How many miles per gallon does a Chevy 3500 gas engine get?
A gasoline-powered Chevy Silverado 3500HD typically delivers about 12–15 miles per gallon (mpg) combined, with highway mileage often in the mid-to-high teens and city mileage lower. Exact numbers depend on the model year, drivetrain, and configuration.
Heavy-duty pickups like the Silverado 3500HD are built for payload and towing rather than maximum efficiency. MPG varies widely based on whether you have two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, the cab/bed setup, and how heavily you’re towing or loaded. The following guide lays out typical ranges and the main factors that influence fuel economy.
Typical MPG ranges for the gas-equipped Silverado 3500HD
Before listing common figures, note that real-world mileage depends on drivetrain and payload. The numbers below reflect typical configurations and EPA estimates for modern gas-powered 3500HD models.
- Two-wheel drive (2WD) with a gasoline V8: roughly 12–15 mpg combined; city about 9–12 mpg, highway 16–19 mpg, depending on year and gear ratios.
- Four-wheel drive (4WD) with a gasoline V8: roughly 11–13 mpg combined; city around 9–11 mpg, highway around 15–18 mpg.
These ranges illustrate how much payload and towing can affect efficiency; for light-tow or non-towing use, highway figures improve, while full payload or heavy towing typically lowers mpg significantly.
Gas vs diesel context
Although diesel versions of the Silverado 3500HD offer stronger highway efficiency and better towing economy, the gasoline version remains common for versatility and lower upfront cost. Diesel generally provides better fuel economy under heavy load, but it comes with different maintenance costs and fuel prices.
Key factors that affect fuel economy
Before listing, this section explains the major drivers of mpg for the Chevy 3500 gas engine.
- Engine and transmission configuration: larger V8s and older transmissions can consume more fuel; newer engines with advanced management can improve efficiency.
- Drivetrain and axle ratio: 4WD reduces efficiency versus 2WD; towing heavier loads increases energy usage.
- Payload and towing weight: more weight requires more energy to move, lowering mpg.
- Driving conditions and style: frequent stopping, high speeds, and rapid acceleration lower mpg; steady cruising helps.
- Tire size and pressure: under-inflated tires raise rolling resistance; keeping tires properly inflated improves efficiency.
- Aerodynamics and vehicle load: roof racks, cargo in the bed, and general drag affect highway fuel economy.
- Maintenance and fuel quality: regular maintenance and using the proper fuel grade ensure optimal performance.
In practice, drivers who maintain tire pressure, minimize unnecessary cargo, and drive smoothly can reach the upper end of the typical ranges, while towing and heavy payload push mpg toward the lower end.
Summary
For most buyers, the gasoline-powered Chevy Silverado 3500HD achieves approximately 12–15 mpg combined on average, with highway mileage typically in the mid-to-high teens and city mileage lower, depending on drivetrain and payload. If maximum towing efficiency is essential, a diesel option generally offers better fuel economy under load, but the gasoline variant remains a capable, versatile choice for heavy-duty work. Always consult the EPA fuel economy label for your exact configuration and year, and consider real-world testing to gauge mileage in your typical usage.
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.
What gas mileage does a 6.6 gas engine get?
A 6.6L gas engine typically gets around 11-18 MPG, depending heavily on the vehicle's weight, axle ratio, and whether it's city or highway driving. For highway driving, it can be closer to 13-18 MPG, while city driving and towing will likely result in lower figures, sometimes in the single digits.
Typical gas mileage
- Highway: Expect around 13-18 MPG.
- City/Mixed Driving: The average often falls in the 11-15 MPG range.
- Towing: Mileage will be significantly lower, often 7-12 MPG or even less depending on the load.
Factors that influence MPG
- Vehicle weight: A heavier 3/4 ton truck will have lower MPG than a 1/2 ton truck.
- Axle ratio: A lower axle ratio can improve fuel economy.
- Driving habits: Aggressive driving, such as speeding or hard acceleration, will decrease MPG.
- Towing: Towing heavy loads significantly reduces fuel efficiency.
- Terrain: Driving in mountainous areas or against strong winds will decrease MPG.
- Transmission: Modern transmissions, like the 10-speed, are designed to improve MPG.
How to estimate your MPG
- For a more accurate idea of your vehicle's MPG, divide the number of miles you drove by the number of gallons you filled up.
- You can also check the trip computer on your dashboard, but be aware it can sometimes be inaccurate.
What is the life expectancy of a 6.6 L V-8 gas engine?
Overall, the average life expectancy of a 6.6 Duramax engine falls around 200,000 miles or 320,000 km, depending on driving behaviours, usage, and how often the engine is maintained.
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.
