17 MPG combined isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests, but nobody shopping for a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado C15 2WD with the 6.2L V8 is prioritizing fuel efficiency above all else. This truck is about capability and, frankly, a healthy dose of V8 rumble. The people who buy this configuration are after serious towing capacity and confident acceleration, and they understand that those attributes come at a price at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates suggest you’ll see around 15 MPG in city driving and 21 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban environments where the big V8 is constantly accelerating from a standstill. The highway number is more palatable, showcasing the benefit of the eight-speed automatic transmission, which allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs when at a steady speed. However, remember that even on the highway, aggressive driving or towing will dramatically reduce that 21 MPG figure.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado C15 2WD 6.2L 8-cyl is $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. Understand that this is just an estimate; your actual fuel costs may be higher or lower depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you buy, and local gas prices.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary significantly. If you frequently tow heavy loads, expect to see numbers well below the official estimates. Similarly, aggressive acceleration and speeding will take a toll. On the other hand, careful drivers who prioritize smooth acceleration and maintain consistent speeds might be able to nudge the highway MPG closer to 23 or even 24 MPG. Pay attention to trends and see what other drivers are reporting about SILVERADO MPG across all years.

How it compares

Compared to other trucks in its class, the 2015 Silverado 6.2L’s fuel economy is what one might expect. A comparable Ford F-150 with its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 might achieve around 17 MPG combined, while the Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi V8 could land somewhere in the 15-19 MPG range combined. These differences, while seemingly small, can add up over years of ownership. However, the buyer drawn to the 6.2L Silverado is usually less concerned with marginally better fuel economy, and more focused on the reliable power and performance of the larger V8.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One way to improve fuel economy is to adopt a smoother driving style. Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking. The 6.2L V8 has plenty of torque, so you don’t need to floor it to get up to speed. Gentle acceleration will significantly reduce fuel consumption in city driving.

Regular maintenance is vital for fuel efficiency. Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, which is usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, wasting fuel. Keep up with oil changes and air filter replacements to ensure the engine is running optimally.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying heavy cargo in the bed of your truck will decrease fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need. While the Silverado is designed to haul, minimizing the load will improve gas mileage. Be sure to explore all Chevrolet fuel economy data.

Consider using cruise control on the highway when it is safe to do so. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, which can improve fuel efficiency. However, avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as the transmission may downshift frequently, negating some of the fuel-saving benefits.