GMC Sierra 1500 2WD
16.1 MPG The 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD is EPA-rated at 16.1 MPG combined (14.1 city / 19.1 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 932 gallons, $2981 a year in fuel, or $0.199 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1989–2006 run it averages 15.9 MPG, essentially flat across 18 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 | $0.155 | $1553 | $2329 | $3106 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.186 | $1863 | $2795 | $3727 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.199 | $1988 | $2981 | $3975 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.217 | $2174 | $3261 | $4348 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.248 | $2484 | $3727 | $4969 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.280 | $2795 | $4193 | $5590 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.311 | $3106 | $4658 | $6211 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 16.1 MPG | 14.1 | 19.1 | $4007 | 551 | 7 |
| 2005 | 16 MPG | 14 | 19.1 | $4043 | 556 | 7 |
| 2004 | 15.6 MPG | 13.9 | 18.3 | $4014 | 572 | 7 |
| 2003 | 15.5 MPG | 13.7 | 18.3 | $4025 | 574 | 6 |
| 2002 | 15.5 MPG | 13.8 | 18 | $4025 | 574 | 6 |
| 2001 | 16 MPG | 14.2 | 18.8 | $3900 | 556 | 5 |
| 2000 | 16.4 MPG | 14.4 | 19.4 | $3810 | 543 | 5 |
| 1999 | 15.7 MPG | 13.9 | 18.7 | $3979 | 567 | 7 |
| 1998 | 15.3 MPG | 13.7 | 18.5 | $4092 | 584 | 6 |
| 1997 | 15.8 MPG | 14.2 | 19 | $3950 | 564 | 6 |
| 1996 | 16 MPG | 14.4 | 18.7 | $4050 | 569 | 7 |
| 1995 | 15.8 MPG | 14.1 | 18.8 | $4227 | 589 | 11 |
| 1994 | 16.1 MPG | 14.1 | 19.3 | $4133 | 576 | 12 |
| 1993 | 15.7 MPG | 14.1 | 18.6 | $4155 | 583 | 11 |
| 1992 | 16.2 MPG | 14.6 | 19.3 | $4060 | 569 | 10 |
| 1991 | 16.2 MPG | 14.6 | 19.1 | $4085 | 571 | 13 |
| 1990 | 15.7 MPG | 14.5 | 18.4 | $4182 | 587 | 11 |
| 1989 | 15.8 MPG | 14.3 | 18.6 | $4146 | 583 | 12 |
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 29 standard pickup trucks models tracked here, the GMC Sierra 1500 2WD ranks 11 on current figures, against a class average of 15.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chevrolet C2500 Pickup 2WD (17), Chevrolet K2500 Pickup 4WD (17), Jeep Comanche Pickup 4WD (17), Mazda B2600i 4x4 (17), Mitsubishi Truck 4WD (17).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 551 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 8.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the GMC Sierra 1500 2WD get?
The 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD is rated at 16.1 MPG combined by the EPA — 14.1 city and 19.1 highway. Across all 18 model years in the database it averages 15.9 MPG, ranging from 12 to 20 depending on year and trim.
How much does a GMC Sierra 1500 2WD cost in fuel per year?
At 16.1 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 932 gallons — roughly $2981 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.199 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2006 model is $4007.
Has the GMC Sierra 1500 2WD become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 16.1 MPG today against 15.8 in 1989 — essentially flat across 18 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the GMC Sierra 1500 2WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 11 of 29 in the Standard Pickup Trucks class on current figures, against a class average of 15.5 MPG. That is 0.6 better 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.