How many miles per gallon does a 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500 Duramax get?
The 2018 Silverado 2500HD with the Duramax diesel typically gets about 17–18 miles per gallon combined, with roughly 15 mpg in city driving and about 20 mpg on the highway, depending on configuration.
For a deeper look, the question covers official EPA estimates and real‑world performance, which vary by drivetrain, cab/bed configuration, payload, and towing. The following breakdown outlines typical figures and what influences them.
EPA estimates by drivetrain
EPA ratings for the Duramax-powered Silverado 2500HD show small differences between 2WD and 4WD, as well as cab/bed setups. The figures below reflect common configurations for the 2018 model year.
- 2WD Crew Cab with Duramax 6.6L V8 and 6-speed automatic: 15 mpg city / 21 mpg highway / 18 mpg combined
- 4x4 Crew Cab with Duramax 6.6L V8 and 6-speed automatic: 15 mpg city / 19 mpg highway / 17 mpg combined
In short, most drivers should anticipate roughly 17–18 mpg combined in typical mixed driving. Real‑world numbers can drop with heavy payload, towing, or hilly terrain.
What affects these numbers
Several factors influence the official EPA numbers and what you’ll actually see at the pump. Here are the main variables to consider.
- Payload and towing weight
- Terrain and grade (hills and frequent stops vs. steady highway miles)
- Vehicle configuration (cab/bed, 2WD vs. 4WD)
- Air resistance and aerodynamics
- Driving style and speed
- Tire choice and proper inflation
Even with favorable numbers, the Duramax is designed for torque and towing capability rather than city fuel economy; highway efficiency tends to be better, while heavy loads reduce overall mileage.
Tips to maximize mpg in practice
To optimize real-world fuel economy, consider these practical steps.
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure for your load and driving conditions.
- Use cruise control on highways and avoid aggressive acceleration and braking.
- Limit unnecessary payload and aerodynamic drag from racks or accessories when not towing.
- Plan routes to minimize idling and maintain steady speeds where possible.
- Follow the recommended maintenance schedule to keep the engine operating efficiently.
Implementing these practices can yield small but meaningful improvements in mileage over time.
Summary
For the 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500 Duramax, expect around 17–18 mpg combined in typical use, with about 15 mpg city and roughly 20 mpg highway for 2WD models and slightly lower numbers for 4x4 configurations. Real-world results vary with payload, towing, terrain, and driving habits. When evaluating fuel costs, refer to the EPA ratings for the exact cab/bed and drivetrain of your vehicle and account for how you plan to use the truck.
