What is the MPG of a 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500HD engine 6.0 L V8?
In brief, the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD equipped with the 6.0-liter V8 typically gets about 12 miles per gallon (mpg) in city driving and around 17 mpg on the highway for two-wheel-drive models; four-wheel-drive versions usually average around 11 mpg city and 16 mpg highway. Real-world numbers vary with payload, towing, terrain and maintenance.
To understand how these figures are determined and what influences them, it helps to look at the official EPA ratings and the truck configurations common to that year.
EPA fuel economy ratings
The following figures reflect EPA estimates for common configurations of the 6.0 L V8 in the 2008 Silverado 2500HD. They are intended as a reference and may differ from individual results based on drivetrain, axle ratio, and other options.
- 2WD (two-wheel drive), 6.0L V8 with automatic transmission: City ~12 mpg; Highway ~17 mpg; Combined ~14 mpg.
- 4x4 (four-wheel drive), 6.0L V8 with automatic transmission: City ~11 mpg; Highway ~16 mpg; Combined ~13 mpg.
These EPA estimates illustrate the typical range you would expect from stock configurations of that era. Actual fuel economy can be notably affected by how the truck is used, especially when towing heavy loads or operating under frequent stops and hills.
Real-world considerations
In practice, owners report a wide range of mileage depending on payload, towing (especially heavy trailers), axle gearing, and driving conditions. City driving with frequent acceleration, dirt roads, or mountainous terrain tends to reduce mpg more than highway cruising on flat roads. Regular maintenance—air filters, spark plugs, tire pressure, and alignment—also plays a significant role in achieving optimal efficiency for older trucks.
Summary
For the 2008 Silverado 2500HD with a 6.0 L V8, EPA estimates commonly place mpg around 12/17 mpg (city/highway) for 2WD and about 11/16 mpg (city/highway) for 4x4, with combined figures in the mid-teens to low-teens depending on configuration. Real-world results will vary, and factors such as payload, towing, terrain, and maintenance will influence actual fuel economy.
Additional notes
If you’re evaluating fuel economy for a specific truck, consult fueleconomy.gov or the original window sticker for the exact configuration (drivetrain, axle ratio, cab style, bed length, and tires) as these details can shift EPA estimates by a noticeable margin.
Bottom line
For a 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500HD with the 6.0 L V8, expect mpg in the low-to-mid teens under typical use, with higher efficiency on flat highway driving and lower efficiency when towing or carrying heavy loads.
