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How many miles per gallon does a Silverado 2500HD get?

In brief, fuel economy for the Silverado 2500HD varies by engine and drivetrain. Diesel variants typically deliver the best efficiency, while gasoline versions are lower. Most configurations land in the mid-teens to low-20s on the highway and the low-teens in city driving.

To understand the question in detail, this article breaks down EPA estimates for common configurations, explains how towing and payload affect real-world mpg, and offers tips to optimize fuel economy.

Engine options and their impact on MPG

Gasoline 6.6L V8

EPA estimates for common configurations:

Two-wheel drive (2WD): about 11 mpg in city and 16 mpg on the highway; combined around 13–14 mpg.

Four-wheel drive (4WD): about 11 mpg city and 15–16 mpg highway; combined around 13 mpg.

Conclusion: Gasoline versions are the least fuel-efficient option, especially when towing or carrying heavy loads.

Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel

EPA estimates for common configurations:

Two-wheel drive (2WD): about 15–16 mpg in city and 19–20 mpg on the highway; combined around 17–18 mpg.

Four-wheel drive (4WD): about 15–16 mpg city and 19–20 mpg highway; combined around 17–18 mpg.

Conclusion: The diesel option offers the best fuel economy and strong towing efficiency, though fuel costs and maintenance may be higher.

Drivetrain and model-year variation

Across model years, EPA estimates for the Silverado 2500HD have remained relatively stable, with 2WD typically edging out 4WD by a small margin. The Duramax diesel generally provides better efficiency than the gasoline V8, especially on highway runs and when not towing heavily. Real-world mpg, however, depends on payload, terrain, wind, and driving style, and towing often reduces mileage significantly.

Maximizing mpg in daily use

Drivers who want to squeeze more miles per gallon from a Silverado 2500HD can focus on maintenance, load management, and driving habits. The following practices tend to yield noticeable improvements in real-world fuel economy:

Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure and rotate them as advised by the manufacturer.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight and remove roof racks or other drag-inducing accessories when not in use.

Plan efficient trips and use highway portions with steady speeds; minimize idle time.

Use the most appropriate drive mode for the task and tow only with gear and trailers that match the vehicle’s capability.

Perform routine maintenance (air filter, spark plugs or fuel system as applicable, and transmission service) to maintain optimal efficiency.

Note: Heavier towing, off-road use, or extreme payloads will lower mpg regardless of configuration.

Summary

Fuel economy for the Silverado 2500HD depends heavily on engine and drivetrain. Diesel models generally offer the best efficiency, typically delivering combined mpg in the high-teen range, while gasoline V8 versions tend to be lower, often in the low-to-mid teens combined. Real-world mileage varies with payload, towing, terrain, and driving behavior. For those prioritizing efficiency, a Duramax diesel paired with appropriate drivetrain, plus careful driving practices, provides the best overall miles-per-gallon prospects.

How many miles per gallon does a 2025 Duramax 2500HD get?

The 2025 Duramax diesel engine offers improved fuel economy, averaging 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway—a notable improvement over the 2024 model. While the 2025 model offers better fuel economy with the diesel engine, you can still enjoy powerful performance without compromising on efficiency.

Is the Chevy 2500 HD gas better than the diesel?

A Chevy 2500 HD gas engine is better for those with lighter workloads and lower upfront costs, offering cheaper maintenance and better acceleration, while a diesel engine is superior for heavy towing and long distances, providing much more torque, better fuel efficiency under load, and longer engine life. The choice depends on your specific needs: if you frequently haul heavy loads or drive long distances, the diesel is the more capable and potentially cost-effective long-term choice despite its higher initial price. If your needs are less demanding, the gas version is a more budget-friendly option.

Chevy 2500 HD gas vs. diesel
This video explains the difference between a gas and diesel engine in a Chevy Silverado 2500 HD: 1mTruck MasterYouTube · Sep 4, 2025

Feature	Gas Engine	Diesel Engine
Performance	Better acceleration and horsepower on the road.	Significantly more torque, which is ideal for heavy towing and hauling.
Towing & Hauling	Sufficient for occasional and lighter loads.	Superior for heavy-duty towing and hauling, with better performance under load.
Fuel Efficiency	Lower fuel economy, especially when towing.	Better fuel efficiency, especially under heavy load and for long-distance driving.
Upfront Cost	Lower initial purchase price.	Significantly higher initial purchase price.
Maintenance & Repairs	Routine maintenance is typically less expensive.	More expensive routine maintenance and potential for higher repair costs, particularly for major components.
Other Factors	More readily available fuel and service stations.	Requires Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), which is an added cost and maintenance consideration.
Best For	General use, light hauling, and occasional towing.	Frequent heavy towing, long-distance driving, and work-related applications.

How many miles per gallon does a Chevy Silverado 2500HD get?

Check Out The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado's Miles Per Gallon
Depending on the trim, you can get anywhere from 16 mpg to 18 mpg in the city and 18 mpg to 21 mpg on the highway. Trims like the Work Truck, Custom, LT, and RST offer the optimal miles per gallon in the city and on the highway.

How many miles per gallon does a Duramax 2500 get?

A Chevy 2500 Duramax gets an average of 17–20 mpg on the highway when unloaded, with mixed driving yielding 15–18 mpg. Real-world results often show numbers around 18–19 mpg for highway driving, though specific figures can vary based on model year, gearing, driving conditions, and whether the truck is loaded. When towing a heavy load, fuel economy can drop to 10–14 mpg.

You can watch this video to see a real-world test of the 2024 Chevy 2500 Duramax fuel economy: 1mGetty's GarageYouTube · Apr 28, 2024
Real-world fuel economy

Highway: 17–20 mpg (unloaded)
Mixed driving: 15–18 mpg
Towing: 10–14 mpg

Factors that influence MPG

Gearing: Trucks with a higher gear ratio (like 3.23 vs. 3.73) can achieve better fuel economy.
Driving style: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds will lower your MPG.
Load: Towing a trailer significantly reduces fuel efficiency.
Truck weight: Heavier models, such as the 2500 HD with a lot of equipment, will use more fuel.

This video explains how the 3.0L Duramax diesel performs in real-world conditions: 1:20DemonWorks - 3.0 Duramax Diesel LM2 LZ0 YouTube · Oct 14, 2025
Computer vs. real-world calculations

The truck's built-in fuel economy computer may be optimistic compared to your actual, hand-calculated MPG.
A 2024 model's computer showed 20.3 mpg, but the actual result after a test was 18.5 mpg.
A 2025 model's computer showed 20.0 mpg, but the actual result was 20.4 mpg in a controlled test loop.

This video discusses the real-world fuel economy of the 2025 Chevy Silverado HD Duramax: 58sThe Fast Lane TruckYouTube · Jan 30, 2025

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.