The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado C15 2WD with the 5.3L V8 engine gets 19 MPG combined. This truck isn’t designed to save fuel. It’s for the contractor hauling tools, the weekend boater, or the homeowner needing a capable pickup. They understand they are trading gas mileage for the strong capability the Silverado provides.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates are 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the many stops and starts of driving and the natural inefficiency of a large vehicle in a city. The 23 MPG highway rating shows the Silverado can get reasonable efficiency on long, steady drives. This is partly thanks to GM’s Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) system, which can shut down four cylinders under light load to conserve fuel. However, quick acceleration or heavy loads will quickly negate any fuel-saving gains.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost at $2,300 for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado C15 2WD 5.3L V8. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, driving about 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Remember that this is an estimate. Your fuel costs will change based on how you drive, where you live, and gas prices. Expect to spend more than $2,300 if you mostly drive in the city or are heavy on the gas pedal. You might spend less if you drive mostly highway miles and drive carefully.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world fuel economy can be different. Many Silverado owners report averaging around 17-20 MPG in mixed driving. Fuel economy decreases when hauling heavy loads or towing. Expect numbers in the low teens when working the Silverado hard. You might see numbers above 23 MPG if trying to maximize fuel economy on the highway.

How it compares

The 2016 Silverado’s fuel economy is similar to other full-size, half-ton trucks with similar engines. A 2016 Ford F-150 2WD with the 5.0L V8 is rated at 18 MPG combined (15 city/22 highway). A 2016 Ram 1500 2WD with the 5.7L Hemi V8 gets about 17 MPG combined. These differences can add up. Someone prioritizing lower fuel costs might consider the Ford F-150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, which gets a better 22 MPG combined. But that engine has a different driving feel and might not provide the raw power some Silverado buyers want. Compare all Chevrolet fuel economy data with competing trucks before making that important purchase decision. You can also see SILVERADO MPG across all years to see if newer or older models have better numbers.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One way to improve fuel economy in a Silverado is to drive smoothly and avoid accelerating quickly. The 5.3L V8 responds quickly, but each hard press of the gas pedal burns fuel. Anticipate traffic and maintain a consistent speed to reduce the need for sudden braking and acceleration.

Keep your Silverado maintained. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and air filter replacements can improve fuel economy. Ensure your tires are at the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts MPG. Check the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb for the correct pressure.

Remove any unnecessary weight from the truck bed when not needed. Extra weight forces the engine to work harder, using more fuel. This matters for those who haul tools or equipment. Store items in a toolbox or remove them when not needed.

Use the Silverado’s cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed minimizes changes in throttle position, giving more consistent fuel use. Be careful using cruise control in hilly areas, as the transmission may downshift often, reducing some of the benefits.