20 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD with the 3.6L V6, it’s a reasonable compromise. This truck appeals to buyers who need more capability than a car provides, but don’t want (or can’t afford) a full-size pickup. It’s often a lifestyle choice as much as a practical one, driven by needs like hauling recreational equipment, assisting with home improvement projects, or simply enjoying the higher driving position.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects stop-and-go driving, where the Colorado’s weight and naturally aspirated V6 engine work against it. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine in its sweet spot, but physics prevail. On the open road, 25 MPG is achievable with a light foot. This isn’t a particularly aerodynamic vehicle, so maintaining highway speeds requires consistent power, and that impacts fuel consumption. Considerably softer than a full-size pickup, the Colorado is also far more nimble than the vast majority of its competition. The 2WD system allows for more compact mechanicals, improved payload, and better economy than you’d find on 4×4 variant of the COLORADO MPG across all years.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD 3.6L V6 is $2,200. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits and local gas prices, this provides a standardized benchmark for comparison.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a useful starting point, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Expect to see numbers closer to the EPA estimates if you do predominantly highway driving and practice smooth acceleration. In mixed driving conditions, achieving 20 MPG consistently may require conscious effort. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, or hauling heavy loads will naturally decrease fuel economy. Properly inflating your tires and keeping up with regular maintenance will also help maximize efficiency.

How it compares

The 2017 Toyota Tacoma, another popular mid-size truck, achieves comparable fuel economy. The 2WD Tacoma with its available 3.5L V6 is EPA-rated at 19 MPG combined, putting it very close to the Colorado. The Nissan Frontier generally lags behind in fuel efficiency, because the Frontier’s older design and less advanced drivetrain contribute to lower MPG numbers. Buyers considering the Colorado need to weigh its fuel economy against advantages in ride quality, interior design, and available technology. For instance, buyers considering full-size options like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 might see a small penalty in payload capabilities, but improvements to the Silverado’s 5.3L V8 mean some trims actually boast similar combined MPG figures. The Colorado appeals to those who don’t need the bulk of a full-size truck.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Colorado’s eight-speed automatic is programmed for efficiency but can be controlled manually with a gentle foot. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. If possible, anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed.

Tire pressure plays a significant role in fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate tires to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy.

Unnecessary weight impacts MPG in any vehicle. Remove any items you don’t need from the truck bed or cabin. Extra weight forces the engine to work harder, reducing fuel efficiency. The 3.6L V6 offers ample power, but that power comes at a cost if used needlessly.

Consider using cruise control on the highway, where appropriate, to maintain a constant speed and minimize throttle variations. This can help you get closer to that 25 MPG highway figure. Before using cruise control, make sure the road is open and safe.

Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, helps the engine run efficiently. A well-maintained engine consumes less fuel and produces fewer emissions. Check all Chevrolet fuel economy data and always follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.