REPORT: 2010 Chevy Silverado XFE updated to achieve best-in-class 22 mpg highway

[Z71_Silvy]

A couple of years ago, pickup truck comparisons were all about power and towing capacity. Today, fuel efficiency is the new battleground. For the 2009 model year, the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado XFE took their fuel economy figures up a notch by hitting 21 mpg on the highway and 15 in the city. Then Ford unveiled the F-150 SFE that matched those numbers, though without requiring the use of a tonneau cover. The Blue Oval dropped the SFE badge for 2010, but kept the improved fuel economy.

General Motors, however, is not content with a tie, and is upping the EPA numbers for its 2010 XFE Silverado and Sierra to 22 mpg on the highway, which just so happens to match the highway figure for the Sierra Hybrid. The combined fuel economy of both GMT900 trucks has also increased from 17 to 18 mpg.

Chevrolet spokesperson Brian Goebel told Pickuptrucks.com that the increased fuel economy is due to several engineering improvements. The XFE model's 5.3-liter V8 now has variable valve timing, optimized shift pattens in its six-speed transmission, and new tweaks for its Active Fuel Management system that enables the truck to run on four cylinders at cruising speeds for longer.

Boo-Ya. God I love a GM V8. There is NOTHING better.

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[Zembonez]

That is an improvement... at least on paper.

 

[Z71_Silvy]

That is an improvement... at least on paper.

With careful driving (reltively flat, 60 MPH) I averaged 23.1 MPG in my truck on a recent 250 mile trip.

This new Silvy should be able to do MUCH better than 22 highway.

 

[Zembonez]

I don't want to get into a fuel mileage debate but I've never seen over 20 in a GM truck. I do REAL GOOD to get 18 if I am extremely careful. I do know that 3.42 gears are the sweet spot for the 5.3 trucks when it comes to mileage.

 

[Z71_Silvy]

I don't want to get into a fuel mileage debate but I've never seen over 20 in a GM truck. I do REAL GOOD to get 18 if I am extremely careful. I do know that 3.42 gears are the sweet spot for the 5.3 trucks when it comes to mileage.

Maybe I was just lucky, but on that same trip home (driving 70 MPH) I averaged 20.6 MPG.

Keep in mind that I am only using the DIC to tell me that info, but I was extremely impressed at my mileage.

My point, is that there is no need to go to some high-strung, limp-wristed V6 to get V8 power and (supposedly) V6 mileage.

V8 are extremely efficient. Look at what Hyundai has been able to do with their V8 RWD Genesis. 4.6L V8, 375 HP and the same mileage as another manufactures 3.5 Twin-Turbo V6.

After owning my Crown Vic, I will never be without a V8, RWD vehicle.

 

[Zembonez]

I'm certainly not saying you didn't do it... Didn't mean it like that at all. Just saying that my experiences with my GM trucks have been somewhat less than that. I have actually gotten 20 a few times in the right conditions. In fact I'm sitting on about 17.3 lifetime according to the DIC on my current truck.. and that is combined. I'm pretty happy!

 

[Alljackedup408]

mine gets 25 mpg.... in neutral downhill....

 

[Zembonez]

I'm pretty happy with the mileage I get in mine. I agree that a V8 is a sweet engine. I'd hate to be without mine!

 

[dietz4ibanez]

Shoot my old trucks I was happy getting 10-12... Ole black was consistently around 15-16 and the -Dmax is been around 18-19 all city numbers..

I know that I will be back in low 18's and high 17's with bigger tires but for half ton trucks and 3/4 you really cant complain about fuel mileage..

 

[User5543]

I got 403hp @ 5700 RPM on my last WOT sprint down the street.

Oh wait... we're still talking MPG... never mind. I'll go back to sleep now.