Key Takeaways
- The Silverado 1500 offers four engines, and fuel economy ranges from around 18 to 26 MPG combined, depending on which one you choose.
- The 3.0L Duramax diesel is the most efficient traditional engine in the 1500 lineup, with an EPA-estimated 28 MPG on the highway.
- Silverado HD trucks (2500HD/3500HD) don't have official EPA mileage ratings due to their weight class, but real-world figures typically fall in the low-to-mid-teens.
- The Silverado EV swaps miles-per-gallon for miles-per-charge, with up to 478 miles of GM-estimated range on the Extended Range battery.
- Chevy doesn't build a plug-in hybrid Silverado — the lineup splits cleanly into gas/diesel and fully electric.
What's the Chevy Silverado MPG for 2026?
It depends entirely on which Silverado you're talking about. The light-duty 1500 has four engine choices with EPA ratings ranging from about 18 to 26 MPG combined.
The HD trucks don't get official mileage numbers at all. The Silverado EV is measured in range instead of MPG.
That spread exists because these trucks aren't built for the same job. A 1500 with the turbocharged four-cylinder is tuned for daily driving and light-duty use. A 3500HD dually with the Duramax diesel is built to move 36,000 pounds without breaking a sweat.
Fuel economy trades off against towing muscle almost every time. So the "best" engine really comes down to what you're hauling and how often you're hauling it. Someone commuting solo five days a week wants a very different setup than someone towing a camper every other weekend. That's exactly the kind of question the team at Matick Chevrolet in Redford can help sort out in person.
Silverado 1500 Engine Options (2WD, EPA-Estimated)
- 2.7L TurboMax Four-Cylinder — approximately 19 city / 22 highway MPG
- 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 — approximately 16 city / 21 highway MPG
- 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 — approximately 15 city / 20 highway MPG
- 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel — approximately 23 city / 28 highway MPG
Silverado 1500: Gas Mileage by Engine and Drivetrain
The base TurboMax 2.7L is the volume seller. It delivers 310 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. of torque, with mileage that holds up well for daily driving.
Step up to the 5.3L V8, and you trade a couple of MPG for extra towing muscle and that classic V8 sound. The 6.2L V8 leans further toward performance. It's the thirstiest gas option, but it's also the one buyers pick when towing and horsepower matter more than the fuel bill.
Drivetrain matters too. You'll sometimes see this compared as Silverado FWD vs. AWD gas mileage, though on a truck the real comparison is 2WD versus 4WD — Silverado doesn't offer front-wheel drive at all. Two-wheel-drive models consistently return slightly better numbers than 4WD, usually by a MPG or two, since there's less driveline weight and rotating mass to move.
If you don't need four-wheel drive for winters in Redford, sticking with 2WD is the simpler way to squeeze out a bit more Silverado fuel economy and city-highway performance.
What Affects Real-World Mileage
Towing weight and trailer aerodynamics
Short trips versus sustained highway cruising
Cold Michigan winters, which drop efficiency across the board
Tire size and lift kits on Trail Boss and ZR2 trims
Silverado HD and Silverado EV: Mileage vs. Range
The 2500HD and 3500HD skip EPA ratings altogether. Trucks above 8,500 lbs. GVWR aren't required to be tested, since fuel use swings so much with load.
In practice, the 6.6L gas V8 tends to land in the 11-14 MPG range unloaded. The 6.6L Duramax diesel usually runs a bit better, often getting 14-17 MPG unloaded and less when towing heavy loads.
The Silverado EV flips the conversation from MPG to range. With the Extended Range battery, GM estimates up to 478 miles per charge. Fast-charging can add roughly 74-120 miles in about 10 minutes on a compatible DC fast charger. If you've searched for Silverado Plug-In Hybrid MPG, here's the honest answer: it doesn't exist. Chevy's lineup is gas and diesel on one side and fully electric on the other, with nothing in between. No plug-in hybrid Silverado is currently offered or planned.
Looking for the best gas mileage Chevy SUV instead of a truck? Models like the Equinox and Trax will beat any Silverado's numbers, since crossovers are lighter and aren't engineered for towing. But if you need a truck's capability, the lineup gives you real options for balancing power and Chevy Silverado mileage.
Why People Love Their Silverado
Mileage is one piece of the puzzle. But it's rarely the reason people fall for this truck. It's the cargo volume of the Durabed. It's the Multi-Flex Tailgate's six configurations. It's towing numbers that top 13,300 lbs. on the 1500 and 36,000 lbs. on the HD, plus tech like Google built-in and available Super Cruise hands-free driving.
If you're weighing engines, drivetrains, or gas versus electric, the easiest next step is seeing the numbers in person. Stop by Matick Chevrolet in Redford to compare a TurboMax, a Duramax, and a Silverado EV side by side before you decide.
FAQ
Matick Chevrolet
- Address: 14001 Telegraph Rd, Redford, MI 48239
- Sales Hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed - Phone: (313) 631-0930
Michigan's Most Awarded Dealership
