19 MPG combined is what owners get with the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado K15 4WD with the 4.3L V6. It’s not a stellar figure, but it reflects the compromise required to get a capable, body-on-frame pickup with four-wheel drive. This Silverado isn’t chasing Prius-level efficiency; it’s built for work and weekend adventures, prioritizing utility over fuel savings.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Silverado V6 4WD at 17 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. These numbers are predictably lower than the two-wheel drive version, a direct result of the added weight and mechanical drag imposed by the four-wheel drive system. City driving, with its stop-and-go conditions, highlights the engine’s inherent thirst.

Highway driving allows the six-speed automatic transmission to settle into its higher gears, providing slightly better economy, assuming a steady foot and speeds within reasonable limits.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado K15 4WD 4.3L V6 is $2,300. This figure assumes 15,000 miles driven per year, using national average fuel prices. This is an estimate, and your actual fuel expenses will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and the fluctuating cost of gasoline. Aggressive acceleration, frequent towing, or prolonged idling will all increase that annual figure.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized baseline, real-world fuel economy for the Silverado V6 4WD often falls within a slightly broader range. Owners who prioritize fuel efficiency and practice conservative driving techniques may achieve figures closer to the EPA estimates, or even slightly exceed them on long highway trips. If you regularly use the truck for hauling, towing, or off-road adventures, expect your MPG to dip below the official numbers. Many drivers report combined fuel economy in the 16-19 MPG range in mixed driving conditions. Aggressive driving can easily reduce the MPG.

For those seeking better fuel economy, compare SILVERADO MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2018 Silverado’s fuel economy is competitive, but not the best. The Ford F-150, with its 2.7L EcoBoost V6 and four-wheel drive, often delivers slightly better real-world fuel economy, averaging around 20 MPG combined. The Ram 1500, with its 3.6L V6, is closer to the Silverado’s numbers, achieving around 18 MPG combined with four-wheel drive. These are estimates, and individual results will vary.

For those focused on fuel economy, the smaller Chevrolet Colorado, with its available diesel engine, offers significantly better numbers, approaching 25 MPG combined in four-wheel-drive configuration. The Silverado buyer understands that truck capability, four-wheel drive traction and V6 horsepower come at a cost. Review all Chevrolet fuel economy data to make an informed decision.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Tire pressure is easily overlooked, but properly inflated tires significantly reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel economy. Consult the sticker on your doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure and check your tires regularly, especially during temperature fluctuations. Maintaining optimal tire pressure is one of the simplest ways to save fuel.

Avoid aggressive driving habits. Rapid acceleration and hard braking waste fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Smooth acceleration and deceleration are key to maximizing fuel efficiency in any vehicle, but especially in a truck like the Silverado.

Remove unnecessary weight from the truck bed. Carrying around extra tools, equipment, or debris adds weight to the vehicle, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Regularly clear out the bed to lighten the load.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long trips. Be mindful of the terrain; avoid using cruise control on hilly roads, as the system may downshift frequently, negating any fuel savings.

Minimize idling time. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. This is especially important when warming up the engine in cold weather; modern engines warm up quickly while driving, so prolonged idling is unnecessary.