17 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, and the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with mud-terrain tires, four-wheel drive, and the 5.3L V8 isn’t trying to. This is a truck purpose-built for tackling challenging terrain, hauling heavy loads, and projecting a rugged image. Fuel economy is secondary for the buyer who prioritizes off-road capability and the confidence of a proven powertrain. They’re looking for capability first, and understand the trade-offs involved in a vehicle of this type.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates this specific Silverado configuration achieves 15 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the inherent inefficiencies of a large, heavy vehicle with aggressive tires and a four-wheel-drive system. Stop-and-go traffic in urban environments takes a toll, requiring constant acceleration from a standstill. The highway figure, while marginally better, is still impacted by the aerodynamic drag of the truck’s upright design and the rolling resistance of the mud-terrain tires. The 10-speed automatic transmission helps to optimize efficiency but cannot fully compensate for these factors.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for this Silverado configuration is $2,600. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Of course, your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the specific conditions in which you operate the vehicle. It’s a useful benchmark, but it’s important to personalize this figure based on your individual needs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, real-world fuel economy for this Silverado is highly variable. Owners who frequently engage four-wheel drive, tow trailers, or spend a significant amount of time driving off-road are likely to see lower numbers than the EPA estimates. Conversely, careful drivers who primarily use the truck for commuting on relatively flat highways might achieve slightly better fuel economy. Tire pressure, cargo weight, and weather conditions also play a role. Expect a realistic range of 13-18 MPG in mixed driving conditions, and be pleasantly surprised if you exceed that figure.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size trucks configured for off-road use, the Silverado’s fuel economy is generally in line with the competition. A Ford F-150 Raptor, with its high-output EcoBoost V6, manages around 15 MPG combined. The Ram 1500 TRX, boasting a supercharged Hemi V8, achieves a dismal 12 MPG combined. Even within the Silverado lineup, choosing different options dramatically changes fuel economy; all Chevrolet fuel economy data shows how sensitive MPG is to trim level and powertrain options. For example, a Silverado with the 2.7L turbo engine and two-wheel drive can easily achieve 20+ MPG combined. This configuration has the lowest SILVERADO MPG across all years. The GMC Sierra AT4, essentially a mechanically similar truck to the Silverado, also returns numbers in the same ballpark, illustrating that the platform, not the brand badge, defines the economy.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The 5.3L V8 delivers plenty of power, but using it indiscriminately will quickly drain the fuel tank. Smooth, gradual acceleration and anticipating traffic conditions can significantly improve efficiency.

Maintain proper tire pressure. Mud-terrain tires, especially when slightly underinflated, can dramatically increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. Consult the sticker on your driver’s side door jamb for the recommended tire pressure, and check it regularly.

Minimize the use of four-wheel drive. Only engage four-wheel drive when necessary for maintaining traction in slippery or off-road conditions. Driving in four-wheel drive on dry pavement significantly increases fuel consumption and can damage the drivetrain.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying excessive cargo in the bed of the truck adds extra weight and reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need to carry on a regular basis.

Consider a tonneau cover. While the impact is relatively small, a tonneau cover can improve aerodynamics and slightly increase fuel economy, especially at highway speeds. It’s a worthwhile investment if you frequently drive long distances and want to squeeze every possible mile out of a gallon of gas.