What is the gas mileage on a 1972 Chevy truck?
Most 1972 Chevrolet C/K pickups average roughly 15–18 miles per gallon in mixed driving, with highway figures typically higher for lighter setups and engines. Actual mileage depends on engine choice, transmission, drivetrain (2WD vs 4WD), payload, and maintenance. The following summarizes common configurations and what owners historically observed.
The 1972 model year offered a range of powertrains in the C/K series, from an inline-6 to small- and big-block V8s, with both 2WD and 4WD layouts. Fuel economy figures from that era were not standardized in the way modern EPA ratings are, so expectations are based on typical real-world experience rather than a single official figure. The ranges below reflect common configurations and driving styles of the time.
Engine options and how they influence mpg
Common powertrains in the 1972 Chevy truck included inline-6 and small-block V8s, with big-blocks used in heavier configurations. Each choice impacts mileage due to displacement, torque, and drivetrain losses. The figures below are typical real-world ranges for commonly equipped 2WD trucks.
- Inline-6 engine (250 cu in), 2WD: about 15–20 mpg on the highway; roughly 13–18 mpg in mixed driving.
- Small-block V8 (307 or 350), 2WD: about 13–18 mpg highway; roughly 11–16 mpg in mixed driving.
- Big-block V8 (400), 2WD: about 12–15 mpg highway; roughly 10–14 mpg in mixed driving.
- Four-wheel drive (any engine, 4WD): typically 1–4 mpg lower than the 2WD counterparts due to weight and drivetrain losses.
Note: These ranges reflect typical experiences and factory-era performance rather than a single exact rating. Real-world mileage is affected by payload, tire size, gearing, road conditions, and maintenance.
Maximizing fuel economy in a ’72 Chevy truck
While these trucks are decades old, sensible maintenance and driving practices can help maximize efficiency modestly. Prioritize reliability and proper tuning to get the most out of the engine without compromising safety.
- Keep the engine properly tuned and free of vacuum leaks; maintain carburetor settings appropriate for the engine and altitude.
- Maintain correct tire pressure and alignment; misaligned or under-inflated tires hurt efficiency and handling.
- Use a steady, predictable driving style; avoid aggressive acceleration and lugging in low gears.
- Manage payload and weight; lighter loads generally improve mileage, and consider efficient routing to minimize idle time.
These tips offer practical steps to squeeze a bit more efficiency from a classic pickup while preserving reliability.
Summary
In short, a 1972 Chevy truck’s gas mileage varies by engine, drive configuration, and payload. Typical 2WD inline-6 models tend to post the best mileage for the era, while 2WD V8s and any 4WD setup sit on the lower end of the range. Real-world results depend on tuning, maintenance, axle gearing, and how the truck is used. Expect broadly the mid-teens in mixed driving, with higher numbers on highway when the vehicle is light and well-tuned.
What is the gas mileage on a 1972 Chevy C10?
A stock 1972 Chevy C10 typically gets about 10-12 mpg in the city and 15-18 mpg on the highway. Mileage can vary significantly depending on the engine, transmission, and rear axle gear ratio. Properly tuned stock trucks can achieve the higher end of this range, while modifications like performance cams, large carbs, and aggressive gearing often decrease fuel economy.
Factors influencing gas mileage
- Engine: Stock 350 small-block engines with proper tuning can get around 14-15 mpg city and 18 mpg highway.
- Transmission:
- 3-speed automatic (TH350): Expect lower mileage, especially with non-overdrive gears.
- 4-speed automatic with overdrive (like the 200-4R): You can achieve better highway mileage, with some reports of 18-19 mpg at 75 mph.
- Gearing: Stock trucks with 3.08 gears can achieve better mileage, while higher gears like 3.73 or lower will reduce fuel economy, especially on the highway.
- Modifications: Modifications such as performance cams, large carburetors, and lack of proper tuning often lower MPG significantly.
- Driving style: Aggressive driving habits, such as frequent hard acceleration, will drastically decrease fuel economy.
What is a 1972 Chevy truck worth today?
The value of a 1972 Chevy truck varies significantly, but in good condition with average specs, expect to pay around $22,388 for a C10. Prices can range from a low of about $5,500 for trucks needing extensive work to over $134,995 for exceptional examples. Key factors influencing price include condition, mileage, original parts, and desirable features like a CST trim package or a well-executed restoration.
Factors affecting value
- Condition: A truck in poor condition with rust or major mechanical issues will be worth much less than a well-maintained or restored one.
- Restorations: A frame-off restoration can significantly increase value, while modifications may not always be a positive unless they are high-quality or sought after (e.g., a modern engine swap).
- Originality: A truck that is all-original, including the engine and interior, is generally more valuable to collectors than one that has been heavily modified.
- Trim and options: Specific trim levels, such as the Cheyenne Super (CST) package, add features like bucket seats and a center console and can increase value. Other desirable options include a longhorn bed or factory air conditioning.
- Mileage and history: Lower mileage and a clean, documented history can command higher prices.
Examples of value variations
- Average condition: Approximately $22,388 for a 1972 Chevrolet C10 in good condition with average specs.
- Lower end: Around $4,950 was the lowest sale price at auction for a 1972 C10 in the last three years, likely for a project vehicle with issues.
- Higher end: A rare or exceptionally well-maintained example with desirable features sold for $253,000 at auction.
- Auction examples: A 1972 CST model with a big block engine sold for $88,000 at auction, more than double its #1-condition value of $39,900.
How many miles does a Chevy truck get per gallon?
Chevy truck MPG varies significantly by model, year, and engine, but some recent models get up to an estimated 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway for a gasoline engine and 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway for a diesel engine. Other factors that affect MPG include drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD) and tire type, such as mud-terrain tires, which reduce fuel efficiency.
This video explains the fuel economy of the Chevy Silverado 1500 diesel engine: 51sGetty's GarageYouTube · Jul 23, 2025
2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 (Example ratings)
- 2.7L Turbo Engine:
- 2WD: 18 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
- 4WD: 18 mpg city / 21 mpg highway
- 5.3L V8 Engine:
- 2WD: 16 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
- 4WD: 15 mpg city / 20 mpg highway
- 3.0L Duramax Diesel Engine:
- 2WD: 23 mpg city / 29 mpg highway
- 4WD: 23 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
- Trail Boss (4WD, gasoline engine):
- 17 mpg city / 18 mpg highway
- Note: Ratings decrease with mud-terrain tires.
Factors that influence MPG
- Engine and drivetrain: The specific engine and whether the truck is 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive are major factors in fuel economy.
- Tire type: Off-road or mud-terrain tires can significantly lower a truck's MPG.
- Configuration: Bed and cab size can impact efficiency.
- Maintenance: Keeping up with oil changes and filter replacements can help maintain optimal fuel efficiency.
What is the gas mileage on a 1974 Chevy C10?
It should get 10-12 mpg.
