The 2016 GMC Sierra K15 4WD with the strong 6.2L V8 engine has an official EPA rating of 17 MPG combined. Nobody buys this truck expecting great gas mileage. It’s purchased for its high towing capacity, its muscular performance, and its bold road presence. Fuel Economy is a secondary concern for the buyer who prioritizes power and capability above all else. Hauling heavy loads, navigating tough terrain, and projecting an image of strength are what this truck is about, and it delivers on all fronts, but you’ll be making frequent trips to the gas station.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates put the 2016 Sierra 6.2L 4WD at 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the truck’s weight and engine size hurt fuel economy. The highway figure is more respectable, but any significant load or aggressive driving will lower that number quickly. The eight-speed automatic transmission does its best to optimize fuel consumption, but it’s battling a powerful, thirsty V8 engine. It’s best to check the SIERRA MPG across all years to see year-over-year variations.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2016 GMC Sierra K15 4WD 6.2L is $2,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation uses national average fuel prices, which can fluctuate significantly depending on your location and the time of year. Your actual fuel costs could be higher or lower depending on your driving habits and where you live. Consider this number a benchmark, not a guarantee.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs from the official numbers. Expect lower MPG if you frequently tow trailers, drive in mountainous areas, or accelerate quickly. Tire pressures, vehicle maintenance, and even the type of fuel you use can also impact fuel economy. Maintaining your truck, driving conservatively, and avoiding unnecessary idling can help you get closer to the EPA estimates. This is a big, powerful truck, and it will use fuel accordingly.

How it compares

The 2016 Sierra’s fuel economy is lower than some of its competitors. The Ford F-150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine can achieve around 22 MPG combined in 4×4 configuration. Even the F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost offers slightly better fuel economy, typically around 20 MPG combined. Ram 1500 trucks with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engine offer significantly better mileage, often exceeding 24 MPG combined. Note that none of these engines deliver the raw horsepower and towing muscle of the Sierra’s 6.2L V8. The Sierra sacrifices fuel economy for sheer power. Comparing all Gmc fuel economy data to other brands can help paint a full picture.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid flooring the accelerator at every opportunity. The 6.2L engine is incredibly responsive, but enjoying its power consumes a lot of fuel. Accelerate gently and maintain a steady speed.

Keep your tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and burns more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially before long trips or when hauling heavy loads.

Minimize idling time. Modern engines consume a surprising amount of fuel while idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. This simple habit can save fuel, especially in city driving.

Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed. This can help you avoid sudden acceleration and deceleration, which wastes fuel. Be mindful of the terrain, though, as cruise control may downshift excessively on hills. This can reduce some of the fuel-saving benefits.

Consider using a tonneau cover or removing the tailgate when it’s not needed. These modifications can improve aerodynamics and reduce drag, which can improve fuel economy at highway speeds.