17 MPG combined reflects the reality for those who want strong performance and hauling capability from a half-ton pickup. The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado C15 2WD with the 6.2L V8 isn’t bought for sipping fuel, it’s bought for effortlessly towing trailers, blasting down backroads, and making a statement with its muscular presence. This truck is for those who prioritize power and capability, and for them, fuel economy is a secondary consideration, an accepted tradeoff.

City and highway performance

The 6.2L V8 is the best part of this Silverado. The EPA estimates 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. These figures are a direct result of the engine’s displacement and power output. Around town, frequent stop-and-go driving combined with the engine’s eagerness to accelerate will quickly drain the fuel tank. However, on the open road, the eight-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine in its most efficient range, allowing for respectable highway mileage, especially when cruising at consistent speeds.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado C15 2WD 6.2L 8-cyl is $2,600. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of the EPA’s testing. Keep in mind that this figure will vary based on individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of driving you do most often. Those who primarily use their Silverado for short trips around town can expect to spend more than the EPA’s estimate, while those who do mostly highway driving may see a slightly lower annual cost.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary significantly. Drivers who frequently tow or haul heavy loads should anticipate even lower MPG figures. Aggressive driving habits like rapid acceleration and hard braking will negatively impact fuel consumption too. However, those who adopt a more conservative driving style and prioritize smooth acceleration can potentially exceed the EPA estimates, especially on the highway. But the bottom line is this: buying a truck with this much power means you’re likely going to *use* that power, and that means burning fuel.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the 2016 Silverado 6.2L is comparable to other trucks with similar performance capabilities. For example, a 2016 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 achieves around 19 MPG combined, but many Silverado buyers prefer the raw power and sound of a naturally aspirated V8. A Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi V8 posts similar numbers, landing around 17 MPG combined. Understanding these differences is important for the buyer who needs truck capabilities without sacrificing as much fuel efficiency. See all Chevrolet fuel economy data to put this truck in perspective. You can also investigate SILVERADO MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Even though it’s not a Prius, small adjustments can improve the Silverado’s fuel economy.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended levels found on the sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Avoid aggressive driving habits. Rapid acceleration and hard braking waste fuel. Anticipate traffic flow, maintain a steady speed, and allow plenty of following distance to minimize the need for sudden stops.

Lighten your load. Carrying unnecessary weight in the bed of the truck reduces fuel economy. Remove any items that are not essential for your daily driving or work tasks.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed on long highway drives can improve fuel efficiency. Cruise control helps to avoid unintentional speed fluctuations, which can negatively affect MPG.

Consider a tonneau cover. While the impact is debatable, some studies suggest that a tonneau cover can slightly improve fuel economy by reducing aerodynamic drag, especially at highway speeds.