The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD with its 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder gets 22 MPG combined, which is decent. It’s not a super-efficient compact car; it’s a modern mid-size pickup for someone who needs truck capability without the size of a full-size truck and wants good fuel mileage. The 22 MPG makes sense for that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2023 Colorado 2WD at 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, which strains any internal combustion engine. Here, the Colorado’s relatively lightweight chassis and responsive turbo help reduce the inefficiency of navigating traffic. On the open road, the 25 MPG highway rating shows how well the eight-speed automatic transmission keeps the engine at its most efficient RPM range for sustained cruising. The difference between city and highway figures is significant because people who buy this truck are more likely to do errands around town than take long road trips.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD at $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the EPA’s combined MPG rating, and using national average fuel prices when calculated. This gives you a baseline for comparing the Colorado’s running costs with other vehicles. Your actual fuel costs will change based on your driving habits, fuel prices where you live, and the specific grade of gasoline you use.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world fuel economy varies depending on driving style, terrain, and load. The Colorado’s 2.7L engine delivers lots of torque, so drivers often don’t have to push the engine hard. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and carrying heavy loads will all lower fuel economy. Owners have stated they are achieving figures close to the EPA estimates in mixed driving. Checking owner forums and fuel tracking apps can give you a more realistic sense of the COLORADO MPG across all years based on user experiences.

How it compares

The 2023 Colorado competes with other mid-size pickups like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Nissan Frontier. The rear-wheel drive Tacoma with its base 2.7L four-cylinder engine gets around 21 MPG combined, making the Colorado slightly more efficient. The Ford Ranger, equipped with its 2.3L EcoBoost engine, also gets an EPA-estimated 22 MPG combined in its 2WD configuration. The Nissan Frontier, with its 3.8L V6, is less fuel-efficient, registering around 20 MPG combined. These MPG differences can add up, making the Colorado 2WD a more economical choice than some rivals. Check all Chevrolet fuel economy data when considering different choices.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration helps optimize fuel economy in the Colorado 2WD. The 2.7L engine makes plenty of torque at low RPMs, so you don’t need to push the gas hard. Smooth acceleration will help keep the turbocharger from working harder than needed, and reducing fuel consumption.

Keep proper tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure on the doorjamb sticker. This can make a difference in fuel economy.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Extra cargo adding to the vehicle’s weight, increases fuel consumption. Remove anything you don’t need from the bed and cab of the truck to minimize weight and improve fuel economy. Even small amounts of extra weight can add up.

Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed. Avoiding fast stops and starts improves safety and helps to save fuel. Maintaining a steady speed reduces the need for acceleration, which uses more fuel.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long drives. This minimizes changes in speed, leading to efficient fuel consumption. By following these tips, owners of the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD can improve the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and reduce running costs.