If I was listing the average C8 Corvette buyer’s priorities in order, gas mileage would likely be towards the bottom. However, given road trip possibilities and today’s gas prices, that might change soon. So, does that mean the fuel-economy-conscious sports car shopper should avoid the 2022 Chevrolet Corvette? As it turns out, not necessarily.

For a V8 sports car, the 2022 C8 Chevrolet Corvette knows how to sip its fuel

Admittedly, the 2022 C8 Chevrolet Corvette isn’t the most fuel-efficient sports car. A Mazda Miata or Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ will beat its fuel economy figures easily. And as we’ve experienced firsthand, a C8 in the city is rather thirsty.

But given that the 2022 C8 Corvette has a 6.2-liter V8, its gas mileage is more than decent. According to the EPA, the 2022 Corvette gets 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. However, it’s more than possible to beat those EPA estimates. Car and Driver’s long-term 495-hp C8 Corvette Z51, for example, got 26 mpg on the highway, at 75 mph no less. That’s thanks to the V8’s cylinder deactivation as well as some engine changes Chevrolet made for 2022.

Furthermore, the 2022 Corvette’s gas mileage matches or exceeds several of its naturally-aspirated V8 rivals. The 2022 Ford Mustang GT, for instance, only gets 15 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. And that’s with a smaller, less-powerful V8 than the ‘Vette has.

The 2022 Dodge Challenger T/A 392, though, matched the C8’s highway fuel economy in Car and Driver’s testing. That’s even more impressive given that the T/A 392 has a 6.4-liter V8, though it makes 10 horsepower less. However, it’s worth noting that the C8 Corvette is faster than both it and the supercharged Challenger Hellcat. So, you’re getting more performance per mpg. Also, the Widebody models’ wider tires lower their EPA ratings.

It’s a similar story with the NA V8 sports car that beats the 2022 Corvette’s gas mileage: the Chevrolet Camaro SS. It might be slower than the C8, but it gets a claimed 26 mpg on the highway. Car and Driver, though, saw 30 mpg when it tested an automatic SS. That’s cylinder deactivation for you.

Want even better gas mileage in your 2022 C8 Chevrolet Corvette? Skip the Z51 Package

Interestingly, the C8 Corvette had higher highway gas mileage ratings before 2022. But so many people bought the Z51 Performance Package that, statistically, it acted like a standard feature. And since it lowers highway fuel economy, the EPA had to lower the 2022 Corvette’s estimates from 27 mpg to 24 mpg. Though on the plus side, those 2022-model-year engine tweaks did raise the city rating by 1 mpg.

The reason why the Z51 Package impacts the C8 Corvette’s gas mileage is that it includes a shorter axle ratio. That’s great for 0-60 and ¼-mile times as it increases rear-wheel torque. But it also leaves the V8 spinning at higher rpm at highway speeds. Thus, it burns more fuel.

There’s a simple solution, though—don’t get it. Yes, you lose the electronic limited-slip differential, larger brake rotors, sportier suspension, cooling system upgrades, 5 hp, and 5 lb-ft of torque. But if you’re not taking your Corvette to the track, these aren’t strictly necessary. And besides saving money at the configurator, you’ll also save some at the pump. Cars.com saw 29.1 mpg on the highway and 25.4 mpg overall with its non-Z51 C8—and it “did not drive it gingerly.”

Will the 2023 C8 be more efficient?

The EPA has already released gas mileage ratings for the 2023 C8 Chevrolet Corvette and they’re unchanged from 2022. So, if you get a 2023 Corvette with the Z51 Package, the EPA estimates you’ll see 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

As for the 2023 C8 Z06, the EPA hasn’t released estimates yet. However, seeing as it has a 670-hp 5.5-liter V8 that revs to 8600 rpm, fuel efficiency likely won’t be great. Admittedly, I imagine Z06 owners are even less interested in fuel economy figures. But then again, even they have to pay for gas.

Follow more updates from MotorBiscuit on our Facebook page.