How many miles per gallon does a 2008 Chevy Silverado 3500 get?
The 2008 Silverado 3500 HD’s fuel efficiency depends on the chosen engine and drivetrain. In general, gasoline-powered models deliver roughly 11–14 miles per gallon combined, while diesel Duramax versions typically achieve about 17–20 miles per gallon combined, with higher numbers on highway runs. Actual mileage varies with configuration, payload, terrain, and driving style.
Powertrain options in the 2008 Silverado 3500
In 2008, the Silverado 3500 HD was offered with several powertrain choices, each with its own typical fuel economy. The two broad categories are gasoline engines and the Duramax diesel. Transmission type and 2WD vs 4x4 configurations also influence efficiency.
Gasoline engines
Gasoline options include the 6.0L V8 and the 8.1L V8. These engines pair with heavy-duty automatic transmissions and offer varying efficiency based on drivetrain. Here are typical ranges you might see in mixed driving conditions:
- 6.0L V8, 2WD: combined roughly 13–15 mpg (city around 11–13 mpg, highway around 16–17 mpg)
- 6.0L V8, 4x4: combined roughly 12–14 mpg (city around 10–12 mpg, highway around 15–16 mpg)
- 8.1L V8, 2WD/4x4: combined roughly 11–13 mpg (city around 9–11 mpg, highway around 13–15 mpg)
Gasoline variants typically show lower efficiency when heavily loaded or towing, and the larger 8.1L tends to be at the lower end of the range in everyday use.
Duramax diesel (6.6L)
The Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel offered stronger torque and better efficiency, especially on highway driving and steady-speed cruising. EPA-style estimates from the era varied by configuration, but owners commonly reported higher highway efficiency and solid overall mileage compared with gasoline models. Typical ranges for mixed driving are:
- Duramax 6.6L, 2WD: combined roughly 18–20 mpg (city around 15–18 mpg, highway around 21–23 mpg)
- Duramax 6.6L, 4x4: combined roughly 17–19 mpg (city around 14–17 mpg, highway around 19–22 mpg)
Diesel models generally perform better on long highway trips and when cruising but can see lower fuel economy when heavily loaded or used in short trips.
Fuel economy by configuration
Beyond engine choice, several practical factors affect mileage, including drivetrain (2WD vs 4x4), cab size, bed length, axle ratios, and payload or towing demands. The following guidelines reflect typical patterns observed in 2008 Silverado 3500 configurations:
- Gasoline engines with 2WD tend to achieve the highest combined MPG among gasoline options, while 4x4 configurations reduce economy by several tenths to a full mile per gallon depending on use.
- Diesel versions (Duramax) show better highway efficiency, especially on longer trips, with 2WD versions usually a bit more fuel-efficient than 4x4 counterparts.
- Heavier payloads, frequent towing, and city stop-and-go driving lower MPG for all configurations; highway cruising yields the best efficiency for both gas and diesel models.
In short, your exact MPG will hinge on the engine, drivetrain, and how you use the truck—towing, cargo load, and typical driving conditions all matter.
Bottom line and guidance for buyers
For reference, if you’re evaluating a 2008 Silverado 3500 today, expect gasoline models to land in the low to mid-teens in combined mileage under typical use, and Duramax diesel models to hover in the upper teens to around 20 mpg combined, with highway numbers often at or above 20 mpg for diesel. Always check the specific vehicle’s documentation or an EPA-approved rating for the exact configuration, and consider your everyday use (towing, payload, road conditions) when estimating real-world mpg.
Summary: The 2008 Silverado 3500’s fuel economy varies by engine and drivetrain. Gasoline-powered 6.0L and 8.1L versions generally deliver about 11–14 mpg combined, while Duramax diesel versions typically reach around 17–20 mpg combined, with better highway efficiency. Configuration and usage can shift these figures significantly.
How many miles per gallon does a Chevy Silverado 3500 get?
The Silverado 3500 HD, equipped with its diesel engine, delivers a similar level of efficiency, achieving 16 miles per gallon in the city and 22 miles per gallon on the highway.
What is the gas mileage on a 2008 Chevy 3500?
This engine also uses Chevy's active fuel management system to shut down four cylinders under moderate loads to save fuel. The Environmental Protection Agency rates the mileage at 14 city and 19 highway.
What year should I have my Chevy Silverado 3500 to avoid?
The 2012 Silverado 3500HD stands out as the worst model year according to CarComplaints.com, with numerous issues reported by owners. A major concern is the dashboard cracking, even in low-mileage vehicles. Some owners experienced this problem with as little as 26,000 miles on the odometer.
How much can a 2008 3500 Duramax tow?
The 2008 Duramax 3500 towing capacity depends on the configuration but can reach up to 16,700 pounds with a gooseneck hitch or around 13,000 pounds with a conventional hitch. Single rear-wheel (SRW) models typically have lower capacities than dual rear-wheel (DRW) versions, and the truck's specific Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and other ratings on the door jamb sticker are the most accurate source for an individual vehicle.
This video discusses the towing capabilities of the 2008 Chevy Silverado 3500: 1mThe Fast Lane TruckYouTube · Jul 4, 2017
Towing capacities by hitch type
- Gooseneck hitch: Up to 16,700 pounds.
- Conventional hitch: Up to 13,000 pounds.
Important considerations
- Configuration: Towing capacity varies by configuration, including whether the truck is a single or dual rear-wheel drive model.
- GVWR: Always check the specific vehicle's door jamb sticker for its GVWR and other rating labels to determine the exact towing capacity.
- Proper equipment: To achieve maximum towing capacity, the truck must be properly equipped, including the use of a weight-distributing hitch and a gooseneck hitch for the higher ratings.
You can watch this video to learn how to load a trailer safely when towing: 58sBig Truck Big RVYouTube · Apr 28, 2017
