22 MPG combined. That’s the number you need to understand about the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro with the 3.6L V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s not winning any fuel economy awards, but it’s also not supposed to. This car is about attainable performance, a slice of muscle car heritage that doesn’t require emptying your bank account. The buyer considering this Camaro is likely prioritizing style, driving enjoyment, and that iconic badge over efficiency. They’re willing to trade a few MPG for the responsiveness of the V6 and the overall value this Camaro offers.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the 2017 Camaro 3.6L at 19 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the car’s duality. In urban environments, stop-and-go traffic and shorter bursts of acceleration take their toll. The V6, while not overly thirsty, still needs to work to move the Camaro’s mass.

However, out on the open road, the eight-speed automatic allows the engine to settle into a relaxed cruise, maximizing fuel efficiency. The difference between city and highway MPG also highlights the potential for fuel savings if a substantial portion of your driving is on the freeway. The gearing of the 8-speed is crucial to this divergence, helping to minimize fuel consumption at higher speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro 3.6L to be $2,000. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. While $2,000 represents a benchmark for comparing fuel expenses, the actual cost will depend on individual driving habits and local fuel prices. Someone who drives aggressively or primarily in city traffic will likely exceed this estimate, while someone who drives mostly highway miles and practices efficient driving techniques may come in under it.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a useful benchmark, real-world MPG is rarely identical to the sticker. Expect variations based on driving style, traffic conditions, and even tire pressure. Owners of the 2017 Camaro 3.6L frequently report figures that are close to the EPA estimates, but a heavier foot can easily drop the combined MPG into the high teens. Conversely, careful drivers on long highway trips might even see figures exceeding 30 MPG. Understanding that your own driving habits directly influence fuel economy is key to managing your running costs with this car.

How it compares

Compared to other sporty cars of its era, the 2017 Camaro 3.6L occupies a middle ground. A 2017 Ford Mustang with the base 2.3L EcoBoost engine is rated at 25 MPG combined, offering a noticeable advantage in fuel economy. However, that comes at the expense of the V6’s smoother power delivery and more traditional muscle car feel. A Dodge Challenger SXT with its own 3.6L V6 achieves a similar 23 MPG combined, reflecting comparable levels of efficiency. For those prioritizing fuel economy in a sporty coupe, something like a Honda Civic Si achieves around 31 MPG combined, however it sits in a different segment of vehicles altogether and will not provide the same performance and overall experience as the Camaro. Before deciding, research CAMARO MPG across all years to understand how this model fits within the Camaro’s history.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Resist the urge to bury the accelerator at every opportunity. The Camaro V6 sounds great when provoked, but aggressive acceleration burns fuel unnecessarily. Smooth, gradual acceleration will significantly improve your city MPG, and make your ride more comfortable. Use cruise control when the opportunity presents itself. Set it and forget it allows the car to maintain speed, this avoids jerky acceleration, and maintains more efficient engine RPMs.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended level listed on the doorjamb sticker.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the car. Extra cargo increases the overall load on the engine, impacting fuel efficiency. Remove any items you don’t need to improve your MPG. This is especially important for those that autocross their Camaro.

Regular maintenance is important. Ensure your engine is properly tuned and that all fluids are at the correct levels. Replacing dirty air filters and spark plugs can also contribute to improved fuel economy.

Consider shorter trips in a more fuel-efficient vehicle, if available. Sacrificing the fun of the Camaro for necessary errands is not always the best solution, but other times it may be necessary. The fuel consumed in many start-stop, shorter distance trips, is substantially the same regardless of vehicle.