How many miles will a Chevy Silverado 1500 go?
A Chevy Silverado 1500 typically delivers about 400–550 miles per full gas tank, with the diesel Duramax option reaching roughly 600 miles or more on a single fill. The exact distance depends on engine choice, drive configuration, and the size of the fuel tank.
Understanding how far a Silverado can travel on a tank involves looking at two main factors: the engine and the fuel tank. The Silverado 1500 is offered with several gasoline engines and a diesel option, and tank capacities vary by cab/bed configuration and trim. This article breaks down typical range estimates and how to calculate your own based on EPA fuel economy figures and tank size.
Engine options and estimated range per full tank
The following estimates assume a full tank and typical driving conditions. Real-world range will vary with terrain, loads, weather, maintenance, and whether you’re driving in 2WD or 4WD.
- 2.7L Turbo Gas: Approximately 21–23 mpg combined; with a ~23–24 gallon tank, estimated range is roughly 480–550 miles per tank.
- 5.3L V8: Approximately 18–19 mpg combined; with a 24 gallon tank, estimated range is about 430–456 miles per tank.
- 6.2L V8: Approximately 17–18 mpg combined; with a 24 gallon tank, estimated range is about 408–432 miles per tank.
- 3.0L Duramax Diesel: Approximately 26–29 mpg combined; with a typical 24 gallon tank, estimated range is about 624–696 miles per tank.
Note: Some configurations offer different tank sizes (including extended-range options around 34 gallons in select trims). Exact range will vary by cab/bed combo and drivetrain, so check the EPA ratings for your specific truck year and trim for the most accurate numbers.
Fuel tank sizes and how they influence range
Tank capacity is a major driver of overall range. The Silverado 1500 typically uses about a 24-gallon fuel tank in many configurations, while some trims or options may provide a larger extended-range tank. Diesel versions often use the same basic tank size but can achieve higher range per tank thanks to better fuel economy. The following points help explain how tank size affects miles per tank.
- Standard tank size commonly around 24 gallons for most gas configurations.
- Extended-range tanks can increase capacity toward the mid-30s (approximately 34 gallons) on certain trims or configurations.
- Diesel Duramax engines generally realize higher miles per gallon, boosting the per-tank range even with the same tank size.
Engine choice and tank size together determine practical range. If you regularly drive long highway miles, a diesel with a larger tank can offer significantly more miles between fills than a similar gas-equipped model.
Maximizing real-world range
Several practical steps can help you get closer to the estimated range on a tank, regardless of configuration:
- Maintain proper tire pressure and alignment to minimize rolling resistance.
- Adopt steady cruise control on highways and avoid aggressive acceleration.
- Keep the vehicle well-maintained with recommended oil changes and air filters to preserve efficiency.
- Plan trips to avoid frequent stop-and-go driving when possible, and take advantage of highway driving for better MPG.
By applying these practices, you can maximize the miles you get from each tank, though the inherent differences in engine efficiency and tank size will still set the ceiling on range.
Summary
In short, the Silverado 1500’s range per tank varies by engine and tank size. Gas engines typically deliver around 430–550 miles per tank, depending on the engine and configuration, while the 3.0L Duramax diesel can push beyond 600 miles per tank thanks to higher fuel efficiency. Always refer to the EPA ratings for your exact year and trim to get precise range figures, and remember that tank size and driving conditions will influence your real-world mileage.
