The official EPA fuel economy figure for the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD with the 3.6L V6 engine is 20 MPG combined. While not exceptional, many Colorado buyers accept this number because they value capability and functionality over fuel savings. This isn’t solely a commuting truck; it’s a workhorse often used for hauling, towing, and tackling weekend projects. The V6 offers a good blend of power and durability that appeals to buyers who need more than a basic four-cylinder can offer.

City and highway performance

The EPA further breaks down the Colorado’s fuel economy, estimating 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go driving conditions that naturally impact fuel consumption. The 3.6L V6, while strong, needs to work harder to accelerate the Colorado from a standstill, leading to lower efficiency. Conversely, the 25 MPG highway rating demonstrates the engine’s efficiency at cruising speeds. The smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission plays a critical role here, keeping the engine in its optimal power band and contributing to better fuel economy on longer trips. The taller gears in the transmission result in lower engine RPMs at highway speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD 3.6L 6-cyl at $2,200. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using the EPA’s combined MPG rating. It also assumes national average fuel prices. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the actual ratio of city to highway miles driven. Those who predominantly drive in stop-and-go traffic, or frequently use the Colorado’s towing capacity, can expect to exceed this estimate. Drivers who stick to open highways and use fuel-efficient driving techniques could potentially spend less.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized measure, real-world fuel economy often differs. Factors like driving style, tire pressure, vehicle load, and weather conditions all play a part. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and driving at higher speeds will negatively impact fuel consumption. Maintaining proper tire inflation and avoiding unnecessary cargo weight can improve mileage. Headwinds and colder temperatures can also reduce fuel efficiency. Therefore, consider the EPA estimates as a baseline and adjust your expectations based on your specific driving circumstances. Owners who track their fuel economy via smartphone apps often report figures within a few MPG of the official EPA ratings, suggesting the numbers are a reasonably accurate guide for most.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD 3.6L V6 falls roughly in the middle of the pack. The Toyota Tacoma with its 3.5L V6 achieves roughly similar fuel economy figures, around 19 MPG combined for a 2WD model. The Nissan Frontier, despite its age, surprisingly delivers similar numbers with its V6, although with fewer gears in its automatic transmission. The Honda Ridgeline, with its unibody construction and focus on on-road comfort, often achieves slightly better fuel economy, hovering around 21 MPG combined. For buyers cross-shopping these vehicles, the differences in mpg figures may be less of a decision factor than other considerations like towing capacity and off-road prowess. Be sure to view all Chevrolet fuel economy data to get a sense of the brand’s overall economy ratings. To see COLORADO MPG across all years, review our data by model year.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Being mindful of your driving habits can make a difference in fuel economy. Avoid sudden starts and stops, and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible. Anticipating traffic conditions and easing off the accelerator can conserve fuel. This Colorado’s 8-speed automatic shifts smoothly, so letting it do its job without constant throttle adjustments will help mileage.

Ensure that your Colorado’s tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Regularly checking and adjusting tire pressure is an easy way to improve gas mileage and extend the life of your tires.

Reduce the amount of weight you carry in your Colorado. Unnecessary cargo adds extra load to the vehicle, decreasing fuel efficiency. Empty the bed of any items you don’t need, and avoid carrying heavy tools or equipment unless required. Minimizing weight reduces the strain on the engine and improves overall fuel economy.

Consider using cruise control on long highway drives. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, which can lead to more consistent fuel consumption. However, be mindful of hilly terrains, as cruise control may downshift aggressively to maintain speed, negating some of the fuel-saving benefits. In such situations, manually controlling the throttle may be more efficient.

Regular maintenance is important. Keeping your engine properly tuned, and ensuring that air filters are clean, will optimize performance and fuel economy. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently, translating to better miles per gallon. Consult your Colorado’s owner’s manual for recommended maintenance schedules.