Chances are, when compared to budget-minded, gas-sipping Camrys and Civics, you’re current gas-powered, late-model Silverado doesn’t get great fuel mileage. When compared to other trucks in the same class, well, the miles per gallon average is just that; average.

However, your current Silverado workhorse gets the job done comfortably, with reliability and according to General Motors, offers the lowest total cost of ownership.

The internet and automotive news sights are also chiming in on the situation.

With an overstock of GM trucks sitting stagnant on dealer lots, and without the luxury of claiming best-in-class fuel economy, GM has switched its marketing gears, literally.

GM is now promoting better overall mileage from the almighty dollar. And by that, they really mean, “We’re less expensive to own in the long-run.”

GM is standing by its decision too, showing TV commercials that show the Silverado offers the lowest total cost of ownership for full-sized pickup trucks. The General backs it’s claims by citing a 2012 Vincentric study that ranked the cost of ownership for 2,400 US model configurations.

If you’re well-versed in the competing truck market, you’ll know that GM’s Silverado has some stiff competition.

The re-engineered 2013 Ram 1500 pickup can boast about its best-in-class 25 mpg on the highway, while Ford’s EcoBoost (Twin-turbo V6) F-150 offers both mileage and an exceptionally high tow capacity.

GM isn’t worried either since real-world fuel economy isn’t the same as best-in-class fuel economy. In a society where reality shows reign supreme with viewers, GM is hoping the same is true when it comes to their Silverado. According to GM North America President Mark Reuss, “Inside of that is maintenance and real-world fuel economy.”

We’re hoping the all-new ’13 Silverados redesign and overall lower maintenance cost with better real-word fuel economy can help drum up some additional sales. Either way, the Silverado isn’t going anywhere. We question if the current trends are a wake up call for GM engineers to design a smaller, boosted application for their best-selling truck?