What is the gas mileage on a 5.3 L V8 Chevy Silverado?

The 5.3L V8 engine in the Chevy Silverado pickup truck delivers impressive power, but how does it perform when it comes to fuel efficiency? According to the latest data, the gas mileage of a 5.3L V8 Chevy Silverado can vary depending on the specific model year and configuration, but generally falls within a range of 16-20 miles per gallon (mpg) in combined city and highway driving.

Factors Affecting Fuel Economy

The gas mileage of a 5.3L V8 Chevy Silverado can be influenced by several factors, including:

• Engine Configuration: The Silverado is available with both 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive options, which can impact fuel efficiency. 4-wheel drive models tend to have slightly lower gas mileage due to the additional drivetrain components.


• Driving Conditions: Fuel economy can vary significantly based on driving habits, terrain, and traffic conditions. More aggressive acceleration, higher speeds, and frequent stops and starts can all reduce the Silverado's mpg.


• Payload and Towing: Hauling heavy loads or towing a trailer will put more strain on the engine, resulting in lower fuel efficiency.


• Model Year: Newer Silverado models with the 5.3L V8 engine tend to have slightly better gas mileage than older versions, thanks to advancements in engine technology and aerodynamics.

It's important to note that the EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings for the Chevy Silverado 5.3L V8 are just that - estimates. Your actual mileage may vary based on your specific driving conditions and habits.

Real-World Gas Mileage Examples

According to owner reports and reviews, the real-world gas mileage of a 5.3L V8 Chevy Silverado can range from as low as 14 mpg in heavy-duty towing or off-road use, to as high as 22 mpg in light-duty, highway-focused driving.

Here are some more specific examples of 5.3L V8 Silverado fuel economy:

• 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 2WD: 16 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, 18 mpg combined


• 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 4WD: 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, 17 mpg combined


• 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 2WD: 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, 19 mpg combined

As you can see, the gas mileage can vary quite a bit depending on the specific model year, drivetrain configuration, and driving conditions. But in general, you can expect the 5.3L V8 Chevy Silverado to deliver fuel economy in the 16-20 mpg range for combined city and highway driving.

Is the Chevy 5.3 L V8 a good engine?

The Chevy 5.3L engine is generally considered a good and reliable engine, especially with proper maintenance, as it is known for its durability and performance. However, it has some known issues depending on the specific generation, such as potential problems with lifters, intake manifold gaskets, and cylinder heads in earlier models, or carbon buildup and oil consumption in later EcoTec3 models. 
This video discusses common issues and reliability of the Chevy 5.3L EcoTec3 engine: 58s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Jul 11, 2024
Strengths of the 5.3L engine

• Durability: The engine is well-regarded for its long-term durability and has the potential to last over 200,000 miles with proper care. 
• Power and adaptability: It provides plenty of power and is suitable for challenging work conditions, like towing and hauling. 
• Efficiency: Modern versions, particularly the EcoTec3, use technologies like Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) to improve fuel efficiency. 

Potential issues and considerations

• Earlier models (approx. 1999-2007):
  • Cracked cylinder heads 
  • Intake manifold gasket failures 
• Later EcoTec3 models (approx. 2014+):
  • Lifter/DFM problems: Issues with the Active Fuel Management (AFM) and Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) systems are the most frequently cited problems, though some owners recommend disabling the system to prevent issues. 
  • Carbon buildup: Can occur on intake valves. 
  • Oil consumption: Some engines can develop oil consumption issues, particularly after 100,000 miles. 
  • Spark plug and ignition coil problems: These can be a concern. 
• Transmission: Some models, especially those with the 8-speed automatic transmission, have a reputation for problems like premature failure and hard shifting. 

How to ensure longevity

• Follow maintenance schedules: Regularly change the oil and stay on top of all recommended maintenance. 
• Consider disabling DFM/AFM: If you are concerned about the known issues with the cylinder deactivation system, you can have it disabled through an aftermarket programmer. 
• Address issues promptly: If you notice symptoms like coolant loss or hard shifting, get the vehicle checked by a mechanic to prevent more significant problems. 

This video shows how to disable AFM on a Chevy 5.3L engine: 1mGetty's GarageYouTube · Sep 4, 2023

Is a 5.3 or 6.2 engine better gas mileage?

The 5.3L and 6.2L engines have very similar fuel economy, with official ratings of 16 MPG city and 21 MPG highway for the 5.3L, and 16 MPG city and 20 MPG highway for the 6.2L. Real-world results can vary based on driving conditions, with the 5.3L sometimes showing slightly better mileage in real-world tests. The 6.2L also typically requires premium fuel, which adds to the overall cost of operation, despite its power advantage. 
This video compares the 5.3L and 6.2L engines and discusses their fuel economy: 54sThe Fast Lane TruckYouTube · Feb 6, 2016
Fuel economy comparison

• Official EPA estimates: The 5.3L engine is rated at 16 MPG city / 21 MPG highway, while the 6.2L is rated at 16 MPG city / 20 MPG highway. 
• Real-world variations: Real-world mileage is often very similar between the two engines. Some tests show the 5.3L performing slightly better, while others show the 6.2L matching or even exceeding the 5.3L, depending on driving style and conditions. 
• Factors influencing mileage:
  • Driving style: Aggressive driving will decrease mileage for both engines. 
  • Towing: Even when towing, mileage is often comparable between the two engines, although the 6.2L will consume more fuel overall. 
  • Transmission: The 10-speed transmission in some 6.2L models can help with highway efficiency by keeping RPMs lower at a constant speed compared to the 6-speed in some 5.3L models. 
• Cost: The 6.2L engine requires premium fuel (91/9391 / 9391/93 octane) to achieve its optimal performance and economy, while the 5.3L runs on regular (878787) octane. This can make the 6.2L more expensive to fuel over time. 

This video discusses the fuel economy of the 6.2L engine and its requirements: 59slmfscrewYouTube · Dec 7, 2021
Which one to choose?

• Choose the 5.3L if: Your priority is a slight fuel economy advantage on the highway and the ability to use regular unleaded gasoline, and you don't need the extra power. 
• Choose the 6.2L if: You prioritize greater power and torque and are willing to pay more for premium fuel, as the fuel economy difference is minimal in real-world driving. 

Is a 5.0 or a 5.3 better?

Neither is universally better; the Ford 5.0L is often favored for higher performance, while the Chevy 5.3L is known for its long history and durability, though modern versions of both can have specific issues. The 5.0L generally produces more horsepower and torque, especially with recent generations, but can be more expensive to repair. The 5.3L, while sometimes considered less powerful, can be more reliable if properly maintained and has a strong track record, though some versions have known issues like lifter failure. 
You can watch this video to see a comparison of the driving experience between the Ford 5.0L and Chevy 5.3L: 50sTestDrivenTVYouTube · Sep 19, 2016
Ford 5.0L

• Performance: Typically produces more horsepower and torque, especially newer versions, and feels more responsive and athletic. 
• Cost: Generally more expensive to repair. 
• Known issues: Some models have had cam phaser issues. 

Chevy 5.3L

• Performance: May feel less powerful and more sluggish until you floor it, though it can still provide strong performance for many tasks. 
• Reliability: Has a reputation for being very reliable, with many examples reaching high mileage, though this depends on maintenance and model year. 
• Known issues: Some model years have experienced lifter or oil consumption issues. 

This video compares the sound of the Ford 5.0L and Chevy 5.3L: 59slmfscrewYouTube · Jan 12, 2023
Which one to choose

• Choose the 5.0L if: You prioritize a more engaging driving experience, higher acceleration, and have a higher budget for potential repairs. 
• Choose the 5.3L if: You are looking for a workhorse that may be more cost-effective for some repairs, prioritize long-term durability, and don't need the absolute highest performance figures. 
• Consider both if: You are looking at specific model years and are willing to research the known issues for that particular year to make an informed decision. 

How many miles per gallon does a 5.3 V8 get?

16 mpg city and 20 mpg highway
Meanwhile, the 5.3L V8 reaches an EPA-estimated 16 mpg city and 20 mpg highway for a driving range of 480 miles on the highway.