How To Achieve The Very Best Fuel Economy??????

SilveradoHDZ71 · December 27, 2015

First off this is my first post here and I don't own a truck but id soon will. I'm thinking on getting my first truck and its going to be a new Silverado or Sierra. I wanted a Colorado crew first but after seeing the price tag compared to a full sized, its not much difference when you takes away the incentives from the price. And plus your getting a few extra features.

I'm basically buying a truck because of the four wheel drive reason and I occasionally hauls bikes around. So towing don't worry me. I was wondering which engine would be the best for me that has the best fuel economy? This is what people have told me....Anyone can tell me if this is true or false?

A 4.3L is a smaller motor But it would need much more gas when power is needed.? So basically it would be hard on gas?

So would a 6.2L be easy on gas because the engine doesn't have to work so hard to produce the power?? This is what I really like to have.

A 5.3L is the engine that I'm thinking on because I haven't got to go from a lt to a ltz or sle to slt. but Id thought I get some feedback on the other 2 engines, People told me this engine can be good on gas and hard at times as well.

Id like to know with the right rear end and engine would be the best? and also is the larger the ratio the heavier the rear end is designed for which equals to more towing capacity? Also I seen on here before, does the rim size make a difference??

Or should I simply get a Colorado?? Also would the trade in value of a Colorado stay up better than a full sized? because I would be definitely be getting the next gen Silverado in a few years...

If people can give me feedback it would be great.

dbcooper748 · December 27, 2015

First off this is my first post here and I don't own a truck but id soon will. I'm thinking on getting my first truck and its going to be a new Silverado or Sierra. I wanted a Colorado crew first but after seeing the price tag compared to a full sized, its not much difference when you takes away the incentives from the price. And plus your getting a few extra features.

I'm basically buying a truck because of the four wheel drive reason and I occasionally hauls bikes around. So towing don't worry me. I was wondering which engine would be the best for me that has the best fuel economy? This is what people have told me....Anyone can tell me if this is true or false?

A 4.3L is a smaller motor But it would need much more gas when power is needed.? So basically it would be hard on gas?

So would a 6.2L be easy on gas because the engine doesn't have to work so hard to produce the power?? This is what I really like to have.

A 5.3L is the engine that I'm thinking on because I haven't got to go from a lt to a ltz or sle to slt. but Id thought I get some feedback on the other 2 engines, People told me this engine can be good on gas and hard at times as well.

Id like to know with the right rear end and engine would be the best? and also is the larger the ratio the heavier the rear end is designed for which equals to more towing capacity? Also I seen on here before, does the rim size make a difference??

Or should I simply get a Colorado?? Also would the trade in value of a Colorado stay up better than a full sized? because I would be definitely be getting the next gen Silverado in a few years...

If people can give me feedback it would be great.

On 87 octane, I get 15-17mpg around town in my crew 5.3 with 3.42 gears. 18-20 on the interstate and thats with 22" rims with 33" tires on a 2" level. My buddy just got a new 2.5 colorado and hes getting 18-20 in town and 22ish on insterstate.

6.2 is a beast but remember with it, you are gonna be running 91+ octane so calculate that cost in there. My 5.3 is optimal for me as it gets decent mileage and has plenty of power.

And the fact that 90% of my driving is city stop-n-go, 3.42 gearing works best for me. In theory, the 5.3 with 3.08 gears will get better mpgs on the hwy so u will have to make a choice which is best there for your needs

joshc64311 · December 27, 2015

I have the 5.3 with 3.08 gears, some how I get 29mpg yes 29 on rt70 east from west Virginia to Pittsburgh. I think hell freeze over on that part lol. Around town I get 14-17.5 and 22-25 on the highway but I live in a hilly part of pa tho,if you lived in a relatively flat area you should get OK mpg with 3.08's.

Jimmyc! · December 27, 2015

I get into this MPG thing in my head every now and again. It's weird... there are times when I know I have a 6.2 I know it's not a Prius and I just don't care. Then I find myself feathering the throttle and trying to squeeze the MPG's. I'm gonna call it the MPG cycle. Much like woman and their monthly gift I go through it and hate it! Might be time for the dreaded MPGsterectomy.

Geiser100 · December 27, 2015

I have the 4.3 V6 in a regular cab with 4x4 and 3.42 gears. I've only been on the interstate once for a few miles. In town I average 16.2 mpg. Keep in mind I drive just 4 miles to work in traffic 20-35mph. I think thats pretty decent.

Dana Mills · December 27, 2015

Best advice - buy the truck you want and buy a beater Honda Civic or something for driving around town! Personally, I don't see the value in the Colorado/Canyon, especially if you're used to driving a full-size truck. I originally thought I wanted a Colorado/Canyon until I drove one - for a nicely equipped truck you're in full-size truck territory price-wise with less features and an inferior cabin. And the MPG differences are not that great but the power differences are. Anecdotally - I have a neighbor that drove a 2010 Sierra and sold it/picked up a top of the line Canyon (every option available, very nice truck). Two days ago, I saw him driving a brand new 2016 Sierra - he just felt the Canyon wasn't enough truck for him.

I have been somewhat surprised with the MPGs of the 2015 Silverado (4x4, 5.3 L with 3.42 gears, 22" rims). For my first 12,000+ miles I'm averaging 17.6 MPG with about 60/40 city/highway driving (in South Florida though, so city driving does consist of wide rides with 45 MPH speed limits). Comparably, my 2012 Ram was averaging 12.4 MPG in the same driving conditions (2x4, 5.7 L, 3.08 gears). I am more than satisfied with the fuel efficiency of Silverado. If you're a truck guy, you likely won't be satisfied with the Colorado. Whatever you buy just get what you REALLY want and enjoy it. They're great trucks, can't go wrong.

calgator73 · December 27, 2015

Use fueleconomy.gov (makes detailed comparison easy)

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bertiman · December 27, 2015

Only drive down hill. Never stop until you reach your destination.

SouthpawHD · December 27, 2015

People buy trucks for all sorts of reasons, MPGs isn't one of them. Sorry OP, but if MPGs are a primary concern, a full-size is not for you. Not trying to be smart azz, but that's just the honest truth.

Now that being said, these things get great mileage for a 350HP+ motor on a vehicle that weighs 5,000+ pounds.

moosehead1 · December 27, 2015

Get a Prius.

I kid, I kid. Sounds like the Colorado suits your needs well, I also liked it's design and interior.

waumo1 · December 27, 2015

Rather than MPG, be concerned about miles you drive. Optimize your trips. Do I really need to run out tonight to pick something up at the store or can I just stop on my way home from work tomorrow?

I know people that drive 40 MPG cars, work at the same place I do and live closer but still have gasoline bills 3x mine at 16 MPG.

SilveradoHDZ71 · December 27, 2015

Get a Prius.

I kid, I kid. Sounds like the Colorado suits your needs well, I also liked it's design and interior.

Personally right now id pick a Colorado over 2016 Silverado over looks. I am not likening the new refresh of it. I'm not sure about a sierra elevation or all terrain thou, both beautiful looking trucks.

SilveradoHDZ71 · December 27, 2015

People buy trucks for all sorts of reasons, MPGs isn't one of them. Sorry OP, but if MPGs are a primary concern, a full-size is not for you. Not trying to be smart azz, but that's just the honest truth.

Now that being said, these things get great mileage for a 350HP+ motor on a vehicle that weighs 5,000+ pounds.

Well I knows how a truck is much harder on gas than a car or suv, But I was wondering what would be the best way to go. Get a Colorado 3.6L, or get a sierra with a 5.3 with a 3:08 or a 6.2 with a 3:23. A friend of mine has a 5.3L with a 3:42 and it drinks the gas lol. See the half the problem is I don't know much about engines and the rear ends and what to get...

A 4.3L is a smaller motor and basically it has to work harder to produce power when you wants it.

A 6.2L Is a larger motor and It hasn't got to work so hard so would it be easier on gas than a 5.3 or 4.3?

SilveradoHDZ71 · December 27, 2015

I have the 5.3 with 3.08 gears, some how I get 29mpg yes 29 on rt70 east from west Virginia to Pittsburgh. I think hell freeze over on that part lol. Around town I get 14-17.5 and 22-25 on the highway but I live in a hilly part of pa tho,if you lived in a relatively flat area you should get OK mpg with 3.08's.

Well I live in a hilly area so, would the 3:08 be better or worse?

joshc64311 · December 27, 2015

All depends on what you need it for I don't tow anything heavier than 6000lbs. So it works for me, but if you plan on towing some real weight than don't get the 3.08 rear. Other than that can't beat the mpg for a full size double cab v8 Silveraydo.