2017 GMC Sierra K15 4WD 5.3L: Fuel Economy Analysis

An 18 MPG combined fuel economy is what you can expect with the 2017 GMC Sierra K1500 equipped with the 5.3L V8 engine and four-wheel drive. Most buyers aren’t expecting Prius-like efficiency in this truck. It’s a tool, a workhorse, and enables a certain lifestyle. Buyers accept the fuel consumption because they need the capabilities for towing a boat, hauling equipment, or navigating snowy roads confidently. The 5.3L V8 is a proven engine, and the 4×4 system provides essential utility that outweighs the cost at the pump for many.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 GMC Sierra K15 4WD 5.3L V8 at 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. These figures represent the ideal scenario under controlled testing. City driving, with its frequent stops, noticeably impacts fuel economy in a large truck like the Sierra.

The highway figure is more attainable because the truck settles into a steady cruise. Factors like speed, wind resistance, and cargo weight will still influence the actual MPG. The 6-speed automatic transmission is adequate but lacks the extra gears of some competitors, which can help optimize fuel consumption at higher speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,450 for this 2017 GMC Sierra configuration. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a national average fuel price. Your actual expenses may vary, but $2,450 is a general benchmark for budgeting.

It assumes a consistent driving pattern of both city and highway miles. Remember that aggressive driving or frequent towing will significantly increase this figure.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, the real-world fuel economy of the 2017 GMC Sierra K15 4WD 5.3L V8 can differ. Payload, towing, and driving style all have a significant effect. Owners who primarily use their trucks for commuting in congested areas will likely see figures closer to the 16 MPG city rating, or even lower.

Those who drive mostly highway miles with lighter loads may approach or exceed the 22 MPG highway estimate. A calm driving style, proper tire inflation, and regular maintenance will help maximize fuel efficiency in everyday use. Don’t expect miracles, but be realistic about how your driving impacts the numbers. It’s worth exploring SIERRA MPG across all years to see how this compares to other models.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the 2017 GMC Sierra K15 4WD 5.3L V8 is typical for a full-size pickup with these specifications. A comparable 2017 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8 and 4×4 gets similar numbers, around 15 MPG city and 21 MPG highway. A Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi and 4×4 is in the same ballpark, perhaps slightly lower.

Newer trucks are where the Sierra falls behind from an efficiency standpoint. For instance, the 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L and 4×4 benefits from a more advanced transmission and efficiency improvements, offering a slight increase in MPG. The 2017 Sierra’s fuel economy is competitive for its age, but newer trucks may offer improvements. You can view all Gmc fuel economy data to see how Sierra stacks up against other GMC models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid quick acceleration and hard braking to save fuel. The 5.3L V8 provides ample power, but using it unnecessarily wastes gas. Accelerate gently and anticipate traffic flow to reduce fuel consumption.

Check your tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which directly impacts fuel economy. Check your tires and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the door jamb sticker.

Reduce weight. Hauling extra weight, even within the truck’s payload capacity, noticeably affects fuel economy. Remove unnecessary items from the bed and cab to lighten the load.

Consider cruise control on the highway. Maintaining consistent speed minimizes fluctuations in fuel consumption. Cruise control can help you avoid accidental speed increases, which are a common cause of reduced MPG. However, don’t use cruise control in hilly terrain, as the transmission may downshift frequently, negating any gains.

Minimize idling. Letting your truck idle burns fuel. If stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine to save gas. Modern vehicles restart quickly, so there’s no need to idle.