The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD with the 2.7L turbo four-cylinder, when equipped with mud-terrain tires, gets 17 MPG combined. This truck isn’t trying to be a fuel-sipping Prius. It’s built for specific tasks and bought by owners who prioritize off-road capability and aggressive looks over saving money at the pump. It’s a capable workhorse, and the fuel economy reflects what it’s made to do.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates show little difference between city and highway driving. Expect 16 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway. This small variation highlights how the mud-terrain tires affect fuel efficiency across different driving conditions. While these tires are great for gripping loose surfaces, they create more rolling resistance on pavement, reducing usual efficiency gains from highway driving with less stop-and-go traffic. The eight-speed automatic transmission, generally smooth and responsive, works harder than it would with less aggressive tires. This further impacts how much fuel is used.

Annual fuel cost

Based on the EPA’s estimates, the annual fuel cost is $2,600. This calculation assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, using national average fuel prices. It is important to remember that this is an average. If you do a lot of off-roading or heavy towing, or if fuel prices in your area are higher than the national average, expect to exceed this amount. If you drive fewer miles, the number will be lower. The $2,600 amount is a baseline for budgeting, but individual results will vary.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized test, but real-world mileage can change. Driving style, terrain, weather, and vehicle load all influence fuel consumption. Expect even lower numbers if you often use the four-wheel-drive system or tow trailers. The aggressive mud-terrain tires greatly affect the vehicle’s fuel economy and are designed for off-road performance, not optimal on-road efficiency, so keep that in mind.

How it compares

The Silverado’s fuel economy is easier to understand when compared to its rivals and stablemates. A Ford F-150 that is comparably equipped with four-wheel drive and similar off-roading trim might achieve slightly better mileage, perhaps around 18 MPG combined with its turbocharged EcoBoost engine. Even with its hybrid powertrain, the Toyota Tundra might struggle to significantly outperform the Silverado’s 2.7L with mud tires in real-world conditions due to its weight. Compared to other SILVERADO MPG across all years, this configuration is on the lower end because of the tires. Choosing a Silverado with all-season tires improves fuel economy by a few MPG. Other configurations within the Silverado lineup offer better economy for those who prioritize saving gas over extreme off-road capability, but with a different level of performance. The Ram 1500 with its eTorque V6 can potentially reach 20 MPG combined, but this is a different engine than the Silverado’s. These comparisons show the trade-offs in choosing a truck for off-road adventures.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While this Silverado isn’t designed for fuel efficiency, you can still improve it. Limit idling, especially in cold weather. Modern engines don’t need long warm-up periods, and idling wastes fuel. Don’t turn your Silverado into a rolling storage unit; excess weight in the bed or the cab impacts fuel economy. Remove unnecessary items to lighten the load and improve MPG.

Pay attention to tire pressure. Mud-terrain tires can lose pressure more easily than standard tires, especially after off-road driving. Maintain the recommended pressure to reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel efficiency. Check the tire pressure regularly, adjust as needed, and make sure it’s calibrated per Chevrolet’s recommendation.

Use cruise control on the highway when possible to maintain a steady speed and avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking. Even slight changes in speed can affect fuel consumption, especially at higher speeds. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking; gradual acceleration and smooth braking conserve fuel and extend the life of brake pads and tires.

Plan routes in advance, when possible, to avoid stop-and-go traffic and congested areas. Idling in traffic consumes fuel and reduces overall MPG. Consider using navigation apps to find alternate routes or avoid peak traffic times. Also, consider comparing the specs and all Chevrolet fuel economy data before committing to this configuration.