17 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, especially in 2015. Fuel economy is likely irrelevant to the person who bought a Chevrolet SS with the 6.2L LS3 V8. This was a four-door sedan designed to deliver ferocious acceleration, a snarling exhaust note, and the visceral driving experience that was rapidly disappearing from the automotive landscape. Nobody cross-shopped this with a Prius, and that’s precisely the point.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates break down to 14 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the reality of stop-and-go driving with a potent V8 under the hood. It requires considerable restraint to not dip into the throttle at every opportunity. The highway number is more palatable. The SS, especially with the automatic transmission, settles into a relaxed cruise at highway speeds. But any attempt to exploit the available power on the open road will see that 21 MPG figure plummet rapidly.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,400 for the 2015 Chevrolet SS. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Drivers who primarily use their SS for short commutes in urban environments, or those with a lead foot, should expect to exceed this figure. Conversely, those who predominantly use it for longer highway trips and drive conservatively might be able to get it slightly lower. Always check all Chevrolet fuel economy data to see how the SS compares to other Chevy models.

Real-world expectations

The 2015 Chevrolet SS buyer cares about what the car delivers on the road, not necessarily what the EPA says it should deliver. Expect a real-world average somewhere in the mid-teens. Spirited driving will drag the MPG down to single digits, while a steady hand and consistent highway cruising may push it closer to 20 MPG. This vehicle is all about the thrill of driving, and hypermiling techniques rarely enhance that experience. Find more information on SS MPG across all years.

How it compares

Consider the SS against its contemporaries. The Dodge Charger R/T with the 5.7L V8 was rated at 19 MPG combined, 16 city, and 25 highway. The Chrysler 300S with the same engine offered identical figures. A Cadillac CTS V-Sport with its twin-turbo V6 managed 19 MPG combined, 16 city, and 24 highway. While these numbers are marginally better than the SS, they represent different cars with different characters. The CTS V-Sport, for example, lacked the SS’s raw, analog feel. The buyers who chose the SS did so knowing it wasn’t the most efficient choice; instead, they valued its unique blend of performance and old-school charm.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While out-and-out fuel saving is probably not at the top of mind for an SS owner, there are some ways to squeeze some extra miles out of each tank without sacrificing all enjoyment.

Practice smooth acceleration and avoid abrupt stops. The LS3 produces a lot of torque at low RPMs. Take advantage of this and avoid revving the engine unnecessarily. Every hard launch and heavy braking wastes valuable fuel.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, decreasing fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels as specified on the door jamb sticker. This is just good practice for any car, but it is especially important when you have a big engine pushing a lot of weight.

Reduce unnecessary weight whenever possible. Remove any items from the trunk or rear seats that are not essential. Excess weight requires more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Empty out the trunk, remove any items you are needlessly carrying, and keep the car clean.

Plan your trips and avoid peak traffic times. Stop-and-go traffic consumes fuel at an alarming rate. Choose routes and times that minimize idling and maximize steady-state driving whenever possible. Even a few minutes less in gridlock can make a noticeable difference.