How many miles per gallon does a 2009 GMC 2500hd 6.0 get?

In common driving, a 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD (the heavy‑duty pickup) with the 6.0-liter V8 typically gets about 13–15 miles per gallon combined, with highway runs in the high teens and city driving generally in the low to mid-teens—varies by drivetrain, axle ratio, payload, and towing. Exact numbers depend on configuration and use.

Engine, drivetrain and how they shape fuel economy

The 2009 Sierra 2500HD equipped with the 6.0L V8 uses a heavy‑duty, six‑speed automatic transmission and was offered in both two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The vehicle’s axle ratio (for example, 3.73 vs 4.10) and whether it’s carrying payload or towing significantly influence fuel economy. In general, 2WD configurations deliver slightly better highway efficiency than 4WD ones, but the trade‑offs for traction and towing capacity are considerable.

What doesn’t change much

Horsepower and torque remain strong for work applications, but the trade‑off is lower fuel economy compared with lighter, non-turbocharged trucks. Real-world mpg will hinge on how the truck is used—towing, cargo, and driving conditions all play key roles.

EPA estimates and real‑world numbers

EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2009 Sierra 2500HD with the 6.0L V8 vary by drivetrain and axle ratio. They are intended for comparison and do not always reflect real-world driving, which can be affected by towing, payload, road conditions, and weather.

Before listing the typical EPA-based estimates, note that these are approximate ranges pulled from fueleconomy.gov data and owner reports from the era:

• 2WD (two-wheel drive), common axle ratios like 3.73–4.10: City roughly 12–13 mpg; Highway roughly 17–18 mpg; Combined around 14–15 mpg.


• 4WD (four-wheel drive), with similar axle options: City roughly 11–12 mpg; Highway roughly 16–17 mpg; Combined around 13–14 mpg.

These figures illustrate the broad range owners saw, depending on configuration and usage. For a loaded or towing scenario, expect numbers toward the lower end; for easy highway cruising without heavy cargo, you might approach the higher end.

Factors that influence fuel economy

Numerous elements influence mpg on a 2009 2500HD. An overview shows where drivers can expect variability:

• Drivetrain: 2WD tends to deliver better highway mpg than 4WD, all else equal.


• Axle ratio: Lower numeric ratios (e.g., 3.73) generally improve highway efficiency compared with taller gears like 4.10 when not towing.


• Towing and payload: Heavier loads dramatically reduce mpg due to increased rolling resistance and engine load.


• Terrain and driving style: City driving with stop-and-go traffic yields lower mpg than steady highway cruising; cold weather also reduces efficiency.


• Maintenance: Proper tire pressure, engine tune, clean air filter, and regular maintenance help preserve MPG.

In practice, the mpg band is driven by how the truck is used; frequent towing or heavy payloads will push mpg toward the lower end of the spectrum.

Practical tips to improve MPG for the 6.0L 2500HD

Owners looking to squeeze a bit more efficiency out of a 2009 Sierra 2500HD can try these common-sense steps:

1. Keep tire pressures at the recommended level and rotate tires as needed to avoid excess rolling resistance.


2. Reduce payload and optimize load distribution when not towing; remove unnecessary weight from the bed or cabin.


3. Avoid excessive idling and plan trips to minimize unnecessary driving.


4. Drive at steady speeds on highways and use cruise control where appropriate to maintain consistent fuel use.


5. Schedule regular maintenance, including air filter replacement, spark plugs, and fuel system cleaning as recommended by the manufacturer.

While you won't dramatically change a heavy-duty truck's fuel economy, these steps can yield modest improvements, especially on long highway drives.

Summary

The 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD with a 6.0L V8 is a heavy‑duty truck, and its fuel economy reflects that role. Expect roughly 13–15 mpg combined on average, with highway figures in the high teens and city mileage often in the low to mid-teens. Real-world results vary based on drivetrain (2WD vs 4WD), axle ratio, payload, towing, and driving conditions. For the most reliable configuration-specific numbers, consult fueleconomy.gov and the vehicle’s original window sticker.

Is the 2009 GMC 2500 reliable?

Reliability. The 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 6 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, ranks it #10 out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks.

Is a 2009 Chevy 2500 HD 6.0 a good truck?

Among the 435 owners who provided feedback on the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with 83% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and styling to be its strongest features and value to be its weakest.

How many miles per gallon does a 2009 GMC 2500 6.0 get?

The standard engine is a 353-hp, 6.0- liter V8, and a 365-hp, 6.6-liter turbodiesel that delivers 660 foot-pounds of torque is also available. It can haul up to 2,200 pounds of payload and tow a heavy trailer, and it returned 13 mpg overall in our tests.

What year gmc sierra 2500HD to avoid?

Avoid GMC 2500HD models from the first generation (1999–2007) due to poor reliability and electrical issues, the 2007 model year specifically for electrical problems, and some fourth-generation models (2020–present) for issues like infotainment glitches, tailgate problems, and check engine light issues. Additionally, be wary of the 2011 model year due to multiple recalls and the 2015 model year for potential infotainment system problems. 
You can watch this video to learn about common problems in the 2024 GMC Sierra: 21sMotor FutureYouTube · Oct 11, 2023
First generation (1999–2007) 

• General: This generation is known for poor reliability, primarily due to engine issues, and lower crash test scores.
• 2007: This specific model year is noted for having electrical problems. 

Fourth generation (2020–present)

• General: This generation has reported issues with the MultiPro tailgate, check engine lights (especially in diesel models), rough shifting, and infotainment glitches. 
• 2020: Owners reported issues with the airbag system, brakes, and steering. 
• 2024: Has received multiple recalls, with owner-reported problems including climate control, fuel system, and engine components. 

Other specific years to watch for

• 2011: This model year is known to have multiple recalls. 
• 2015: Can be prone to issues with the infotainment system.