The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine gets 22 MPG combined. It’s not going to win any efficiency awards, nor should anyone expect it to. This truck caters to a buyer prioritizing affordability and utility over fuel sipping. Think fleet managers, small business owners needing a reliable workhorse, or perhaps a homeowner who occasionally hauls landscaping supplies or DIY project materials. These buyers understand the trade-off: modest fuel economy in exchange for truck-level capability at a lower price point.

City and highway performance

The EPA breaks down the Colorado’s fuel economy further, estimating 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city rating reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where frequent acceleration and idling take their toll. The 2.5L engine works harder to get the truck moving from a standstill, especially when carrying a load. The highway figure, by contrast, represents more consistent speeds and less demand on the engine, allowing it to operate closer to its optimal efficiency range. These numbers might matter less to someone commuting solo on the highway than to the contractor navigating jobsites across town all day long.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,000 for the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD 2.5L. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and the price of gasoline in your area. It’s a standardized estimate allowing for a more apples-to-apples comparison against other vehicles. However, for a high-mileage driver, particularly one using the Colorado for work, this $2,000 figure could easily be exceeded.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a benchmark, real-world fuel economy can vary significantly. Load weight, driving style, and even tire pressure can influence the numbers you see on your Colorado’s fuel economy display. Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and consistently carrying heavy loads will all drag down your MPG. Conversely, a more conservative driving style, regular maintenance, and proper tire inflation can help you get closer to the EPA estimates. Given the Colorado’s intended use as a work truck for many buyers, it’s probable that real-world fuel economy will often fall slightly below the EPA combined number. For more information, browse through COLORADO MPG across all years to compare.

How it compares

The Colorado’s 22 MPG combined isn’t class-leading. The Toyota Tacoma, in its 2WD four-cylinder configuration, achieves a similar 21 MPG combined. The Nissan Frontier, with its older and less efficient V6, lags behind at around 19 MPG combined. The Ford Ranger, though not directly comparable due to its lack of a base four-cylinder option in 2020, delivers approximately 23 MPG combined with its EcoBoost engine, making it a slightly more efficient alternative albeit at a higher price point. For buyers prioritizing fuel economy above all else, these slight differences might influence their decision. For others, the Colorado’s towing capacity, payload, or price point might be the deciding factor, making the fuel economy a secondary consideration, and to view all Chevrolet fuel economy data, click here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The six-speed automatic transmission in the Colorado is designed to optimize fuel efficiency. Avoid aggressive acceleration and let the transmission shift smoothly through the gears. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible to keep the engine operating in its most efficient range.

Tire pressure plays an important role in fuel economy. Regularly check your tires and ensure they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, which is usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burning more fuel.

Minimize unnecessary weight in the bed of the truck. Hauling around extra cargo that isn’t needed adds strain on the engine and reduces fuel efficiency. Remove any tools, equipment, or materials from the bed when they are not required for a specific task.

Reduce idling time. Idling wastes fuel and contributes to lower MPG. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. The Colorado’s engine restarts quickly and easily, making it convenient to minimize unnecessary idling.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, minimizing fluctuations in throttle input and resulting in better fuel economy. However, avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as it can sometimes lead to inefficient gear changes as the system tries to maintain a set speed.