16 MPG combined. That’s what you get with the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD equipped with mud-terrain tires and the turbocharged 2.7L four-cylinder engine. Nobody is buying this particular Silverado configuration for its fuel efficiency. This is a truck built for serious off-road capability, and the fuel economy is a necessary compromise for the added grip and ground clearance demanded by weekend warriors and those who regularly find themselves on unpaved roads.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the city fuel economy at 16 MPG, mirroring the combined figure. This indicates that the engine’s stop-start system, coupled with the eight-speed automatic transmission’s lower gearing, manages to maintain consistent fuel use even in stop-and-go driving. The highway MPG sees a slight bump to 17, reflecting the benefits of cruising at a constant speed. While these numbers aren’t going to win any efficiency awards, they’re largely dictated by the substantial rolling resistance of the mud-terrain tires and the aerodynamic sacrifices inherent in a lifted, four-wheel-drive pickup intended for extreme conditions.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this Silverado configuration at $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is a significant expense to factor into the overall cost of ownership, and potential buyers would be wise to budget accordingly. For those who value off-road prowess above all else, this fuel expenditure simply becomes part of the cost of admission.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary significantly. Aggressive driving, payload weight, towing, and even weather conditions can all impact your MPG. Owners who spend a significant portion of their time off-road, where speeds are lower and the engine works harder, will likely see figures lower than the EPA estimates. Conversely, those who primarily use their Silverado for commuting on relatively flat highways *might* see slightly better numbers, but don’t expect miracles from a truck riding on mud-terrain tires.

How it compares

The 2025 Silverado’s fuel economy can be easily contextualized by assessing its competitors. A comparable 4WD Ford Ranger with its turbocharged 2.3L engine typically achieves around 20 MPG combined, giving it an edge for those watching their budget. A Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4×4, with its 3.5L V6, usually lands in the 18-20 MPG range. Even the larger Ram 1500, when equipped with the eTorque V6, can often surpass the Silverado’s 2.7L turbo-four in real-world driving, achieving around 19-21 MPG. The Silverado customer, however, is accepting of this deficit, prioritizing factors like Chevrolet’s specific brand loyalties, towing capacity, or perhaps the particular aftermarket configuration opportunities that align with their specific off-road goals. Find all Chevrolet fuel economy data to compare different models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Although this Silverado isn’t designed for optimal fuel efficiency, a few strategies can help minimize fuel consumption. Be mindful of your acceleration; the turbocharger can quickly deplete fuel if you have a heavy foot. Gentle acceleration and anticipation of traffic flow will make a noticeable difference.

Regularly check your tire pressure and ensure it aligns with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Mud-terrain tires are particularly sensitive to pressure due to their aggressive tread patterns. Maintaining correct inflation minimizes rolling resistance and improves fuel efficiency.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Hauling around tools, equipment, or other items in the bed will negatively impact fuel economy. Remove anything that isn’t essential for your daily driving or off-road adventures.

Consider the terrain and conditions. If you’re primarily driving on paved surfaces, switching to a less aggressive all-terrain tire when the mud terrains wear out might provide a noticeable improvement in fuel economy without completely sacrificing off-road capability.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. Regularly servicing the engine and ensuring that it is running smoothly will contribute to optimal fuel efficiency. Things to consider are air and fuel filter, spark plugs, and oil changes.

The decision to purchase this 2025 Chevrolet Silverado configuration hinges on prioritizing off-road performance over fuel efficiency. For those who crave weekend adventures and demand a reliable truck, the 16 MPG is simply a trade-off they’re willing to make. For further Silverado research see the SILVERADO MPG across all years.