The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado 4WD with mud-terrain tires and the 2.7L turbocharged engine gets 18 MPG combined. This isn’t a Prius, and nobody buying this Colorado expects hybrid-like efficiency. This truck is built for tackling tough trails and its fuel economy reflects that. The buyers of this specific Colorado, think weekend warriors, off-road enthusiasts, and those who prioritize capability over cost at the pump, are willing to accept this number for extra grip and the aggressive look of the mud-terrain tires, as well as the confidence of four-wheel drive.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado with mud-terrain tires and 4WD will achieve 17 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. This split reflects the engine’s greater workload during stop-and-go city driving, where the larger tires and increased rolling resistance take their toll. On the highway, at a steady speed, the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain momentum, resulting in slightly better fuel efficiency. Expect the city number to fluctuate significantly based on driving style and traffic conditions, while the highway number is more consistent under normal circumstances.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this specific 2024 Chevrolet Colorado configuration at $2,450. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with an equal split between city and highway driving, and assumes current national average fuel prices. This is just an estimate and your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the actual price of gasoline in your area, and the total miles you drive each year.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized testing process, real-world fuel economy can often differ, sometimes significantly. Factors like aggressive driving, carrying heavy loads, off-road excursions, and even tire pressure can all impact the MPG you actually achieve. Colorado owners who frequently use 4WD or drive primarily in stop-and-go traffic are likely to see fuel economy numbers below the EPA estimates. On the other hand, those who primarily use their Colorado for highway commuting may be able to achieve numbers closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the 20 MPG highway rating. Your individual driving conditions matter.

How it compares

The Jeep Gladiator, another popular mid-size truck with off-road abilities, delivers slightly better EPA numbers in some configurations. A Gladiator Rubicon often hovers around 19 MPG combined. The Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road, a long-standing competitor, achieves a similar combined rating of around 19 MPG with its V6 engine. The Ford Ranger, in its 4×4 configuration, can sometimes edge out the Colorado with a combined rating of around 21 MPG. However, it is important to compare these numbers with similarly equipped models, considering factors like tire size, drivetrain, and engine output. The Colorado buyer sacrifices a small amount of fuel economy for the specific capabilities and styling of this particular configuration.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintaining proper tire pressure is critical for fuel economy, especially with mud-terrain tires. These tires often require lower pressures for optimal off-road performance, but inflating them to the recommended pressure on the road will reduce rolling resistance and improve MPG. Check your door jamb or owner’s manual for the correct pressure.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The 2.7L turbo engine delivers plenty of power, but using it excessively will significantly reduce fuel economy. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic conditions will help you conserve fuel and get the most out of each tank. The 8-speed transmission is geared to make optimal use of the engine’s power curve.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine run unnecessarily wastes fuel, particularly in colder weather. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines warm up quickly and don’t require prolonged idling beforehand.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling heavy loads or keeping extra gear in the bed of the truck increases the engine’s workload and reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need to lighten the load and improve your MPG.

Consider your driving routes carefully. Avoiding stop-and-go traffic and opting for routes with consistent speeds can help improve your average fuel economy. This is especially true in urban environments where city MPG can plummet due to constant acceleration and deceleration. Exploring all all Chevrolet fuel economy data can help to inform your driving habits. You may also consider researching the COLORADO MPG across all years.