2026 Chevy Silverado TurboMax Impresses in Fuel Economy Test
In a world where gas prices are painfully high, the 2026 Chevy Silverado TurboMax seems like a smart option for several reasons.
While fans of light-duty full-size pickups like the Chevy Silverado have plenty of engine options to choose from these days, fuel economy is becoming a bit more of a priority for most amid soaring gas prices. While larger pickups like the Silverado aren’t exactly known for being the most efficient rides out there, fuel economy and consumption will vary greatly depending on which engine customers choose. In that realm, the 2.7-liter TurboMax four-cylinder looks to be a pretty solid choice.
That smaller powerplant packs a big punch, producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, offering up to 9,500 pounds of max towing capacity at the same time. The TurboMax is also efficient, delivering an EPA-estimated 19 miles-per-gallon in the city, as well as 22 mpg on the highway. However, real-world fuel economy does tend to vary greatly, so this recent test conducted by the YouTube channel Daily Motor gives us a better idea of how efficient the TurboMax really is.
In this case, the Crew Cab, short bed, four-wheel-drive 2026 Chevy Silverado is tested at a typical 70 mph highway jaunt, rather than the slower speeds used in EPA testing. Our host drives the truck 50 miles one way and 50 miles back, all while using cruise control to maintain a steady rate of speed. Tire pressure is set to factory specs, the climate control is set at 73 degrees, and it’s around 60 degrees outside. Finally, the test is conducted at night so that it isn’t disrupted by traffic.
When it’s all said and done, our Silverado tester covers exactly 100.3 miles, consuming 4.545 gallons of fuel in the process. That equates to 22 mpg, even though the vehicle’s display indicates a lower 21.4 mpg, cruising along at a mere 1,600 rpm. This also means that at typical highway speeds, the Chevy Silverado TurboMax has a range of around 520 miles, thanks to its 24-gallon tank.
These are indeed impressive results, and they’re even on par with the hybrid Ford F-150 PowerBoost, which can cost more and adds some complexity to the mix. Thus, it’s pretty clear that the TurboMax is a great option for anyone looking to buy a new full-size pickup without breaking the bank up front, or at the pump.
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