The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison 4WD gets 16 MPG combined. Let’s be frank: anyone spending their hard-earned money on this ultimate off-road-focused mid-size truck isn’t prioritizing fuel efficiency. They’re buying a tool, a toy, and a statement, all wrapped in a package built to conquer challenging terrain. The Bison’s purpose-built components, the Multimatic DSSV dampers, the reliable skid plates, the massive Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, all contribute to its off-road capability, but they also create a penalty at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Colorado ZR2 Bison will achieve 16 MPG in both city and highway driving. This lack of fluctuation shows the Bison’s design. It’s not engineered for maximizing fuel economy on long highway cruises, nor is it optimized for stop-and-go city traffic. The 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, tuned for 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, works hard in either environment to overcome the vehicle’s weight and aggressive tires. The 8-speed automatic transmission does its best to keep the engine in its sweet spot, but ultimately, the Bison’s priorities lie elsewhere.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison is $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Of course, individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, fuel prices in your area, and the actual number of miles you drive. This number should be considered a baseline rather than a precise prediction, but it provides a useful benchmark for budgeting. Consider too that the Bison may require premium fuel for optimal performance in demanding conditions, which would increase the real-world cost.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to surpass the EPA estimates. The Bison’s aggressive tires and raised suspension create significant aerodynamic drag, especially at higher speeds. Off-road driving, which is where the Bison shines, will result in even lower fuel economy. Towing, another likely scenario for Bison owners, will also have a detrimental effect. Factor in the temptation to use the truck’s considerable power and you have a recipe for fuel consumption that consistently aligns with, or dips below, the EPA figures.

How it compares

Compared to other off-road oriented mid-size trucks, the Bison’s fuel economy is typical. The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, for example, manages just 18 MPG combined with its 3.5L V6. The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, another serious off-roader, also returns around 17 MPG combined with its 3.6L V6. A standard four-wheel-drive Chevrolet Colorado with the same 2.7L engine but without the ZR2 Bison’s extreme off-road equipment, clocks in at an EPA estimated 19 MPG combined. This difference illustrates the cost of the Bison’s increased capability. Buyers looking for better fuel economy in a mid-size truck might consider the non-ZR2 models, or browse all Chevrolet fuel economy data to compare across the brand. If you’re more interested in the fuel economy of other Chevrolet Colorado models, check out the COLORADO MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Bison isn’t designed for fuel sipping, there are still steps you can take to minimize consumption. Avoiding aggressive acceleration and maintaining a steady speed on the highway can make a noticeable difference. Those 430 lb-ft of torque are tempting, but use them carefully.

Tire pressure is critical for both fuel economy and tire wear. Regularly check and maintain the recommended tire pressure, especially after off-road adventures where you may have deflated them for better traction.

Consider removing any unnecessary weight from the truck bed. Extra cargo adds load and reduces fuel efficiency. Only carry what you need for the specific task at hand.

Plan your routes strategically. Avoiding congested areas and stop-and-go traffic can reduce fuel consumption, even with the Bison’s relatively inefficient drivetrain. A little planning helps.

Finally, remember that the Bison is a specialized vehicle. If your daily driving consists primarily of commuting in urban areas, consider a more fuel-efficient vehicle for those tasks and reserve the Bison for its intended purpose: conquering challenging terrain and having serious off-road fun.