The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison 4WD 2.7L 4-cyl gets 16 MPG combined. It’s a figure that will immediately disqualify it for many buyers, but for the target audience, serious off-roaders who prioritize capability above all else, it’s a price they’re willing to pay for unmatched performance in challenging terrain. This isn’t a commuter truck. It’s a purpose-built machine designed to conquer trails, and the fuel economy reflects that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Colorado ZR2 Bison gets 16 MPG in both city and highway driving. This unusual parity suggests that the engine’s characteristics and gearing are optimized for low-speed torque delivery, which is crucial for off-road situations but doesn’t translate into fuel-efficient highway cruising. The aggressive tires and lifted suspension create significant aerodynamic drag, hindering highway fuel economy more than in a standard Colorado. Drivers can expect consistent, but not impressive, fuel consumption regardless of the driving environment.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison is $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel expenses may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of terrain you typically encounter, and local fuel costs, but $2,750 provides a concrete benchmark for potential owners to consider.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, real-world fuel economy for a vehicle like the ZR2 Bison is highly dependent on usage. Off-roading, towing, and aggressive driving will substantially decrease fuel efficiency, potentially dropping it below 14 MPG. If you drive conservatively on paved roads, you may yield slightly better results, approaching 18 MPG in some situations. Buyers should realistically expect to see numbers close to the EPA estimates unless they are exceptionally mindful of their driving habits, especially given the likelihood of modifications, such as heavier wheels and tires or aftermarket bumpers, which will further impact fuel mileage. Check all Chevrolet fuel economy data.

How it compares

Compared to other mid-size trucks, the Colorado ZR2 Bison sits at the lower end of the fuel economy spectrum. A comparable Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro achieves around 18 MPG combined, while a Ford Ranger Raptor delivers around 17 MPG. Some full-size trucks with smaller engines outperform the Bison in EPA testing. For instance, a Chevrolet Silverado with the base 2.7L turbo can achieve upwards of 20 MPG combined in 2WD configuration. These comparisons are somewhat misleading. The ZR2 Bison is not competing with basic or even slightly upgraded versions of these trucks. It’s competing with their most extreme off-road variants, where ruggedness and capability overshadow fuel efficiency concerns for the target buyer. See COLORADO MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintaining proper tire inflation is critical. The ZR2 Bison’s large, aggressive tires can suffer from rolling resistance if not properly inflated, leading to decreased fuel economy. Consult the tire placard or owner’s manual for the recommended pressure, and check them regularly, especially before long trips.

Avoid unnecessary idling. The 2.7L turbo engine, while strong, consumes fuel even when stationary. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine to conserve fuel. Modern vehicles are designed to restart efficiently, negating the myth that restarting the engine consumes more fuel than idling.

Drive smoothly and conservatively. The ZR2 Bison’s ample torque might tempt you to accelerate aggressively, but that will quickly deplete your fuel tank. Gentle acceleration and anticipatory braking will help to improve fuel economy. Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed and reduce unnecessary throttle inputs.

Reduce weight whenever possible. Hauling unnecessary cargo adds weight to the vehicle, increasing the engine’s workload and reducing fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need from the bed and cab, particularly when not actively using the truck for off-roading or hauling.