towing, confident off-road performance, and the distinctive V8 rumble that signals power.

City and highway performance

The EPA numbers break down to 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s thirst during stop-and-go driving, where the mass of the Silverado and the aggressive throttle response contribute. The highway number is somewhat more palatable, but even there, the 6.2L V8 requires careful management to achieve those figures. The 10-speed automatic transmission does its best to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range under light loads, but any significant demand for power quickly drops the transmission several gears because this engine isn’t subtle and demands fuel when it’s being used.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD 6.2L 8-cyl at $3,400. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that your actual fuel costs may vary significantly depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of driving you do. If you primarily use your Silverado for short trips around town or for heavy towing, expect to spend considerably more than $3,400 per year on gasoline. Those looking for improvements to this total should look for SILVERADO MPG across all years.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy for the 2025 Silverado 6.2L V8 is heavily dependent on driving style and usage. Someone who frequently tows heavy loads is unlikely to ever see 20 MPG on the highway. Conversely, a driver who primarily uses the truck for commuting on relatively flat highways might be able to match or even slightly exceed the EPA estimate. Payload also impacts fuel economy. Hauling heavy items reduces mpg and affects the truck’s handling and braking. Aggressive driving habits, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, will significantly reduce fuel economy in both city and highway driving. This engine encourages spirited driving, so resist the urge for the best economy.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2025 Silverado 6.2L 4WD isn’t winning any fuel economy contests. The Ford F-150 with its optional 3.5L EcoBoost V6, for example, achieves a combined EPA rating of 20 MPG when equipped with four-wheel drive. A Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi V8 and eTorque mild-hybrid system manages around 19 MPG combined in 4×4 configuration. The Toyota Tundra with its i-FORCE 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 manages around 18 MPG combined. These differences, while seemingly small, can add up to significant savings over the life of the vehicle. However, Silverado buyers often prioritize the raw power and proven reliability of the 6.2L V8 over marginal fuel economy gains offered by competitors’ smaller, turbocharged engines. You can view all Chevrolet fuel economy data on our site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 6.2L V8 rewards a light foot. Avoid aggressive acceleration and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. This engine’s abundant torque makes it easy to cruise at highway speeds without needing to constantly downshift.

Tire pressure is critical on a heavy vehicle. Ensure that your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, which can be found on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy and can cause undue wear and tear.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling around extra cargo reduces fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the bed and cab of your truck to minimize weight.

Consider enabling ‘Auto Stop/Start’ if your truck has it, or switch it off based on your driving patterns, driving data collected by AAA suggests this system can boost your city MPG by as much as 5-7%, but some drivers find its operation intrusive. This Silverado and its engine are heavy, so restarts are inefficient.