22 MPG combined, that’s the fuel economy for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine. This isn’t the truck for off-road trails or heavy towing. It’s the sensible, practical choice for small business owners, fleet managers, and city dwellers who occasionally need a truck bed without the bulk and fuel consumption of a full-size pickup.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Colorado gets 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the 2.5L engine paired with the six-speed automatic transmission. The city figure is good for a truck, given urban driving and the Colorado’s weight. This truck is efficient on the highway, allowing for cruising on longer trips. The six-speed automatic helps at higher speeds, keeping the engine within its optimal efficiency range, allowing the 2.5L to loaf along and sip fuel sparingly.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD 2.5L at $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your driving habits and local fuel prices will influence your exact fuel bill, but the $2,000 estimate provides a benchmark for comparison and budgeting. The EPA uses this same formula across all vehicles, which allows shoppers to quickly get an idea of the overall cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers are a standard, real-world fuel economy can vary. Expect slightly lower MPG in colder climates due to winter blend gasoline and increased engine idling. Hauling cargo or towing, even light loads, will also reduce your mileage. Aggressive driving also reduces efficiency. A smooth driving style, sticking to speed limits, and minimizing idling are key to achieving the advertised fuel economy. Check tire pressures regularly, as they affect rolling resistance and fuel consumption.

How it compares

The 2016 Colorado with the 2.5L engine is competitive compared to other mid-size trucks of the time. The Toyota Tacoma, in its base 2.7L four-cylinder configuration, gets around 21 MPG combined. The Nissan Frontier with its base 2.5L four gets about the same. The 2016 Colorado offers a more modern interior and features list compared to the Frontier. For all Chevrolet fuel economy data, you can visit our model landing pages. For COLORADO MPG across all years, see COLORADO MPG across all years. None of these midsize trucks can compete with modern crossovers in terms of efficiency; they are designed for work first, then less gas.

Tips to maximize efficiency

This 2.5L engine benefits from smooth acceleration. Avoid abrupt starts and stops, which burn fuel unnecessarily. Instead, gently ease onto the accelerator to reach your desired speed.

When possible, coast to a stop instead of braking hard. Anticipate traffic flow and lift off the accelerator early when approaching a red light or slowing traffic. This allows the momentum of the vehicle to carry you forward, reducing the need for braking.

Maintain a consistent speed on the highway. Use cruise control on long stretches of road to avoid speeding up and wasting fuel. Avoid aggressive lane changes.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the truck bed and cab. Extra weight increases the load on the engine, so remove any items you don’t need.

Consider your tire choice. While the factory tires are likely adequate, exploring low rolling resistance tires can offer more efficiency if you’re focused on fuel economy.