20 MPG combined won’t win any green car awards, but it’s a genuine achievement for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid. This isn’t a Prius wearing truck clothes; it’s a full-size, rear-wheel-drive pickup designed to haul, tow, and generally undertake tasks that would make a compact crossover shudder. The hybrid system adds some efficiency to a classic American workhorse, appealing to buyers who need truck capability but want to ease their conscience (and their wallet) at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Silverado 1500 Hybrid break down to 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city number is the more impressive figure. Where a standard 5.3L Silverado guzzles fuel in stop-and-go traffic, the hybrid system uses its electric motor to shoulder some of the load. The highway MPG is respectable. While it may not compete with dedicated fuel sippers, it allows for stress-free long-distance cruising without constant worry about finding the next gas station. The 8-speed automatic transmission also plays a key role, keeping the engine in its most efficient operating range.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid is $2,200. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your individual costs may vary depending on your driving habits and local fuel prices, this provides a benchmark for comparing the Silverado Hybrid to other vehicles. It also helps you factor fuel costs into your budget when considering the overall cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, but real-world fuel economy can differ. Factors such as driving style, load, and terrain all play a role. Drivers who frequently tow or haul heavy loads will likely see a decrease in fuel economy. Similarly, driving aggressively with rapid acceleration and hard braking will negate some of the hybrid system’s benefits. However, with a mindful driving style, achieving or even exceeding the EPA estimates is possible. Owners should monitor their fuel economy over time to understand how their driving habits impact the vehicle’s efficiency.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size trucks of its era, the 2016 Silverado 1500 Hybrid occupies a unique position. A standard, non-hybrid 2016 Silverado 1500 with the same 5.3L V8 often struggles to reach 16 MPG combined. The RAM 1500 EcoDiesel, another attempt at efficiency in the full-size truck segment, achieves roughly 23 MPG combined in similar configurations. Ford’s F-150, with its EcoBoost engines, aimed for similar numbers but often fell short in real-world testing. The Silverado Hybrid appealed to buyers who were already committed to the GM brand and the Silverado’s characteristics and wanted a tangible improvement in fuel economy without sacrificing capability. For these drivers, the Hybrid offered a compromise.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of the Silverado Hybrid’s regenerative braking system. Anticipate stops and gently decelerate to allow the system to recapture energy and recharge the battery. Aggressive braking wastes energy and reduces the efficiency gains.

Monitor the power flow display in the instrument cluster. This display shows how the hybrid system is operating, whether the engine is running, the electric motor is assisting, or the battery is being charged. This feedback can help you adjust your driving style to maximize the electric motor’s use.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the door jamb sticker.

Avoid unnecessary idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. The hybrid system automatically shuts off the engine at stoplights, but you can manually turn it off in other situations after the engine warms up. All Chevrolet fuel economy data will show that idling really hurts MPG.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control maintains a consistent speed, which reduces unnecessary acceleration and braking. This helps to improve fuel economy, especially on long trips. Compare the SILVERADO MPG across all years and you will note a significant difference based on driving habits.