What is the gas mileage on a 6.0 Chevy 2500?

In general, the 6.0L V8 in a Chevy Silverado 2500HD delivers about 12–15 mpg combined, with highway efficiency around 15–18 mpg under favorable conditions and city driving typically 9–12 mpg. The exact figure depends on year, cab/bed configuration, rear axle ratio, drivetrain, and payload; for your specific truck, consult the EPA rating for your model year and configuration on fueleconomy.gov.

The question refers to the gasoline-powered 6.0-liter V8 option used in heavy-duty Silverado 2500HD models. Gas mileage on this engine varies widely because the 2500HD is a purpose-built work truck designed for towing and payload, not for high fuel efficiency. Factors such as towing, payload, drivetrain (2WD vs 4WD), axle ratio, body style, and driving conditions all influence real-world mileage. Below you’ll find a breakdown of how mileage is typically determined and how to verify it for your specific vehicle.

What affects fuel economy on a 6.0L Chevy 2500

Several variables influence mpg, especially on a heavy-duty pickup. The following are the main factors to consider when evaluating the 6.0L's fuel economy.

• Drivetrain: two-wheel drive (4x2) usually gets better mpg than four-wheel drive (4x4) due to drivetrain losses.


• Axle ratio: higher numerical gears (like 4.10 or 4.30) improve towing performance but lower mpg; lower gears improve efficiency when not towing but reduce highway efficiency.


• Cab and bed configuration: larger cabs and longer beds add weight and air resistance, lowering mpg slightly.


• Towing and payload: hauling heavy loads significantly reduces mpg compared with unloaded operation.


• Maintenance and driving style: aggressive acceleration, heavy braking, frequent idling, and poor maintenance reduce mpg; proper tire inflation and maintenance help.

Knowing these factors can help you estimate fuel economy for your exact truck. For the most reliable figure, refer to the official EPA rating for your model year and configuration.

EPA estimates and typical ranges by configuration

Because model years and options vary, EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 6.0L gas Silverado 2500HD span a range. The numbers below reflect typical ranges observed across recent generations, and your mileage may be higher or lower depending on drivetrain and payload.

• 4x2 configurations (gas engine, regular/cab or crew cab with standard bed): roughly 10–14 mpg city, 15–18 mpg highway, 13–15 mpg combined.


• 4x4 configurations (gas engine): roughly 9–12 mpg city, 14–17 mpg highway, 11–14 mpg combined.


• Heavy towing or commercial use can reduce highway efficiency and drop mpg by 1–3 mpg or more, depending on load and terrain.

To get the exact EPA rating for your year and configuration, search fueleconomy.gov using the vehicle's year, make, model, trim, engine, and drivetrain.

How to verify your own fuel economy

In addition to official EPA numbers, you can measure real-world mileage for your vehicle by tracking trips over time. Use these steps:

1. Reset your trip odometer and fill the tank to full.


2. Drive normally until you refill, and record the miles driven and gallons used.


3. Calculate mpg as miles divided by gallons (miles/gallons). Repeat over multiple tanks to get an average.


4. Compare your real-world average to the EPA rating for your year and configuration as a sanity check.

Regular maintenance, proper tire pressure, and mindful driving can improve your real-world mpg relative to the sticker value.

Summary

The gas mileage of a Chevy Silverado 2500HD with a 6.0L V8 varies by year, configuration, and use. In general, expect roughly 12–15 mpg combined, with 4x2 delivering better efficiency than 4x4 and towing payloads reducing mileage. For the most accurate figure, consult fueleconomy.gov for the exact EPA rating of your specific truck.

How many miles per gallon does a Chevy Silverado 2500 6.6 get?

The Chevy Silverado 2500 with the 6.6 gas engine gets an average of approximately 13-17 mpg combined, but this varies significantly by model year, trim, and driving conditions. For example, a 2024 model might achieve 16-18 mpg city / 18-21 mpg highway in base trims like the Work Truck or Custom, while higher trims might be slightly lower, and conditions like towing or winter driving can drop the mileage significantly. 
This video discusses the fuel economy of the Chevy Silverado 2500's 6.6 gas engine: 57sGetty's GarageYouTube · Oct 27, 2025
Factors affecting MPG

• Model Year: The 2024 and 2025 models with the 10-speed transmission may have slightly better fuel economy in some situations than older models with a 6-speed transmission. 
• Trim Level: Base trims like Work Truck, Custom, and LT tend to have better MPG ratings, while higher-end trims like LTZ and High Country are less fuel-efficient. 
• Driving Conditions:
  • City vs. Highway: Expect lower mileage in city driving compared to highway driving. 
  • Towing and Hauling: Towing a trailer, especially a heavy one, will significantly decrease fuel efficiency. 
  • Driving Habits: Aggressive driving, such as speeding or hard acceleration, will negatively impact MPG. 
• Other factors: Vehicle weight, tire pressure, aerodynamics, and engine maintenance all play a role in overall fuel economy. 

You can watch this video to see a highway MPG test of the 6.6 gas engine: 58sAdventure RocksYouTube · Jan 31, 2024

What kind of gas mileage does a 6.0 get?

A vehicle with a 6.0L engine can get around 8−158 minus 158−15 MPG for gas models and 10−2010 minus 2010−20 MPG for diesel models, depending on whether it's a gas or diesel engine. Gas engines typically see lower mileage, with figures in the single digits in certain conditions, while diesel engines can vary widely based on modifications, with some owners reporting mileage in the high teens on the highway. 
Gas engine (GM)

• Typical range: 10−1510 minus 1510−15 MPG in normal driving conditions. 
• Factors affecting mileage: Heavy loads, city driving, and driving at high speeds will lower MPG. 
• Comparison: The 6.0L gas engine is known for being a "gas hog," and even newer 3/4-ton trucks with the same engine are not much better. 

Diesel engine (Ford)

• Typical range: 13−1913 minus 1913−19 MPG on average, depending on the tune, modifications, and driving conditions.
• Factors affecting mileage: Modified engines with tunes and EGR deletes can achieve higher mileage, sometimes reaching up to 18−1918 minus 1918−19 MPG on the highway.
• Comparison: Stock engines may see lower mileage, with some owners reporting averages around 13.513.513.5 MPG. 

Important considerations

• Age and condition: The age and condition of the vehicle, especially the engine's health and maintenance, can significantly impact fuel economy. 
• Modifications: Upgrades like performance tunes and EGR deletes can improve mileage, but their effectiveness varies depending on the specific modifications. 
• Driving habits: Driving style is a major factor. Aggressive acceleration, heavy loads, and high-speed driving will all decrease MPG. 
• Other options: For better fuel economy, consider a smaller engine or a vehicle with a more fuel-efficient design, such as a hybrid or smaller truck. 

Is the Chevy 6.0 a good engine?

Yes, the Chevy 6.0L Vortec is generally considered a good, reliable engine known for its durability and power, especially in heavy-duty applications. It is a popular and versatile workhorse engine that can last for hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance, though its fuel economy is not its strong suit.
 
Why the Chevy 6.0L is a good engine

• Durability: The engine is built with a heavy-duty cast iron block and is known for its robust and long-lasting construction, with many owners reporting well over 200,000 miles. 
• Power and torque: It provides strong power output, making it ideal for towing and hauling in trucks and other work vehicles. 
• Versatility: It has been used in a wide range of vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks, vans, and even performance vehicles like the Silverado SS and Corvette. 
• Good for modification: Its proven durability makes it a popular choice for performance enthusiasts to modify. 

Potential drawbacks

• Fuel economy: As a large V8, its fuel mileage is not great, which is a common trade-off for its power and durability. 
• Common issues: While generally reliable, some common issues can arise, such as a rear sensor on some models that can fail due to moisture. 

You can watch this video to learn about the reliability and common problems of the 6.0 Vortec: 33s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · May 5, 2023
Summary
The Chevy 6.0L is a highly-regarded engine for those prioritizing longevity and work capacity over fuel efficiency. Its robust construction makes it a dependable choice for heavy-duty tasks, and it remains a popular engine for both commercial use and as a platform for performance builds.

How many miles per gallon does a 2008 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 6.0 get?

It can haul up to 2,200 pounds of payload and tow a heavy trailer, and it returned 13 mpg overall in our tests. The engine is punchy and not too noisy, and the Allison-sourced six-speed automatic transmission is smooth.