The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2WD with the 5.3L V8 gets 17 MPG combined. Let’s be clear: nobody buys this truck primarily to save on fuel. They buy it for its capability. This particular Silverado configuration suits buyers who need a truck that can haul, tow, and work hard, but don’t necessarily need four-wheel drive. They are likely in a warmer climate, or on a job site where the extra weight and complexity of 4×4 is not needed, and they prioritize payload and towing. This Silverado is a tool , a dependable, if somewhat thirsty, one.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates this Silverado achieves 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving that any truck experiences in urban environments, with the relatively heavy Silverado affected by the conventional 6-speed automatic and the inherent inefficiency of a naturally aspirated V8 engine. The highway figure of 21 MPG is better, reflecting steady-state cruising where the engine isn’t constantly accelerating and decelerating. Most owners will likely see an average mileage somewhere between these two numbers, depending on their driving habits and typical routes.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2WD 5.3L V8 at $2,600. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a national average fuel price. Actual fuel costs will vary depending on individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of driving being performed. Hauling heavy loads or towing regularly will significantly decrease fuel economy and inflate that $2,600 figure. The annual fuel cost is something every potential buyer needs to factor into the ownership cost, especially because all Chevrolet fuel economy data paints a consistent picture: trucks are not known to be cheap to fuel.

Real-world expectations

Do not expect to consistently achieve the EPA’s highway figure with frequent hard acceleration or high speeds. The city MPG will also decrease with lots of gridlock and idling. Towing, as expected, will have a large impact. Many owners find that a combined average of 16 to 18 MPG is a more realistic expectation for mixed driving. Aggressive driving will lower those numbers significantly, while careful driving might nudge them slightly upward.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the Silverado’s fuel economy is typical. For example, a 2021 Ford F-150 2WD with the 5.0L V8 is EPA-rated at 17 MPG combined (but can score up to 20 combined with the hybrid powertrain), while a comparable Ram 1500 2WD with the 5.7L Hemi V8 achieves around 17 MPG combined. The differences are not huge, and they often come down to specific trim levels and optional equipment. It’s worth browsing SILVERADO MPG across all years to see if older or newer engines deliver the kind of efficiency you like. Prioritize key metrics, like towing capacity, comfort, and reliability, then accept the fuel economy as a necessary trade-off. Fuel economy is not the primary purchase driver here; capability is.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One of the simplest ways to improve fuel economy is to ease up on the accelerator and brake pedal. The 5.3L V8 delivers ample power but every hard acceleration and braking wastes fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and drive smoothly.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, which is typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Avoid unnecessary idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling wastes more fuel than restarting the engine. This is an important tip when driving a large displacement engine like the 5.3L V8.

Reduce weight in the truck bed. The heavier your truck, the more fuel it will consume. Remove any unnecessary items from the bed to lighten the load and improve fuel economy. This includes tools you don’t need, construction material scraps, and anything else that might be weighing you down.

Consider using cruise control on the highway to maintain a constant speed and avoid unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. This can help improve fuel economy, especially on long trips. The Silverado’s cruise control system is effective, so be mindful of hills and adjust your speed accordingly to avoid excessive downshifting.