Of the nearly two dozen different variations of Chevy pickups available, there is one model that combines all of the technologies that were designed with fuel efficiency as the first priority.

Chevy pickups are available in three body styles – a two-door regular cab, and four-door Extended and “Crew Cab” models. Each of these is available with five-foot, nine-inch- or eight-foot-long boxes on the back.

What’s more, the light-duty 1500 series pickups have five different engines available, ranging from a V6 to four V8s from 4.8-liters to 6.2-liters in displacement. The $34,220 (MSRP) XFE model (eXtra Fuel Efficiency) takes a rear-drive four-door Crew Cab with the lighter short bed and adds the lightweight aluminum-block LC9-designated V8 (there is a heavier iron-block 5.3-liter engine), which is equipped with a cylinder cut-out system, as well as the ability to run on E85, an ethanol and gasoline blended fuel that’s available as a lower-cost alternative to straight gasoline.

The LMG engine mates to the super-efficient six-speed automatic transmission developed initially for the Corvette in 2005. The top two gears in the six-speed are overdrive ratios. Combined with the XFE’s tall final drive gear ratio rear axle, the XFE’s engine stays at relatively low revs in most driving conditions although it doesn’t limit power output. The 315-hp V8 is there when you need it to pass or tow, and it will get 22 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA.

Contributing to the XFE’s efficiency are a lower front air dam and a tonneau cover over the bed, as well as lightened aluminum suspension arms, lighter wheels and low-rolling resistance tires.

Non-XFE models are rated at 21 mpg on the highway. The point is that selecting the right configuration of equipment and driving sensibly means you don’t have to feel guilty driving a full-size V8 machine with unparalleled carrying capacity.

Getting the XFE doesn’t limit other equipment available, especially the popular “Texas” edition. Chevy considers cowboys from select counties in Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana and New Mexico also eligible for the Texas edition, which comes with heated chrome mirrors, chrome wheels and door handles, a Towing Package, locking tailgate and Texas emblems.

In addition to the XFE, there’s also the high-tech Silverado Hybrid model, which boasts much greater EPA city fuel efficiency – 22 mpg highway. The hybrid features a sophisticated, electrically variable transmission packaged with a conventional four-speed automatic, as well as a 300-volt battery that powers the truck when the gasoline engine is unnecessary. It will run up to 30 mph on electricity alone for short distances.

The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado XFE can also be loaded with options such as a Bose upgraded speaker system, tinted windows, easy lift tailgate, rear backup camera, power-adjustable pedals, automatic climate control, remote starting, leather seats, power-operated rear window, foglights, chrome grille and wheels, side storage box and heated mirrors. It might be a fuel sipper, but the XFE is not a stripper.