15 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado Cab Chassis 4WD with the 4.3L V6 isn’t about sipping fuel. This is a work truck, pure and simple, designed for businesses and individuals who need a supremely capable and customizable platform. Fuel economy is a secondary concern, far behind payload, towing, and the ability to accept a wide range of upfits.

City and highway performance

The numbers show 14 MPG in the city and 16 MPG on the highway. The slightly better highway figure suggests that consistent speeds, even with the weight of the chassis, are easier on the engine than stop-and-go driving. Note that these figures are based on the EPA’s standardized testing procedures, conducted in a laboratory setting. Real-world results may vary considerably depending on driving style, load, and terrain.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this Silverado Cab Chassis at $2,900. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. While these are helpful figures for comparison, your actual fuel costs will depend on how much you drive, where you drive, and the fluctuating price of gasoline. This assumes regular unleaded fuel is used, which is typical for this engine.

Real-world expectations

Anyone considering this truck understands that fuel economy is not its strong suit. The 4.3L V6, while adequate for many tasks, is working hard in this application. Load it up with equipment, a service body, or a snowplow, and those fuel economy numbers will fall. The automatic 6-speed transmission, while reliable, doesn’t offer the fuel-saving benefits of more modern 8- or 10-speed units. Ultimately, the Silverado Cab Chassis buyer prioritizes capability and durability over maximizing MPG.

How it compares

Compared to other heavy-duty work trucks, the fuel economy is similar. For example, a 2021 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab with the 6.4L Hemi V8 achieves roughly the same combined MPG. A Ford F-350 Chassis Cab with the 6.2L V8 isn’t significantly better. The key takeaway is that you’re not going to find a drastically more fuel-efficient option in this segment. The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 boasts superior fuel economy. See SILVERADO MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While good fuel economy isn’t the Silverado Cab Chassis’ main draw, there are still actions you can take to improve efficiency. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic conditions will prevent excessive fuel consumption. Avoiding “jackrabbit” starts and hard braking is key, particularly when hauling heavy loads.

Proper tire inflation is critical for minimizing rolling resistance. Check your tire pressures regularly, especially when temperatures change, and follow the recommended pressures listed on the door jamb sticker. Under-inflated tires increase drag and reduce fuel economy.

Keep up with routine maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance will help keep the engine performing at its best. Check all Chevrolet fuel economy data.

Avoid unnecessary idling. Excessive idling wastes fuel and contributes to emissions. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern starters are designed to handle frequent starts without issue.

Consider the weight you’re carrying. Every extra pound adds to the engine’s workload and reduces fuel economy. If possible, remove any unnecessary equipment or cargo. See if a smaller chassis cab will suit your needs.