17 MPG combined won’t win the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado C15 2WD 6.2L any fuel economy awards. It’s a significant trade-off that the truck’s typical buyer understands and accepts. This Silverado configuration isn’t about frugality; it’s about raw power and effortless towing capability. Buyers seeking this truck are prioritizing the potent 6.2L V8’s performance over saving on fuel, and for many, the capability it unlocks is worth the cost at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates this specific Silverado configuration, with its 6.2L engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, achieves 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s thirst during stop-and-go driving, where the sheer displacement demands a significant fuel burn to get the heavy truck moving. The highway figure represents a slight improvement, achievable when the truck settles into a steady cruise and the efficient eight-speed transmission can optimize engine RPM. Remember that these are EPA estimates achieved under controlled conditions. Real-world driving habits, load, and terrain can easily impact these numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado C15 2WD 6.2L 8-cyl at $2,600. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Of course, actual fuel costs will vary depending on individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and the specific mix of city versus highway driving. Someone who primarily uses this truck for short trips around town will likely exceed this estimate, while someone who primarily uses it for long highway journeys might come in under.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy for this Silverado typically falls within a broader range. Expect to see figures closer to the EPA estimates when driving conservatively on flat terrain. However, aggressive acceleration, heavy loads, or hilly roads can easily drop the combined MPG into the low teens. Towing will have the most dramatic impact, potentially reducing fuel economy into the single digits depending on the weight being hauled. Drivers should monitor their own fuel consumption to understand their individual results based on their specific driving patterns, and remember that fuelly.com is one great resource for finding owner-reported MPG data.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size trucks, the 2017 Silverado 6.2L’s fuel economy is generally on the lower end. The Ford F-150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine achieves a combined 22 MPG. Even the Ram 1500 with its 5.7L HEMI V8, a competitor in terms of power output, manages a slightly better 17 MPG combined in some configurations. The Silverado’s numbers reflect a focus on power and capability over efficiency. The difference can be significant over the lifespan of the vehicle, but buyers of the 6.2L Silverado prioritize performance and towing capacity over saving a few dollars at the pump. Someone considering a similar truck from a different year might find some useful information on our SILVERADO MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The 6.2L V8 is responsive and offers plenty of torque, but using it unnecessarily will quickly deplete the fuel tank. Gentle acceleration and maintaining a steady speed are key to maximizing fuel economy.

Monitor tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check the tire pressure placard on the driver’s side doorjamb and maintain the recommended pressure for optimal efficiency.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine to conserve fuel. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, so idling is rarely necessary.

Take advantage of the eight-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is designed to keep the engine in its most efficient RPM range. Avoid manually downshifting unless necessary, and let the transmission do its job. Also, consider engaging the truck’s tow/haul mode only when actively towing a trailer; leaving it engaged in normal driving will negatively impact fuel economy.