---
title: "2019 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Get Worse MPG Than the Trucks They Replace"
description: "The new V-6 models get up to 3 less mpg than their 2018 counterparts while the V-8s are 1 mpg worse off than before."
date: "2018-12-11"
modified: "2018-12-11"
authors:
  - name: "Chris Tsui"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/chris-tsui"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/25402/2019-chevy-silverado-and-gmc-sierra-get-worse-mpg-than-the-trucks-they-replace"
categories:
  - "Chevrolet News"
  - "GMC News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
  - "Trucks"
tags:
  - "2019 Chevrolet Silverado"
  - "Chevrolet"
  - "fuel economy"
  - "General Motors"
  - "GMC Sierra"
  - "pickup"
  - "silverado"
  - "trucks"
---

# 2019 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Get Worse MPG Than the Trucks They Replace

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/12/2019-chevrolet-silverado-ltz-028-e1544473490174.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com\</em\>*

When automakers come out with redesigned, re-engineered vehicles, the new stuff is usually faster, stronger, nicer, and more efficient than last year's model. General Motors appears to be bucking that trend with a number of its new pickup trucks, at least in the fuel efficiency department.

According to a report from [*Automotive News*](<https://www.autonews.com/article/20181207/OEM03/181209808/some-2019-gm-pickups-will-have-lower-mpg-than-outgoing-models>), 2019 versions of the [Chevrolet Silverado](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/24472/2019-chevy-silverado-test-drive-review-gms-new-full-size-pickup-truck-is-an-all-around-letdown>) and GMC Sierra equipped with the 4.3-liter V6 and 5.3-liter V8 engines will return fewer miles per gallon than their respective predecessors.

Alas, making our way over to [fueleconomy.gov](<https://fueleconomy.gov>) reveals that the 4.3-liter [2019 Silverado](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/25221/2019-chevrolet-silverado-breaks-down-in-the-middle-of-detroit-red-wings-marketing-stunt>) gets 17 miles per gallon combined while the equivalent 2018 truck gets 19 to 20 miles per gallon depending on whether you opt for rear- or four-wheel drive. A V8-powered 2019 Silverado also returns 17 miles per gallon combined, 1 mile per gallon less than its direct predecessor.

The supposed fuel-saving, 2.7-liter four-cylinder versions aren't exactly champions of the mpg game either, getting a mediocre 21 miles per gallon. [GM's response? Don't look at the rating, look at real-world results.](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/25005/gm-on-chevy-silverado-4-cylinder-fuel-economy-dont-look-at-the-epa-rating>)

When probed over the efficiency downgrade, a Chevrolet spokesperson told *Automotive News* that the diminished fuel economy can be attributed to—in an unsurprisingly positive PR-ready spin—upgrades everywhere else resulting in more aerodynamic drag. "We increased towing capacity, payload, and it's a much larger bed and a much larger cab," said the Chevy rep.

Even though overall aerodynamic efficiency on the new trucks apparently increased by 7 percent and curb weight was cut by up to 450 pounds, Chevy says those gains were offset by a larger frontal area. So, not only has the new Silverado's broad grille been, erm, divisive aesthetically but it apparently causes worse fuel efficiency too.

*The Drive* has reached out to Chevy for further comment and will update this story when we hear back.

## Author
Chris Tsui is *The Drive*'s former Reviews Editor and current freelance automotive journalist. He's based in Toronto.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/cltsuii/>)