The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD with mud-terrain tires and the 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder gets 17 MPG combined. This isn’t a hybrid electric vehicle promising Prius-like efficiency, nor is it a bare-bones work truck focused solely on fuel efficiency. This Silverado configuration specifically targets buyers who need off-road capability and everyday practicality, and for them, fuel economy is often a calculated compromise. This truck is for weekend adventurers, jobsite supervisors, and those who appreciate a rugged look, and they accept the fuel consumption for the capability and image it provides.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2022 Silverado 2.7L 4WD with mud-terrain tires achieves 16 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway. This difference, though seemingly small, reflects the nature of the engine and tires. The turbocharged 2.7L engine works harder in stop-and-go city driving, requiring more frequent acceleration that requires use of the turbo. On the highway, the 8-speed automatic transmission allows the engine to settle into a more efficient cruising speed, mitigating some of the drag created by the aggressive tread pattern of the mud-terrain tires. These tires, while providing grip in loose terrain like mud and gravel, increase rolling resistance on paved surfaces, reducing overall efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,600 for this particular Silverado configuration. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the prevailing national average fuel price at the time of calculation. It’s a useful benchmark for comparing running costs against other vehicles, or against different trims of the Silverado itself, and it helps potential owners budget for their fuel expenses. Remember that real-world fuel costs will vary depending on individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and how often the truck is used for towing or off-roading.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized baseline, owners should expect real-world fuel economy to change. Aggressive driving, frequent towing, and extensive off-road use will significantly decrease MPG. Conversely, prioritizing smooth acceleration, anticipating traffic flow, and consistent highway driving could lead to results closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the EPA estimates. The weight of cargo, tire pressure, and even weather conditions can influence fuel consumption.

How it compares

Competitors like the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, with its off-road focus, achieve a similar 18 MPG combined for the 2022 model year, which shows the fuel consumption associated with vehicles designed for rugged terrain. The Ford Ranger Tremor, another off-road-oriented midsize truck, offers slightly better combined fuel economy at 20 MPG, which shows the potential for improvement with smaller displacement engines and optimized transmissions. Even comparing within the Silverado lineup, other configurations like the 2WD models with smaller tires can achieve significantly better fuel economy, reaching as high as 20 MPG combined. Understanding these differences is critical for prospective buyers weighing capability against efficiency, and you can find all Chevrolet fuel economy data to examine Silverado alternatives. You can also dig into the SILVERADO MPG across all years to see how different powertrains and configurations compare.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular tire pressure checks are important, and maintaining the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) will minimize rolling resistance and improve MPG. The mud-terrain tires on this Silverado are particularly sensitive to underinflation, which increases friction and fuel consumption. Consult the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the correct pressure, and invest in a reliable tire pressure gauge.

Avoid unnecessary idling. The 2.7L turbo engine, like all gasoline engines, consumes fuel even when stationary. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. The Silverado’s auto-stop feature can also help, but may not activate consistently depending on conditions. Being mindful of idle time makes a difference.

Limit aggressive acceleration and hard braking. Smooth, gradual starts and stops conserve fuel. Anticipating traffic flow and maintaining a consistent speed minimizes the need for sudden bursts of power, allowing the turbocharger to operate more efficiently.

Consider switching to all-terrain tires if you primarily drive on pavement. While mud-terrain tires provide superior grip in mud and loose surfaces, they compromise fuel economy on paved roads due to their aggressive tread pattern. All-terrain tires offer a better balance of off-road capability and on-road efficiency for users who spend most of their time on the highway.