How many miles per gallon does a Silverado 1500 6 cylinder get?
The 6-cylinder Silverado 1500 most commonly refers to the gasoline 4.3-liter V6. Fuel economy varies by drivetrain and model year, but in typical configurations you’ll see roughly 20 mpg combined in everyday driving, with 2WD edging out 4WD. Diesel (Duramax) options offer higher highway efficiency.
To understand what that means in practice, it helps to know there are two main 6-cylinder options in the Silverado 1500: the gasoline 4.3L V6 and the 3.0L Duramax diesel I6. Each has different EPA estimates and real-world results depending on configuration, payload, and driving conditions. The figures below reflect recent model years and are subject to change with new generations or updates. For exact ratings for your specific build, consult the EPA’s official ratings.
Gasoline 4.3L V6 mpg (latest Silverado 1500 models)
Before describing the typical ranges, note that EPA estimates depend on whether the truck is rear-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), as well as transmission and axle setup. The following are representative ranges for common configurations.
- Two-wheel drive (2WD) with an 8-speed automatic: roughly 18–19 mpg city and 23–25 mpg highway, for a combined around 20–22 mpg.
- Four-wheel drive (4WD) with an 8-speed automatic: roughly 16–18 mpg city and 21–23 mpg highway, for a combined around 18–20 mpg.
In everyday use, that translates to about 20 mpg combined for typical 2WD trucks and a bit less for 4WD versions, especially when carrying payloads or towing. Real-world results can vary based on speed, terrain, and load.
Diesel 3.0L Duramax I6 mpg
Diesel-powered Duramax versions offer different efficiency, with better highway mileage and strong torque for towing. Here are representative ranges for common configurations. As with gasoline models, exact numbers depend on drive layout and gearing.
- Two-wheel drive (2WD): approximately 26–30 mpg highway and 22–25 mpg city, with a combined around 24–28 mpg.
- Four-wheel drive (4WD): around 24–28 mpg highway and 22–24 mpg city, with a combined roughly 24–27 mpg.
Diesel variants typically deliver higher mileage on long highway drives, though real-world results depend on payload, tire choice, and driving style.
Other factors that affect MPG
Payload, bed length, cab configuration, towing, aerodynamics, and driving habits all influence fuel economy. At higher speeds or when towing, mpg will generally drop compared with light-duty, city-centric driving. For the most precise figure, always check the specific EPA rating for your exact year, trim, drivetrain, and configuration on fueleconomy.gov.
Bottom line
For the common gasoline 6-cylinder Silverado 1500 (4.3L V6), you’ll typically see around 20 mpg combined in everyday driving, with 2WD models edging ahead of 4WD. If you’re considering a diesel Duramax 3.0L I6, expect higher highway efficiency and stronger overall mpg on long trips. Always verify the official EPA rating for your exact build to know the precise figure.
Summary
MPG for the Silverado 1500’s 6-cylinder options varies by engine choice and drivetrain. Gasoline 4.3L V6 generally yields about 20 mpg combined (2WD) and a bit less with 4WD. Diesel Duramax 3.0L I6 delivers better highway efficiency, with combined ratings typically in the mid-to-high 20s. For exact numbers by year and configuration, consult fueleconomy.gov.
For the latest official ratings by your exact configuration, you can also visit fueleconomy.gov.
Do V6 or V8 get better gas mileage?
- Fuel consumption: V6s usually deliver better city/highway MPG, especially when paired with cylinder deactivation, turbocharging, or hybrid assist. V8s burn more fuel under load and around town.
Which Silverado engine gets the best gas mileage?
2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 MPG Estimates by Engine
- 2.7L Turbo I-6: 20 mpg city/ 23 mpg highway.
- 4.3L V6: 16 mpg city/ 21 mpg highway.
- 5.3L V8 (available with AFM): 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway.
- 6.2L V8: 16 mpg city/ 20 mpg highway (4WD)
- 3.0L Turbo-Diesel I6: 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway.
How many miles per gallon does a Chevy Silverado 1500 6.2 liter V8 get?
It now has 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, a big jump from before. The 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 and 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engines are for those who need more power. They get 16/21 MPG and 15/20 MPG city/highway, respectively. These engines are perfect for those who tow a lot but still want good gas mileage.
How many miles per gallon does a 3.0 L Silverado get?
EPA-estimated 23 city/31 hwy 3.0-liter turbo-diesel and 2WD in 2022 models. EPA-estimated 23 city/33 hwy 3.0-liter turbo-diesel and 2WD in 2021 models. EPA-estimated 20 city/23 hwy 2.7-liter four-cylinder and 2WD in 2021 models.
