21 MPG combined might not sound impressive, but in the world of full-size, rear-wheel-drive pickups, it’s a figure that holds a certain appeal. The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado C10 2WD, equipped with its spunky 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder, isn’t trying to win over hardcore towing enthusiasts. This truck speaks to a different kind of buyer: the urban contractor, the weekend warrior, or anyone who needs the utility of a bed without the fuel bills of a V8.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates paint a fairly consistent picture: 20 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. Remember, these figures represent controlled testing conditions. The city rating reflects simulated stop-and-go traffic, while the highway number represents steady-state cruising. The 2.7L turbo benefits from its eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing it to stay in its optimal power band, whether threading through urban congestion or maintaining speed on the open road. That transmission plays a huge part in how efficiently this truck uses fuel.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado C10 2WD at $2,100. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. While individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits and localized gas prices, this $2,100 provides a useful benchmark for comparison. It’s a tangible number to consider when weighing the Silverado against other trucks or even against SUVs in the same price range.

Real-world expectations

Real-world MPG will always vary from EPA estimates. Factors such as driving style, load, tire pressure, and even weather conditions can influence fuel consumption. Owners who frequently tow or haul heavy loads will inevitably see a decrease in fuel economy. Conversely, those who predominantly drive on the highway with a light load might achieve slightly better than the EPA’s 23 MPG. As with any vehicle, consistent maintenance, including regular oil changes and tire rotations, is critical for maintaining optimal fuel efficiency. Check SILVERADO MPG across all years for more data.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size pickups, the 2019 Silverado C10 2WD with the 2.7L engine holds its own. A comparable Ford F-150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, for example, achieved EPA ratings of 20 MPG city and 26 MPG highway for a 2019 model. While the Ford edges out the Silverado on the highway, the Silverado’s four-cylinder manages to stay competitive. A Ram 1500 with the 3.6L eTorque V6 in 2019 delivers around 20 MPG combined. The Toyota Tundra lags behind with its V8 engines, typically registering around 13-14 MPG combined. The fuel economy considerations become particularly important for buyers who plan on using their truck as a daily driver, where the savings on each fill-up add up over time. Chevrolet has a lot of data on all Chevrolet fuel economy data for other models too.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of the Silverado’s Driver Information Center to monitor your fuel economy in real time. Paying attention to your average MPG and instant MPG can provide valuable insights into your driving habits and help you adjust to drive more efficiently. The display can help you identify situations where you are wasting fuel, such as excessive idling or rapid acceleration.

The 2.7L turbo engine benefits from smooth, gradual acceleration. Avoid stomping on the gas pedal, as this forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and try to maintain a steady speed, allowing the turbocharger to operate efficiently without excessive boosting.

Ensure that your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, leading to reduced fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature changes. As temperatures drop, tire pressure decreases, and vice versa.

Minimize unnecessary weight in the bed of your truck. Extra weight increases the engine’s workload and reduces fuel economy. Remove any items that you don’t need to carry regularly. Similarly, consider removing any aftermarket accessories that add weight to the vehicle, such as heavy toolboxes or bed liners, if they are not essential.

When possible, use cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed and avoid unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. Cruise control helps to optimize fuel consumption by preventing you from inadvertently exceeding the speed limit or fluctuating your speed. Maintaining a steady pace is essential in lowering consumption on longer trips.