2010 GM Full-Size Pickups Achieve Best-in-Class Fuel Economy

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General Motors announced that powertrain enhancements have enabled Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups to achieve best-in-class fuel economy, based on the latest EPA estimates.

Silverado and Sierra 5.3L V-8 engine EPA-estimated fuel economy improves for 2010 from 14 city / 20 highway to 15 city / 21 highway MPG, while Extra Fuel Economy (XFE) models move from 15 city / 21 highway to 15 city / 22 highway MPG. This development, combined with the fact that GM's hybrid pickups achieve an EPA estimated 21 city / 22 highway, puts Silverado and Sierra at the top in fuel economy.

Contributing to this development is a new fuel saver mode which enables the trucks to make better use of GM's Active Fuel Management system, running on four-cylinders in light throttle conditions instead of eight. In addition, more efficient six-speed transmission shift points, engine variable valve timing and a lower gear ratio of 3.08 (now standard on GM full-size pickups) each play an important role in the improved fuel economy.

This fuel economy improvement comes with no compromise in capability. Horsepower, payload, and trailering specifications remain the same for Chevy and GMC full-size pickups.

For reference, the following information is the most recent available EPA-estimated comparable fuel economy data for GM's main competitors in this segment.

Ford - 5.4L: 14 city / 20 hwy; 4.6L with 6-speed transmission: 15 city / 21 hwy

Dodge - 5.7L: 14 city / 20 hwy

Toyota - 5.7L: 14 city / 18 hwy; 4.6L: 15 city / 20 hwy

Nissan - 5.6L: 13 city / 17 hwy; 5.6L (E85): 13 city / 18 hwy