How many miles per gallon does a Chevy Silverado 1500 get?
The Chevy Silverado 1500’s miles-per-gallon depends heavily on the chosen engine, drivetrain, and configuration. In current models, combined mpg generally falls in a broad range—from the upper teens to the mid-20s—depending on choices such as a fuel-efficient turbo gas engine or a diesel, versus larger V8s.
How mpg varies by engine and drivetrain
To give a practical sense of what to expect, here are typical EPA estimates for common Silverado 1500 configurations. These figures reflect recent model years and can vary by year and drivetrain. For the exact rating on a specific build, refer to the EPA fueleconomy.gov listings or Chevrolet’s official configuration pages.
Below are representative EPA-style figures for popular configurations:
- 2.7L Turbocharged Gas, 2WD: approximately 20 mpg city / 23 mpg highway / about 21 mpg combined
- 2.7L Turbocharged Gas, 4WD: approximately 19 mpg city / 22 mpg highway / about 20 mpg combined
- 3.0L Duramax Diesel, 2WD: approximately 23 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / about 27 mpg combined
- 3.0L Duramax Diesel, 4WD: approximately 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / about 25–26 mpg combined
- 5.3L V8 Gas, 2WD: approximately 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway / about 19 mpg combined
- 5.3L V8 Gas, 4WD: approximately 15 mpg city / 21 mpg highway / about 18 mpg combined
- 6.2L V8 Gas, 2WD: approximately 15 mpg city / 21 mpg highway / about 18 mpg combined
- 6.2L V8 Gas, 4WD: approximately 14 mpg city / 20 mpg highway / about 17 mpg combined
These numbers illustrate the broad picture: the most efficient setups are typically the 2WD versions of the 2.7L turbo gas and the 3.0L Duramax diesel, while the largest V8s tend to deliver the lowest mpg figures when configured for four-wheel drive or heavy payload/towing. Actual results can vary with payload, terrain, driving style, and climate control usage.
How to maximize mpg in practice involves choosing the right configuration for your needs, maintaining the vehicle (tires inflated to recommended pressures, regular servicing), and adopting fuel-efficient driving habits such as steady speeds and gentle acceleration.
Summary
In short, there isn’t a single number that fits every Silverado 1500. MPG depends on engine and drivetrain, with diesels and the 2.7L turbo 2WD typically offering the best efficiency and larger V8s delivering lower figures—especially with 4WD or heavy loads. For anyone shopping, the best guide is the EPA’s official ratings for the exact configuration you're considering, as real-world results will vary.
