GREEN | 5 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe: 15/20 mpg (V-6, 4 auto); 14/19 mpg (4.8-liter 4 auto); 15/21 mpg (5.3-liter 6-auto); 13/18 mpg (6.2-liter 6 auto); 20/23 mpg (Hybrid)
U.S. EPA
Impressive city fuel economy for a full-size truck
Edmunds
Gas mileage is a factor that rarely weighs in a pickup truck's favor. While the 2012 Chevy Silverado does better than most--much better, in the case of the Hybrid--it's still a relative laggard in overall fuel-economy ratings.
The Silverado's gas-only editions fare better with fuel bills than almost all other big trucks, save for the Ford F-150. The basic V-6 and V-8, though, aren't as good as Chevy's biggest seller, the 5.3-liter V-8. In part it's because the fleet-duty six and eight are sold with four-speed automatics, while the 5.3 gets a six-speed automatic. But the 5.3 also has cylinder-deactivation technology and an aero-smoothed XFE edition. The largest V-8 has the six-speed as well, but it's the lowest-rated by the EPA.
If you're looking for the most fuel-efficient Silverado, the winner by far is the Silverado Hybrid. With EPA ratings of 20 mpg city, 23 highway, whether you get 4WD or not, the Silverado Hybrid is the green choice for full-size truck shoppers.Conclusion
It's not green by mass-market passenger-car standards, but among trucks, the 2012 Chevy Silverado is among the best in its class for efficiency.
