How many miles per gallon does a 2009 6.6 Duramax get?
The 2009 6.6L Duramax LBZ-powered Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and GMC Sierra 2500HD typically achieve about 15 miles per gallon (mpg) combined, with roughly 12–15 mpg in city driving and 18–22 mpg on the highway, depending on drivetrain and configuration. Real-world results vary with towing, payload, and driving style.
What the numbers look like for the 2009 Duramax
To give readers a sense of how these engines perform in everyday use, here are typical ranges reported for common setups. Exact EPA figures depend on the specific configuration such as 2WD vs. 4WD and axle ratio, and may differ from owner-reported results.
- 2WD configurations (Duramax LBZ): roughly 12–15 mpg city, 18–22 mpg highway, with a combined figure around 15–18 mpg.
- 4WD configurations (Duramax LBZ): roughly 11–14 mpg city, 17–21 mpg highway, with a combined figure around 15–17 mpg.
These ranges are approximations based on common setups and driving conditions. For the most precise numbers, consult the official EPA ratings for your exact truck configuration or visit fueleconomy.gov.
EPA ratings and where to find them
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes fuel economy ratings for specific configurations of the 2009 Duramax-equipped heavy-duty pickups. Because factors like axle ratio, transmission, and whether the truck is 2WD or 4WD affect efficiency, the exact numbers vary. To see the ratings that apply to a particular vehicle, visit fueleconomy.gov and search for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD or GMC Sierra 2500HD with the 6.6L Duramax LBZ.
Factors influencing MPG beyond drivetrain
Beyond 2WD vs. 4WD, several real-world variables can push actual mpg up or down. Here are the primary contributors to Duramax fuel economy in 2009 models.
- Payload and towing: Heavier loads increase engine work and reduce fuel economy.
- Driving style: Aggressive starts, rapid acceleration, and high-speed cruising lower efficiency.
- Terrain and weather: Hilly terrain, headwinds, and extreme temperatures reduce mpg.
- Maintenance and condition: Proper air filtration, tire inflation, and timely servicing support efficiency.
- Vehicle configuration: Axle ratio, transmission type, and gear tuning influence mpg targets.
Understanding these factors helps explain why a given truck may fall above or below the quoted ranges in real-world use.
Tips to maximize fuel economy on a 2009 Duramax
Even with a heavy-duty diesel, drivers can optimize efficiency through a few practical steps, without compromising safety or capability.
- Maintain correct tire pressure and adhere to recommended specifications to reduce rolling resistance.
- Keep the engine and drivetrain well-maintained, using the recommended oil and replacing filters on schedule.
- Limit idling and plan trips to reduce unnecessary stops and starts.
- Avoid carrying unnecessary weight and distribute loads evenly to minimize drag and workload.
- Practice steady driving: anticipate traffic flow, use smooth acceleration, and maintain a steady speed when possible.
Implementing these practices can yield noticeable gains in efficiency without affecting the vehicle’s essential capability.
Summary
The 2009 Duramax LBZ-powered Silverado/Sierra 2500HDs typically deliver around 15 mpg combined, with city mileage in the low teens to mid-teens and highway mileage in the high teens to low twenties, depending on 2WD/4WD and configuration. Exact EPA figures vary by configuration, and towing or payload can significantly affect results. For precise ratings, consult fueleconomy.gov or the vehicle’s window sticker.
