The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado C10 Cab Chassis 2WD with the 5.3L V8 gets 16 MPG combined. This figure is important to consider in context. This isn’t an SUV or a commuter car. It’s a workhorse, a platform meant for upfitting and hauling. The people buying this truck aren’t primarily concerned with squeezing every last mile out of a gallon of gas; they’re looking for a reliable foundation upon which to build a business.

City and highway performance

Breaking down the numbers, the EPA estimates this Silverado C10 at 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving often found on construction sites or delivery routes, where constant acceleration and idling affect fuel economy. The highway number, while still not impressive, offers some hope for longer trips. The 6-speed automatic transmission is geared to provide torque for towing rather than fuel efficiency, which leads to some MPG loss compared to modern 8- or 10-speed transmissions found in some trucks.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this Silverado C10 configuration at $2,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a national average fuel price. It’s a helpful point of reference. Your actual fuel expenses will vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of work you’re doing. If you consistently tow heavy loads or spend a lot of time idling, expect to exceed that $2,750 figure considerably.

Real-world expectations

The EPA figures provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Payload, towing, and even wind resistance affect fuel consumption. Owners who are careful about maintenance and drive conservatively might see numbers closer to the EPA estimates, but aggressive driving or neglecting maintenance will quickly lower fuel efficiency. For those considering this truck, focusing on the total cost of ownership, including maintenance, insurance, and potential repairs, is as critical as the MPG rating.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size trucks from 2019, the Silverado C10’s fuel economy is in the middle. A comparable Ford F-350 XL Cab Chassis with a 6.2L V8 delivers similar MPG numbers. A Ram 3500 Tradesman Chassis Cab, depending on its configuration, might offer slightly better highway mileage, but generally falls into the same range. This class of vehicle isn’t designed for maximizing MPG. Buyers choose the Silverado C10 for its combination of capability, reliability, and relatively lower upfront cost, accepting the less-than-stellar fuel economy as a trade-off. For more information, check out all Chevrolet fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is critical. Ensure your Silverado C10 receives scheduled oil changes, air filter replacements, and tire rotations. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, both contributing to improved gas mileage. You can also explore SILVERADO MPG across all years on our site.

Avoid unnecessary idling. These work trucks often spend prolonged periods idling. While this is unavoidable at times, minimizing idle time reduces fuel consumption. Consider shutting off the engine during extended stops, especially on construction sites or during deliveries.

Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration. The 5.3L V8 provides ample power, but using the gas pedal aggressively wastes fuel. Gentle acceleration and maintaining a steady speed improves fuel economy and reduces wear and tear on the engine and drivetrain.

Carefully manage payload. Carrying extra weight, even if it’s within the truck’s capacity, negatively affects fuel efficiency. Only carry what you need. Properly distribute the load to maintain balance and minimize strain on the suspension and engine.