Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
14.9 MPG The 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD is EPA-rated at 14.9 MPG combined (13.4 city / 17.6 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 1007 gallons, $3221 a year in fuel, or $0.215 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1999–2006 run it averages 14.6 MPG, essentially flat across 8 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.168 | $1678 | $2517 | $3356 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.201 | $2013 | $3020 | $4027 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.215 | $2148 | $3221 | $4295 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.235 | $2349 | $3523 | $4698 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.268 | $2685 | $4027 | $5369 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.302 | $3020 | $4530 | $6040 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.336 | $3356 | $5034 | $6711 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 14.9 MPG | 13.4 | 17.6 | $4343 | 599 | 7 |
| 2005 | 14.8 MPG | 13.3 | 17.5 | $4200 | 600 | 6 |
| 2004 | 14.7 MPG | 12.8 | 16.7 | $4250 | 607 | 6 |
| 2003 | 14 MPG | 12.8 | 16.5 | $4450 | 635 | 6 |
| 2002 | 14.2 MPG | 12.7 | 16.2 | $4400 | 628 | 6 |
| 2001 | 14.2 MPG | 13.2 | 16.6 | $4390 | 626 | 5 |
| 2000 | 15 MPG | 13.4 | 17 | $4160 | 594 | 5 |
| 1999 | 15 MPG | 13.4 | 17.2 | $4160 | 594 | 5 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 33 standard pickup trucks 4wd models tracked here, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD ranks 30 on current figures, against a class average of 17.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chevrolet Silverado 4WD ZR2 (15), Dodge Dakota Pickup 4WD (15), Toyota Tundra 4WD FFV (15), Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD (15.5), Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4WD (15.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 599 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 9.0 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD get?
The 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD is rated at 14.9 MPG combined by the EPA — 13.4 city and 17.6 highway. Across all 8 model years in the database it averages 14.6 MPG, ranging from 14 to 16 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD cost in fuel per year?
At 14.9 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 1007 gallons — roughly $3221 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.215 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2006 model is $4343.
Has the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 14.9 MPG today against 15 in 1999 — essentially flat across 8 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 30 of 33 in the Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 17.2 MPG. That is 2.3 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.