17 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but for a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD with mud-terrain tires and the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it’s a reasonable tradeoff. This truck prioritizes capability, reliability, and ruggedness over fuel efficiency. Buyers selecting this configuration want off-road traction and a specific look. Often, they’re headed to job sites, hunting camps, or weekend adventures where pavement ends. This Silverado offers a modern, efficient engine for those who don’t need a V8, and it provides a surprising amount of torque.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 17 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway reflect driving a full-size truck with aggressive tires. The city figure, matching the combined rating, suggests the 8-speed automatic transmission and the engine’s low-end torque are well-suited to stop-and-go traffic. The slightly higher highway number shows the Silverado can maintain decent efficiency at steady cruising speeds. The mud-terrain tires, with their increased rolling resistance and less aerodynamic tread patterns, do impact mileage. This isn’t a vehicle for hypermiling, but for tackling diverse terrains and hauling loads.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates show the annual fuel cost for this 2023 Chevrolet Silverado configuration at $2,600. This is based on 15,000 miles of driving per year, using national average fuel prices at the time of the EPA’s testing. Your actual fuel costs will vary based on annual mileage and local fuel prices. Remember that aggressive driving and frequent off-road trips can increase this expense. Knowing this cost helps buyers factor in the long-term expenses of a truck that favors capability over fuel savings.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized testing framework, real-world fuel economy varies. Factors like driving style, terrain, weather, and cargo weight matter. Owners of this Silverado should see numbers close to the EPA estimates under normal driving, maybe even exceeding them slightly on long highway trips if driven conservatively. But frequent off-roading, towing, or aggressive acceleration will lower the average MPG. Watching your truck’s fuel economy can give you insights into your driving habits and their impact on fuel costs.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size truck configurations, the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD with mud-terrain tires and the 2.7-liter engine falls in the middle. A similar 2023 Ford F-150 with four-wheel drive and the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 gets an EPA-estimated 19 MPG combined. A RAM 1500 Classic with four-wheel drive and a V6 engine gets around 17 MPG combined. Even within the Silverado lineup, a different engine or driveline can change fuel economy. Choosing a Silverado with two-wheel drive and highway tires could improve MPG by a couple of points. Comparing all Chevrolet fuel economy data to competitors helps buyers see the tradeoffs in choosing a configuration and its purpose.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maximizing fuel economy might not be the main goal for buyers of this Silverado, but you can still improve MPG without sacrificing utility. Regular maintenance, like tire pressure checks and timely oil changes, is critical for keeping any vehicle efficient. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which improves fuel economy.

Driving style affects fuel consumption. Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking, since these make the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed, especially on the highway.

Extra weight in the truck bed or cabin can hurt fuel economy. Remove unnecessary items, as every extra pound increases fuel consumption. Consider a tonneau cover for the truck bed to improve aerodynamics, especially at highway speeds.

Pay attention to your driving habits when off-roading. Using four-wheel drive only when needed minimizes drivetrain friction and improves fuel efficiency. Selecting the right terrain mode can also optimize engine and transmission performance for the conditions, possibly leading to better MPG. Learning more about SILVERADO MPG across all years can give you additional perspective.