17 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel-sipping awards. But for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD with the ferocious 6.2L V8, it’s part of the price you pay. This truck isn’t bought by penny-pinchers focused solely on maximizing mileage. It’s a machine for those who need serious towing capacity, rapid acceleration, and the visceral thrill of a powerful engine, and they are willing to pay for it at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates suggest a split of 16 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. Understand that the city figure will plummet when you’re hauling a heavy load around town. Stop-and-go traffic is this truck’s kryptonite, constantly demanding bursts of power from that big V8. The highway number is more achievable during steady-state cruising, but even then, the Silverado’s substantial size and aerodynamic profile present a significant challenge to fuel conservation. The 10-speed automatic transmission does its best to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range, but ultimately, physics prevails.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, owning this particular Silverado configuration will cost you approximately $3,400 in fuel costs annually. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using the national average fuel price. Of course, your actual fuel expenses will vary depending on your driving habits, location, and fuel prices in your area. If you primarily use the Silverado for short trips around town or for heavy-duty work, expect to exceed that $3,400 mark significantly. Conversely, if you do mostly highway driving and are gentle on the throttle, you might be able to get slightly below it.

Real-world expectations

Forget about hitting 20 MPG consistently unless you spend almost all of your time on the open road and drive very conservatively. Owners report averages closer to 14-17 MPG in mixed driving. Towing will decimate those numbers, potentially dropping you into the single digits depending on the load. This isn’t a surprise to those who choose this engine; they understand that power comes at a price. They prioritize performance and capability over fuel efficiency, accepting that they’ll be making frequent trips to the gas station.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the 2020 Silverado 4WD 6.2L V8 is predictably lower than some of its competitors, especially those with smaller engines or hybrid powertrains. For example, the Ford F-150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 achieves around 20 MPG combined, while the Ram 1500 with the eTorque mild-hybrid V6 also fares better. Even stepping down to the Silverado’s own 5.3L V8 will give you a small MPG boost. This comparison is significant because it highlights the trade-off buyers are making. Choosing the 6.2L is an active decision to prioritize power and performance over maximizing fuel savings. If you are concerned about fuel economy, research all Chevrolet fuel economy data and consider a more fuel efficient trim. Also, review SILVERADO MPG across all years to discover how various models compare.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Forget about hypermiling techniques; this isn’t a Prius. However, there are still practical strategies you can employ to minimize fuel consumption in your 2020 Silverado 6.2L. First, resist the urge to bury your right foot into the accelerator at every opportunity. Gentle acceleration and maintaining a steady speed will significantly improve your MPG.

Regular maintenance is critical. Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, and keep up with routine oil changes and tune-ups. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently, translating directly into better fuel economy.

Limit unnecessary weight. Hauling around extra cargo or equipment that you don’t need negatively impacts fuel efficiency. Empty the bed of the truck and remove any roof racks when they aren’t in use to reduce aerodynamic drag.

Be mindful of your driving conditions. Avoid aggressive driving habits like rapid acceleration and hard braking. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible.

When towing, select the appropriate tow/haul mode. While it may seem counterintuitive because it affects shift points, this mode optimizes the transmission’s performance for towing, preventing excessive gear hunting and potentially saving fuel compared to leaving it in normal mode with a heavy load.