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How many miles per gallon does a Chevy 2500 gas truck get?

In short, a gasoline-powered Silverado 2500HD typically averages about 11–15 miles per gallon combined, with roughly 9–12 mpg in city driving and 12–17 mpg on highways, depending on configuration and usage.


The question covers a family of heavy-duty pickups from Chevrolet that use a gasoline V8 engine. Fuel economy varies by cab and bed configuration, drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD), payload and towing, and driving conditions. This article explains typical EPA ranges and what affects real-world mileage.


What affects gas mileage on the Chevy 2500HD


Several factors influence mpg in the Chevy 2500HD when equipped with the gas engine, including how the truck is configured (cab size, bed length), whether it's 2WD or 4WD, payload weight, towing, tires, aerodynamics, and how you drive (speed, acceleration, idling).


Engine and drivetrain details


The gasoline Silverado 2500HD uses a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine paired with a heavy-duty automatic transmission (commonly a 10-speed). In recent years this engine produces about 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. These figures deliver strong towing and hauling capability, but can lower fuel economy compared with lighter-duty pickups. MPG will vary with drivetrain choice (2WD vs. 4WD) and other equipment choices.


EPA estimates by configuration


Below are typical EPA mpg ranges for common gasoline configurations of the Silverado 2500HD. Note that these figures are estimates and can vary by model year and exact build.



  • 2WD, Regular/Double Cab, standard bed (6.6L V8 gas): City 9–12 mpg, Highway 14–17 mpg, Combined 11–15 mpg.

  • 4WD, Crew Cab, standard bed: City 8–11 mpg, Highway 13–16 mpg, Combined 10–14 mpg.

  • 4WD, Crew Cab, long bed: City 7–10 mpg, Highway 13–15 mpg, Combined 10–13 mpg.


EPA ratings are tests that reflect specific configurations and driving cycles. Real-world results will vary based on payload, towing, terrain, and weather conditions.


Real-world expectations and tips


To maximize efficiency in everyday use, consider the following practical approaches. These tips reflect common sense practices for heavy-duty trucks and can yield modest improvements in fuel economy.



  • Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure; underinflated tires reduce fuel economy and increase wear.

  • Remove roof racks or cargo carriers when not in use to reduce aerodynamic drag.

  • Use cruise control on highways and anticipate stops to maintain a steady speed.

  • Plan trips to minimize idling and heavy stop-and-go driving; consolidate errands where possible.

  • Schedule regular maintenance: clean or replace air filters, service spark plugs, and use fresh oil as recommended.

  • Lighten the load and limit payload or towing when fuel economy is a priority; heavier loads and towing reduce mpg.


Even with these practices, real-world mpg for a Chevy 2500HD gas truck will generally remain lower than light-duty pickups due to weight, payload, and torque demands. Diesel variants typically deliver better highway efficiency, especially on sustained highway driving and towing scenarios.


Summary


A gasoline-powered Chevy Silverado 2500HD typically achieves about 11–15 mpg combined, with roughly 9–12 mpg in city driving and 12–17 mpg on highways, depending on configuration and use. For exact figures, consult the EPA ratings for your specific build and year. Remember that payload, towing, terrain, and driving style significantly influence real-world fuel economy. If fuel efficiency is a priority, you might also consider the diesel option, which often provides better highway efficiency and towing efficiency overall.

What is the gas mileage on a Sierra 2500 6.6 L V8?


The gas mileage for a Sierra 2500 with the 6.6L V8 varies, but real-world figures often range from 13-18 MPG highway and 12-16 MPG combined. Some sources cite official EPA estimates for a 2025 model as 14 MPG city and 19 MPG highway. Towing will significantly lower fuel economy.
 
Fuel economy breakdown

  • Highway: Between 13 and 18 MPG, with some owners reporting reaching or exceeding 19 MPG on long trips. 
  • Mixed driving: Approximately 12-17 MPG. 
  • Towing: Expect much lower mileage, with some owners reporting around 7-8 MPG when towing a camper. 

Factors that influence fuel economy
  • Driving habits: Aggressive driving will reduce fuel economy, while smooth, steady driving on the highway will maximize it.
  • Towing and hauling: Towing heavy loads or hauling significant weight will dramatically decrease your MPG. 
  • Configuration: Different cab and bed configurations, axle ratios, and other options can affect mileage.
  • Conditions: Weather, terrain, and traffic can all have an impact on your fuel economy. 



What MPG does the Chevy 6.6 gas get?


The Chevy 6.6L gas engine typically gets around 15-17 mpg in mixed driving, but real-world fuel economy can range significantly from 12-15 mpg or lower depending on factors like driving conditions, payload, and towing. While highway driving may see numbers in the high 15s or 16s, heavy loads or city driving will decrease it to the low-teens or even below 10 mpg. 
Typical mileage breakdown

  • Mixed driving: Expect approximately 15-17 mpg. 
  • Highway driving: Can reach around 16-16.5 mpg or slightly higher when driving conservatively at highway speeds. 
  • City/towing: Will be lower, with averages around 12-14 mpg or potentially less when towing heavy loads. 

Factors that influence MPG
  • Driving habits: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds reduce fuel economy. 
  • Load and towing: Hauling a trailer or carrying heavy loads will significantly decrease MPG. 
  • Aerodynamics: The truck's shape, especially with modifications like a bed cover, can impact efficiency. 
  • Maintenance: Proper tire pressure and oil changes can help, though the engine is designed more for durability than fuel efficiency. 
  • Engine break-in: Some owners report MPG improves slightly after the first oil change as the engine breaks in. 

0:11Chevys new 6.6 is a BEAST! Close to 10,000 lbs with all my tools and ...RedditEJ25Junkie · 2y 0:24Silverado HD Duramax vs Silverado HD 6.6L GasYouTubeBen Hardy · 2y 1:00Here's the Real MPG on the 2024 Chevy Silverado HD DuramaxYouTubeTruck King · 2y (function(){
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How many miles per gallon does a Chevy 2500 gas engine get?


A Chevy 2500 gas engine typically gets between 13 to 18 MPG combined, with city mileage ranging from 13-18 MPG and highway mileage from 16-21 MPG, depending on the trim, year, and driving conditions. For example, trims like the Work Truck, Custom, LT, and RST often see the best fuel economy, while models with the Trail Boss or more premium trims can have slightly lower MPG ratings.
 
Factors influencing MPG

  • Trim level: Some trims, especially those without off-road-focused components like the Trail Boss, can achieve better fuel efficiency. 
  • Driving conditions: You can expect lower MPG when towing or carrying heavy loads, with some owners reporting averages as low as 8-10 MPG while towing. 
  • Transmission: Newer models with the 10-speed transmission have shown improved fuel economy compared to older 6-speed models. 
  • Driving habits: Aggressive driving, higher speeds, and idling will all decrease your overall MPG. 

Typical MPG ranges by driving type
  • City: Around 13−1813 minus 1813−18 MPG
  • Highway: Around 16−2116 minus 2116−21 MPG
  • Towing: Can drop to around 8−108 minus 108−10 MPG or lower 

0:57These 3/4 TON (2500 Series) Pickups Get the BEST GAS MILEAGEYouTubeReadySetRev · 1y 1:00Here's the Real MPG on the 2024 Chevy Silverado HD DuramaxYouTubeTruck King · 2y 0:472020 chevrolet Silverado 2500hd duramax average miles per gallonYouTubeMetal Works · 5y (function(){
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Does the 6.6 gas engine require premium gas?


No, the GM 6.6L gas engine does not require premium fuel; it is designed to run on regular 87 octane gasoline. While a higher octane fuel can be used, the engine's computer will adjust to it without a significant performance boost, and it's unnecessary for the engine's operation.
 

  • Regular fuel is sufficient: The GM 6.6L V-8 (L8T) is specifically designed to run on regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87. 
  • Premium fuel is not required: You do not need to use premium fuel in this engine, and doing so won't provide a major benefit. It's best to save the extra cost unless the owner's manual specifically states otherwise for a particular model year or configuration. 
  • Engine design: The engine's relatively lower compression ratio of 10.8∶110.8 colon 110.8∶1 compared to high-performance engines is why it can handle regular fuel. 
  • Check your owner's manual: Although the standard is 87 octane, it's always a good practice to check your specific vehicle's owner's manual to confirm the fuel recommendation. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.