17 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but for the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado C10 2WD with the 5.3L V8, it’s the price of admission to a world of capability. This truck isn’t bought for hypermiling; it’s bought to haul lumber, tow boats, and handle the kinds of tough jobs that require a proper V8 engine. The fuel economy is simply a factor that buyers have already considered and accepted.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2019 Silverado C10 2WD with the 5.3L V8 and 6-speed automatic place city driving at 15 MPG and highway driving at 21 MPG. These numbers reflect the realities of a large displacement engine and a traditional automatic transmission working to move a substantial vehicle. The city figure suffers from frequent stop-and-go driving, where the engine spends a lot of time idling and accelerating from a standstill.

The highway figure, while better, is still impacted by the truck’s aerodynamics and weight. The 6-speed automatic, while reliable, lacks the fuel-saving benefits of the 8-speed or 10-speed automatics found in some competitors and later Silverado models.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for this Silverado configuration is $2,600. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Individual fuel costs will vary based on driving habits and local gas prices, but $2,600 serves as a valuable benchmark. Anyone considering purchasing this truck should factor this cost into their overall budget, alongside insurance, maintenance, and other ownership expenses.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary quite a bit. Drivers who frequently tow or haul heavy loads will likely see significantly lower MPG than the EPA figures. Conversely, those who primarily use the truck for commuting on relatively flat roads might see slightly better results, potentially approaching or even exceeding the 21 MPG highway estimate.

Aggressive driving habits, such as hard acceleration and frequent braking, will also negatively impact fuel economy. The age and condition of the truck itself also play a role. A well-maintained Silverado with properly inflated tires and clean air filters will likely perform better than one that has been neglected.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size trucks from the same year, the 2019 Silverado C10 2WD with the 5.3L is fairly middle-of-the-road when it comes to fuel economy. A 2019 Ford F-150 2WD with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 can achieve around 20 MPG combined, potentially saving hundreds of dollars in fuel annually. The Ram 1500 Classic with the 3.6L V6 also offers marginally better fuel economy, around 19 MPG combined, for those who prioritize fuel efficiency over outright towing capacity.

However, those trucks often lack the raw power and towing capacity of the Silverado’s 5.3L V8. The Nissan Titan, offered with a standard V8, typically lags behind the Silverado in EPA estimates, often achieving closer to 16 MPG combined. The choice comes down to priorities: fuel economy versus power and capability. Potential buyers can research SILVERADO MPG across all years to see how this model compares to other Silverado configurations and model years, and they can find all Chevrolet fuel economy data in our database.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the 2019 Silverado C10 2WD 5.3L isn’t known for its exceptional fuel economy, there are several things drivers can do to improve their MPG. Regularly check and maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, wasting fuel. Consult the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure.

Avoid aggressive driving habits. Rapid acceleration and hard braking consume significantly more fuel than smooth, gradual inputs. Treat the gas pedal with respect, and anticipate traffic conditions to avoid unnecessary braking. Consider using cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed and minimize fuel consumption.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance, including regular oil changes and air filter replacements. A clean air filter ensures optimal airflow to the engine, while fresh oil reduces friction and improves efficiency. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended maintenance intervals.

Minimize idling. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle. This is especially important on cold mornings, as prolonged idling to warm up the engine is generally unnecessary with modern engines. Consider using the vehicle’s auto stop/start feature if equipped, though these were not widely available on this truck.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying around extra cargo in the bed of the truck negatively impacts fuel economy. Remove any tools, equipment, or other items that you don’t need on a regular basis. The lighter the vehicle, the less fuel it will consume.