21 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards for lower fuel costs, but for the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD ZR2 with its Duramax diesel, it’s a respectable figure. This isn’t a truck engineered for hypermiling; it’s designed for serious off-road capability and respectable light-duty work. The ZR2 buyer prioritizes ruggedness, advanced suspension, and a go-anywhere attitude over squeezing every last mile from a gallon of fuel. They understand the trade-off and accept it, particularly with the diesel’s torque advantage.

City and highway performance

The difference between city and highway fuel economy isn’t dramatic with the Silverado ZR2 Duramax, reflecting the diesel’s efficiency at various speeds. EPA estimates peg city driving at 20 MPG and highway cruising at 23 MPG. The 10-speed automatic transmission certainly plays a big role in optimizing fuel consumption, keeping the engine in its sweet spot whether navigating stop-and-go traffic or maintaining a steady speed on the open road. However, it’s important to remember that these numbers are based on controlled tests. Real-world driving conditions, especially when exploiting the ZR2’s capabilities off-pavement, will undoubtedly affect these figures.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,650 for the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD ZR2 Duramax. This calculation assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year and uses the national average fuel price. It’s a helpful benchmark, but individual spending will vary substantially. Drivers covering more miles, or facing higher-than-average diesel prices in their region, should expect to pay more. Those who drive less annually or find more affordable fuel sources might see a lower annual expense. The key takeaway is that this is an estimate, and your personal fuel cost will depend heavily on your driving habits and location.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to consistently match the EPA’s numbers, especially if you plan to use the Silverado ZR2 as intended. Off-roading, towing, and even aggressive driving will significantly impact fuel economy. Owners reporting their own figures on various truck forums highlight a typical range of 18-22 MPG in mixed driving conditions. Keep in mind that factors like tire pressure, payload, and ambient temperature also play a role. While the Duramax diesel is relatively efficient, it’s still powering a heavy, purpose-built truck with considerable rolling resistance from its off-road tires.

How it compares

Compared to other off-road-focused full-size trucks, the Silverado ZR2 Duramax fares reasonably well. A comparable Ford F-150 Raptor, with its high-output EcoBoost V6, achieves around 15 MPG combined. A Ram 1500 TRX, packing a supercharged V8, will struggle to break 12 MPG overall. Even the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 option in the standard Silverado models struggles to hit the ZR2 diesel’s numbers. These comparisons are especially crucial for buyers cross-shopping for a capable off-roader, demonstrating the diesel’s relative efficiency advantage despite its considerable capabilities. You can also find SILVERADO MPG across all years on our website.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Consistent tire pressure checks are vital. Maintain the recommended pressure listed on the door jamb sticker. Optimal inflation reduces rolling resistance and improves fuel economy, especially when dealing with the larger, more aggressive tires typically found on the ZR2.

Avoid unnecessary idling. Diesel engines are most efficient when operating under load. Excessive idling, especially for extended periods, burns fuel without contributing any tangible benefits. Shut it off rather than letting it run if you’re stopped for more than a minute or two.

Plan your trips effectively and consolidate errands into single journeys. Cold starts consume more fuel, so combining short trips into a longer route minimizes the number of times the engine needs to warm up. Reducing the number of cold starts will noticeably improve fuel economy over time.

Resist the urge to exploit the engine’s torque at every opportunity. Smooth, gradual acceleration is key to efficient operation. While the Duramax diesel offers impressive pulling power, using it judiciously will help preserve fuel. Lay off the throttle and let the transmission do its job.

Consider using the truck’s drive modes. While designed primarily for off-road use, the “Normal” or “Eco” modes may offer slightly more fuel-efficient settings for on-road driving. Experiment with each mode to see which feels best for your driving style and terrain. You can also research all Chevrolet fuel economy data on our site.