17 MPG combined won’t win any fuel efficiency awards, but for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado C15 Cab Chassis 2WD with the 5.3L V8, it’s simply part of the deal. This isn’t a vehicle purchased for saving fuel on the way to the opera, it’s a bare-bones workhorse designed for businesses that need a solid foundation on which to build their business. Think contractors, landscapers, small delivery services, people for whom capability and upfitting potential trump Prius-like fuel economy.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates this specific Silverado configuration at 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, showing the limitations of a large-displacement, naturally aspirated V8 tasked with moving a substantial vehicle. The highway number is somewhat better, but even there, the aerodynamics of a work truck severely limit its efficiency at higher speeds. Expect the highway MPG to drop if you’re consistently running at 75+ mph or fighting a headwind. Also, the 6-speed automatic transmission, while durable, lacks the gear count needed to keep the engine consistently in its sweet spot for fuel economy. More gears offer more flexibility, better acceleration, and improved fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,600 for this Silverado. This figure assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, using the EPA’s calculation based on national average fuel prices. However, consider this a baseline. If you’re putting significantly more miles on the truck per year, or if your local fuel prices are notably higher than the national average, that $2,600 figure will need to be adjusted upwards. This cost is a significant line item for businesses, so understanding your specific usage patterns is critical for budgeting purposes. It’s worth exploring all Chevrolet fuel economy data to see if other models or configurations better suit your needs.

Real-world expectations

The EPA rating offers a standardized comparison point, but your real-world mileage will vary widely. Factors like payload, driving style, and terrain all play a significant role. Hauling heavy equipment or consistently driving in hilly areas will dramatically reduce fuel economy. Aggressive acceleration and hard braking also take their toll. Owners frequently report figures slightly below the EPA estimates, particularly in mixed driving conditions. Don’t be surprised if you consistently see closer to 16 MPG in everyday use. Keep accurate records of your mileage and fuel fill-ups to understand your actual fuel costs.

How it compares

The 2017 Ford F-150 with its 2.7L EcoBoost V6 offered significantly better fuel economy, achieving up to 22 MPG combined in 2WD configurations. A Ram 1500 from the same year, equipped with the 3.6L V6, typically delivered around 20 MPG combined. These trucks targeted buyers who were still looking for capability but prioritized fuel efficiency to a greater degree than the Silverado C15 Cab Chassis buyer. The Silverado buyer makes a conscious trade-off: they accept the lower MPG in exchange for the proven durability and simplicity of the 5.3L V8, a powerplant known for its long-term reliability even under demanding conditions. It’s a different kind of value than chasing maximum MPG figures, see SILVERADO MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Proper tire inflation is important for maximizing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain it at the manufacturer’s recommended level. Even a few PSI below the recommended pressure can noticeably increase rolling resistance and reduce your MPG. Given that these trucks are often used for demanding work, make sure that tires are rated for the load.

Avoid unnecessary idling. The 5.3L V8 consumes a surprising amount of fuel when idling, even for short periods. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. This is especially important on job sites.

Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration or hard braking. The engine management system in the Silverado is designed to optimize fuel efficiency when operating under steady-state conditions. Rapid changes in speed disrupt this optimization and waste fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent pace whenever possible.

Minimize unnecessary weight. The heavier the truck, the more fuel it consumes. Remove any tools, equipment, or materials from the truck bed that are not needed for the current task. This is common sense, but many contractors allow their trucks to become rolling storage containers.

Consider aftermarket tuning, but proceed with caution. Some aftermarket tuners offer programs designed to improve fuel economy, but ensure that the chosen tuner is reputable and that the program is specifically tailored to your engine and transmission combination. Incorrect tuning can actually degrade fuel economy and potentially damage the engine.