17 MPG combined comes with owning a very specific type of truck: one for someone who needs serious capability and isn’t willing to compromise. The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 4WD with the 6.2L V8 isn’t about saving gas. It’s about effortlessly towing a boat to the lake, hauling building materials to the job site, or simply having the strong feel of a classic American pickup even when not working hard. This truck appeals to drivers who prioritize power and confident performance over conserving fuel.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Silverado 6.2L 4WD at 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. Understand that these figures represent best-case scenarios under controlled conditions. City driving, with its stop-and-go traffic and frequent idling, will likely bring you closer to the lower end of that range. The 6.2L V8, while powerful, loves to drink when accelerating from a standstill. On the highway, maintaining a steady speed will yield results closer to 20 MPG, but aggressive passing or higher speeds will quickly diminish fuel efficiency. The 8-speed automatic transmission does its best to keep the engine in its optimal range, but ultimately, this is a large displacement engine in a heavy truck.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 4WD with the 6.2L V8 at $2,600. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a combination of city and highway driving, and assumes the national average fuel price. Keep in mind that your actual fuel costs could be higher or lower, depending on how you drive, where you drive, and the prevailing fuel prices in your area. If you drive significantly more than 15,000 miles a year or frequently tow heavy loads, expect to exceed that $2,600 estimate. You can see all Chevrolet fuel economy data here.

Real-world expectations

Don’t be surprised if you see numbers below the official EPA estimates in everyday driving. This Silverado is often purchased by people who value its towing and payload capacity. Pulling a trailer or carrying heavy loads will dramatically reduce fuel economy.

The 6.2L engine encourages a heavy foot. The intoxicating sound and readily available power can tempt drivers to accelerate harder and more often than necessary, leading to lower MPG. Those who live in hilly or mountainous areas will also see a decrease in fuel efficiency due to the increased strain on the engine.

How it compares

The Ford F-150, another popular full-size pickup, offers a range of engine options that impact fuel economy. A comparable F-150 with a V8 and four-wheel drive can achieve similar, but sometimes slightly better, MPG depending on the specific engine and configuration. For instance, the F-150 with the 5.0L V8 might achieve around 16 MPG combined. The Ram 1500, a competitor known for its comfortable ride, has a similar V8 offering. A similarly equipped Ram 1500 with its 5.7L Hemi V8 hovers near the 15 MPG combined mark. The key takeaway here is that all these full-size, V8-powered, four-wheel-drive trucks are in the same ballpark. If fuel economy is a top priority, explore these trucks with smaller displacement engines or consider a hybrid powertrain if available in that year model. View SILVERADO MPG across all years, to view alternatives.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 6.2L V8 responds well to smooth and steady throttle inputs. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking whenever possible. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed to minimize fuel consumption. The 8-speed automatic transmission will work optimally when you allow it to shift smoothly and predictably.

Tire pressure plays an important role in fuel economy. Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the pressure recommended on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consumes more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature changes.

Unnecessary weight in the bed of the truck will negatively impact fuel economy. Remove any tools, equipment, or other items that you don’t need to carry on a regular basis. The less weight the truck has to haul around, the less gas it will consume.

When towing, be mindful of the additional strain on the engine and transmission. Reduce your speed and allow ample time for braking. Engage tow/haul mode when appropriate, as this optimizes the transmission’s shift points for towing performance.