GM Adds 1 MPG to 2009 Trucks and SUVS

For the 2009 model year, the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups and the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs will add a new model called the XFE that adds an extra mpg to both city and highway mileage. The new models only come with two-wheel drive, but towing and other capabilities remain unchanged despite the improved mileage.

While 1 mpg doesn’t seem like a lot, moving the gauge from 14/20 mpg to 15/21 mpg equals a 5% to 7% improvement.

While we’d love to discuss these changes in-depth here on KickingTires, we’d much rather point everyone to PickupTrucks.com and let the experts there explain the changes in detail.

General Motors Debuts 'XFE' Pickups With Improved Fuel Economy (PickupTrucks.com)

Comments

Makes me want to run right out and buy one!

For people who need these vehicles it's welcome news. And if such a small change can net such a large benefit, and yes 7% is large, then why isn't every car undergoing such changes so that we can help reduce our vehicles' reliance on foreign oil. Let's see, 7% reduction in gas vs. the 1% that offshore will net us. Add the 7% to the 3-4% that properly inflating tires will save seems like a no brainer than caving to big oil.

Rethugs don't seem to see any value in these petty things though - because those that feed their kitty don't benefit from a 10% reduction in gas use.

I love to slam GM but my Tundra (last design, not the new one) got only 18-19 on my last 1000 mile journey @ ~70-75mph with the air on.

Let's see, 7% reduction in gas vs. the 1% that offshore will net us. Add the 7% to the 3-4%

and adding the 1% will also help. but can walk and chew.

umm... is a start on the 1mpg. we need more.

The point isn't that we should drill off-shore, the point is that by convincing Americans that drilling will help, Republicans are doing nothing to really help the situation. It's a farce and a giveaway to big oil, who can already drill on millions of acres of land they hold lease to, but choose not to.

Congress should not give them any more!

Lm, I must response to You. Thats an exact talking point word for word right from the demacratic party. "It's a farce and a giveaway to big oil, who can already drill on millions of acres of land they hold lease to, but choose not to". Thats use some common sense here, if there was oil where they could drill, why wouldnt they drill as fast as possible? Just because they have land to drill on does not mean that there is oil there!!!! While I do support the option for states to drill off their coast, i dont think thats the real answer either. I think consevation needs to be a critical part of this. 1mph is a minor improvement.