What Silverado gets 31 mpg?
As configured today, no Chevrolet Silverado trims achieve 31 mpg for combined driving. The best highway figures come from the 3.0L Duramax diesel, typically around the low to upper 30s on a highway-only stretch, while most everyday driving with gas engines lands in the high teens to low 20s for combined mileage depending on drivetrain and cab/bed configuration.
Understanding the fuel economy picture
Pickup trucks like the Silverado are built for payload, torque and towing rather than ultra-high fuel economy. EPA ratings vary by engine, drivetrain (two- or four-wheel drive), cab style and bed length, and even by tire size. Real-world mileage is often lower than the sticker numbers, and many Silverado buyers prioritize capability over maximum efficiency.
Engine options and mpg ranges
Below are representative EPA ranges for common Silverado configurations. Exact numbers depend on model year, trim, cab/box choice, and drivetrain.
- 2.7L Turbo EcoTec4 I-4:
• 2WD: about 20 mpg city / 23 mpg highway; roughly 21 mpg combined
• 4WD: about 19 mpg city / 22 mpg highway; roughly 20 mpg combined - 3.0L Duramax Diesel:
• 2WD: around 23 mpg city / 33 mpg highway; roughly 27–28 mpg combined
• 4WD: around 23 mpg city / 29–30 mpg highway; roughly 25–27 mpg combined - 5.3L V8:
• 2WD: roughly 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway; about 19–20 mpg combined
• 4WD: roughly 15 mpg city / 20 mpg highway; about 17–18 mpg combined - 6.2L V8:
• 2WD: around 14–15 mpg city / 20–21 mpg highway; about 17–18 mpg combined
• 4WD: around 14 mpg city / 19 mpg highway; roughly 17 mpg combined
Note: These figures are representative estimates. Actual mpg can vary by model year, exact drivetrain, cargo load, tire choices and driving style. The Duramax diesel generally offers the strongest highway economy, while the larger V8s tend to deliver lower overall efficiency.
Can you reach 31 mpg in practice?
For typical Silverado usage—daily driving, payload, and occasional towing—reaching or maintaining 31 mpg in combined driving is unlikely. The strongest highway potential is with the 3.0L Duramax Diesel in 2WD configurations, but even then real-world numbers can be lower than the EPA highway figure once you account for load, hills and wind resistance. If your goal is maximum mpg, prioritize 2WD and a diesel option for highway efficiency, and temper expectations for mixed driving.
Tips to maximize fuel economy
Before considering specific configurations, here are practical steps that can improve efficiency across Silverado trims. Implementing these can help you get closer to higher mpg, especially on long highway trips.
- Choose 2WD when possible and avoid heavy payloads that increase energy use.
- Opt for smaller cab/bed combinations if you don’t need maximum cargo space or towing capacity.
- Maintain proper tire inflation and use manufacturer-recommended tires to reduce rolling resistance.
- Adopt smooth acceleration and steady speeds; use cruise control on highways when safe and appropriate.
- Schedule regular maintenance, including air filters, spark plugs (where applicable), and fuel system checks to sustain efficiency.
Even with these practices, the Silverado’s design priorities—durability, payload and towing—mean 31 mpg in typical use remains out of reach for most buyers.
Summary
The Chevrolet Silverado does not offer a 31 mpg combined rating across its current lineup. The 3.0L Duramax diesel provides the strongest highway efficiency, but real-world mpg depends on drivetrain and configuration. For buyers chasing higher fuel economy, the trade-off usually involves selecting a smaller-displacement engine, enabling 2WD, and adopting efficiency practices, while recognizing that payload and towing demands will cap ultimate efficiency. In short, 31 mpg is not a realistic target for most Silverado configurations today.
