Chevrolet Silverado
Fuel economy, running costs and specs by model year
The Chevrolet Silverado appears in this database in 5 model years, from 2016 to 2020, offered with diesel and gasoline and hybrid power. Combined economy ranges from 15 to 27 MPG across those years, with annual fuel costs of $3,100 to $5,300 at 15,000 miles.
Fuel economy by year
| Year | Combined | Annual fuel | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 17-20 MPG | $3,250-$3,800 | 14 |
| 2017 | 17-20 MPG | $3,250-$3,800 | 14 |
| 2018 | 17-20 MPG | $3,250-$4,700 | 14 |
| 2019 | 15-21 MPG | $3,100-$4,700 | 23 |
| 2020 | 15-27 MPG | $3,100-$5,300 | 27 |
How it compares
Against the average standard pickup trucks 4wd in this dataset (about 18 MPG), the Silverado sits roughly 3 MPG above that mark on average, making it a relatively efficient choice for its class.
Five-year fuel cost
Fuelling a Silverado for five years at the EPA's 15,000-mile basis costs roughly $15,500 to $26,500, averaging about $21,000 across the versions here. That is the energy bill alone — it excludes insurance, maintenance and depreciation, which for most owners together exceed what goes into the tank.
The range within the range
Economy across the Silverado varies by about 12 MPG between its most and least frugal versions, which run on diesel and gasoline and hybrid. Engine size, turbocharging, drivetrain and even wheel size explain most of that gap, so when you shop a used Silverado check which version you are looking at before comparing its running cost to another car.
How it changed over time
Between 2016 and 2020 the Silverado's average combined economy improved from about 18 to 21 MPG. Redesigns, new engines and added hybrid or electric versions are usually what move the number, so the year you choose can matter as much as the model.
Best year for fuel economy
The 2018 Silverado has the strongest average combined economy in this database at about 18 MPG, while the 2019 is the lowest at about 17 MPG. If running cost is your priority, that is the year to target on the used market; later years may add equipment or safety features instead.
2020 Silverado at a glance
| Version | Engine | Fuel | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado 2WD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Diesel | 27 MPG |
| Silverado 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Diesel | 25 MPG |
| Silverado 2WD | 2.7L 4-cyl turbo | Gasoline | 21 MPG |
| Silverado 4WD | 2.7L 4-cyl turbo | Gasoline | 20 MPG |
| Silverado 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 20 MPG |
| Silverado 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 19 MPG |
| Silverado 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 18 MPG |
| Silverado 4WD TrailBoss | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 18 MPG |
| Silverado 4WD TrailBoss | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 18 MPG |
| Silverado 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | Gasoline | 17 MPG |
| Silverado 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 17 MPG |
| Silverado 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 17 MPG |
| Silverado 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 17 MPG |
| Silverado 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | Gasoline | 17 MPG |
| Silverado Cab Chassis 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | Gasoline | 17 MPG |
| Silverado 4WD TrailBoss | 6.2L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 17 MPG |
| Silverado 4WD TrailBoss | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 16 MPG |
| Silverado 4WD TrailBoss | 4.3L 6-cyl | Gasoline | 16 MPG |
| Silverado Cab Chassis 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 15 MPG |
| Silverado Cab Chassis 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 15 MPG |
| Silverado Cab Chassis 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | Gasoline | 15 MPG |
Use the comparison tool to set the Silverado against a rival, or go back to all Chevrolet models.