How many miles per gallon does a 2009 Chevy Silverado 3500 get?
In general, a 2009 Silverado 3500's mpg depends on the engine and drivetrain. Gasoline models with the 6.0L V8 typically achieve roughly 14–16 mpg combined, while the 6.6L Duramax diesel tends to be in the high-teens combined (roughly 17–19 mpg), with variances by 2WD/4WD and axle ratio. For exact figures, check EPA ratings for the specific configuration.
Engine options and typical fuel economy ranges
EPA estimates for 2009 Silverado 3500 configurations show a range by powertrain and drivetrain. The figures below cover common versions and are intended as a baseline rather than a guarantee for every truck.
- Gasoline 6.0L V8, rear-wheel drive (2WD): estimated around 12–14 mpg city and 17–19 mpg highway; combined roughly 15–16 mpg.
- Gasoline 6.0L V8, 4x4: estimated around 12–13 mpg city and 15–18 mpg highway; combined roughly 14–15 mpg.
- Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel, rear-wheel drive (2WD): estimated around 15–17 mpg city and 18–21 mpg highway; combined roughly 17–19 mpg.
- Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel, 4x4: estimated around 13–15 mpg city and 17–20 mpg highway; combined roughly 15–18 mpg.
Note: These ranges reflect typical EPA estimates for the period across common configurations. Real-world mileage will vary with payload, towing, terrain, and maintenance.
Other factors that affect mpg
Two big factors are payload towing and axle ratio. Heavier loads and towing reduce fuel economy, while lower axle ratios (taller gears) can decrease highway efficiency. Transmission type and tire size also influence mpg.
How to determine your exact mpg
To find the precise number for a specific 2009 Silverado 3500, check the original window sticker or consult fueleconomy.gov's historic data for that exact configuration. You can also track fuel use over time by dividing miles driven by gallons used and adjusting for city vs highway driving patterns.
Summary
In summary, mpg for the 2009 Chevy Silverado 3500 varies by engine and drivetrain. Gasoline 6.0L V8 models typically deliver mid-teens combined, while Duramax 6.6L diesel models tend to be in the high teens combined, with highway efficiency higher than city. For the most accurate figure, specify the exact configuration and consult official EPA ratings or archived fuel economy data.
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.
Is the 2009 Chevy 3500 reliable?
Reliability. The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 7 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5, ranks it #16 out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks.
What fuel mileage does a 6.6 l Duramax diesel get?
The 6.6L Duramax engine's MPG varies, but typically ranges from 15-18 MPG for mixed driving and 17-20 MPG for unloaded highway driving. Actual mileage depends heavily on factors like driving conditions, towing, and the specific model year. Some newer models achieve higher efficiency, with a 2025 Silverado HD hitting 20.4 MPG on a controlled highway loop.
This video shows a fuel economy test of a 2021 Chevy Silverado HD with the 6.6L Duramax engine towing a trailer: 48struckguyjoeYouTube · Jan 15, 2021
Mileage breakdown by driving type:
This video demonstrates a fuel economy test of a 2024 Chevy Silverado HD Duramax: 57sDaily MotorYouTube · Jun 27, 2023
- Mixed/City: Around 15 MPG or lower, especially with stop-and-go traffic.
- Highway (unloaded): Typically 17-20 MPG, but can vary with speed.
- Towing: Expect significantly lower mileage, often in the 10-14 MPG range depending on the load and terrain.
Factors that influence MPG:
- Towing and load: Hauling heavy loads reduces fuel efficiency.
- Driving conditions: Hilly terrain or stop-and-go city traffic lowers MPG.
- Vehicle age and break-in: Newer trucks may improve after an initial break-in period, with some owners reporting increased mileage after a few thousand miles.
- Other factors: Speed, road conditions, and factors like the truck's emissions system (e.g., temporary DPF regen cycles) can also have an effect.
You can watch this video to see real-world mileage results for a 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 Duramax: 1mDaily MotorYouTube · Mar 26, 2022
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.
