19 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but for the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab, it’s an acceptable reality when you consider what this truck is built to do. This is a full-size, body-on-frame pickup with a spacious cabin, a bed that can handle serious payloads, and the kind of towing capacity families and tradespeople demand. It’s a workhorse first, and a family vehicle second. The buyers who choose this truck understand that capability comes at a price, and that price includes trips to the gas station.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the Silverado 1500 Crew Cab with the 5.3L V8 achieves 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving. The 5.3L V8 has to work harder to get the heavy truck moving from a standstill, and idling at traffic lights doesn’t help fuel economy. The highway figure, however, is more respectable. With the truck cruising at a steady speed, the engine is more efficient, and the six-speed automatic transmission helps to keep the engine in its optimal range. Many drivers find that they can meet or even slightly exceed the 23 MPG highway estimate on longer trips, especially if they drive with a light foot and avoid aggressive acceleration.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab is $2,763. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% of those miles driven in the city and 55% on the highway. The calculation also uses the national average fuel prices at the time the EPA made the estimate. Keep in mind that this is only an estimate, and your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (more city or highway), and the current price of gasoline in your area. Checking all Chevrolet fuel economy data can also give hints at other vehicles from the manufacturer with different fuel costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy for the Silverado 1500 Crew Cab can vary significantly depending on how the truck is used. Towing heavy loads, hauling materials in the bed, or driving in hilly terrain will all decrease fuel economy. Conversely, driving conservatively on the highway, avoiding unnecessary idling, and keeping tires properly inflated can help to improve fuel economy. Many owners report seeing fuel economy figures that are slightly lower than the EPA estimates, especially if they frequently use the truck for work or towing. Others find that they can achieve better fuel economy than the EPA estimates, particularly on long road trips. The SILVERADO MPG across all years can also give hints at which years have best fuel economy.

How it compares

The 2015 Silverado 1500, with its 19 MPG combined, sits in the middle of the pack compared to its main competitors. The Ford F-150, especially with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, offered slightly better fuel economy, often achieving around 20-22 MPG combined. The Ram 1500 with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 was another strong contender, frequently delivering 21-23 MPG combined. The Toyota Tundra, on the other hand, typically lags behind in fuel economy, often struggling to reach 18 MPG combined, especially with its larger V8 engine. For the Silverado buyer, the trade-off between capability and fuel economy is key. They’re willing to accept slightly lower MPG than some competitors in exchange for the proven reliability of the Chevrolet truck.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Anticipate traffic flow. Coasting to red lights or slowing down gradually, rather than braking hard at the last minute, will save fuel. The Silverado’s mass requires momentum, so avoid unnecessary stops and starts whenever possible. A smooth driving style is key to maximizing MPG in this truck.

Keep up with maintenance. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and properly inflated tires all contribute to better fuel economy. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently, and properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance. Simple maintenance tasks can add up to noticeable fuel savings over time.

Minimize idling. The 5.3L V8 burns a significant amount of fuel when idling. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. This is especially important in urban environments, where idling at traffic lights and in congestion can have a significant impact on fuel economy. This is even more true in summertime. Even with a properly operating cooling fan, it is still ideal to not let the engine idle for great lengths of time if you can help it.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps to maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy. Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration while using cruise control, as this can negate some of the benefits. Try to anticipate hills and adjust your speed gradually to minimize the need for the transmission to downshift.