How many miles per gallon does a 1996 Chevy C3500 get?
The mileage of a 1996 Chevy C3500 depends on the engine and configuration; gasoline big-block versions generally fall in the low-teens for combined driving with highway numbers in the mid-to-upper teens, while the 6.5L Turbo Diesel variants can deliver stronger highway efficiency, often in the high teens to low twenties under lighter loads. Real-world results vary with payload, gearing, and driving style.
The 1996 C3500 was Chevrolet’s one-ton, heavy-duty pickup, built to haul substantial loads and tow sizeable trailers. Because it offered multiple powertrains and drivetrain setups, there isn’t a single universal MPG figure. Below is a practical breakdown of the main configurations and their typical ranges.
Powertrain options and fuel economy ranges
Before listing the main configurations, note that the figures below are approximate ranges drawn from historical data and owner reports. Real-world mileage depends on factors like payload, axle ratio, transmission, and whether the truck is 2WD or 4WD.
- Gasoline big-block V8 (approximately 7.4L/454): expected combined mileage around 11–14 mpg; highway roughly 15–18 mpg, with city figures typically lower and highly dependent on load and gearing.
- 6.5L Turbo Diesel: expected combined mileage around 15–18 mpg; highway around 18–22 mpg, with city mileage often in the 12–15 mpg range depending on payload and operating conditions.
These ranges reflect typical behavior for the era: gasoline 7.4L pickups emphasize torque for heavy hauling, while the diesel offers better fuel economy on longer highway drives, especially when not fully loaded.
Factors that influence mpg on a C3500
Several variables can swing fuel economy well above or below the ranges above, including axle ratio (which affects engine RPM at cruising speed), 4x4 vs 2WD configuration, payload and towing, tire size, engine maintenance, and driving style. A well-maintained diesel with light payload can approach the higher end of its range, while a heavily loaded gas truck with aggressive gearing will trend toward the lower end of its range.
In summary, there isn’t a single MPG figure for the 1996 Chevy C3500. Gasoline models with big-block V8s typically deliver lower overall mileage, especially under load, while the 6.5L diesel variants offer better highway efficiency. Always verify the exact configuration (engine, axle, drivetrain) to gauge realistic fuel economy for a given truck.
Summary: For a 1996 Chevy C3500, expect roughly 11–14 mpg combined for gasoline big-block versions and about 15–18 mpg combined for the 6.5L Turbo Diesel, with highway numbers generally higher for both and city numbers heavily influenced by payload and usage. Specific figures depend on engine, gearing, and how the truck is used.
