19 MPG combined won’t win any awards for fuel efficiency, but for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado 4WD with its strong 3.6L V6, it’s a trade-off many owners accept. This truck is capable enough for weekend adventures, hauling building materials, or even tackling some moderate off-road trails. This isn’t just for paved roads; it’s a versatile tool, and its fuel consumption reflects that.

city and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 Colorado 4WD 3.6L V6 are 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure shows how the V6 works harder to get the truck moving in stop-and-go driving, with the 8-speed automatic transmission constantly shifting. The highway number shows where the Colorado performs better, cruising more efficiently once up to speed. Drivers mainly doing highway miles can realistically expect to see numbers closer to 24 MPG, while those primarily in urban environments will likely hover closer to 17 MPG. Consider these figures a baseline; driving style and load heavily influence the real-world results.

annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado 4WD 3.6L V6 at $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that this is an average. If you drive significantly more than 15,000 miles annually, or if fuel prices are higher in your area, your actual costs will certainly be higher. Those who drive less or live in areas with lower fuel costs might see lower annual spending. The important thing is to consider this $2,300 a benchmark for comparing the Colorado’s fuel costs to other vehicles.

real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized benchmark, but real-world fuel economy can vary significantly. Colorado owners suggest that the EPA figures are relatively accurate, assuming a mix of driving conditions and responsible driving habits. However, factors such as aftermarket modifications (lift kits, larger tires), towing, and aggressive driving can all decrease fuel economy. It’s common to see the city MPG dip into the low teens when towing or hauling heavy loads. Consistently exceeding posted speed limits on the highway will also reduce the average. Assess your driving style and typical usage to set reasonable expectations.

how it compares

In the mid-size truck segment, the 2018 Colorado 4WD 3.6L V6’s fuel economy is roughly in the middle. A comparably equipped Toyota Tacoma 4×4 with the 3.5L V6 achieves around 18 MPG combined, making it very similar. The Nissan Frontier with its 4.0L V6 typically lags slightly behind, often struggling to break the 17 MPG combined mark in 4×4 configuration. The Honda Ridgeline, with its unibody construction and emphasis on on-road comfort, tends to do a bit better, sometimes reaching 21 MPG combined in its AWD variants. For potential buyers, deciding between this Colorado and these options comes down not just to fuel economy, but capability and use case. If more efficient vehicles are important, consider viewing all Chevrolet fuel economy data.

tips to maximize efficiency

Consider driving in the Colorado’s two-wheel-drive mode whenever possible. Opting for 2WD on dry, paved roads reduces drivetrain friction, leading to improved fuel economy. The 4WD system is excellent for off-road adventures or inclement weather, but it consumes more fuel.

The 3.6L V6 is a responsive engine, so avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. Gradual acceleration allows the engine to operate more efficiently, and anticipating traffic conditions can minimize the need for sudden stops. Smooth, consistent driving habits can noticeably improve fuel economy over time.

Ensure that your Colorado’s tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which negatively impacts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels listed on the doorjamb sticker. Explore COLORADO MPG across all years for more information.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling tools, equipment, or other items that aren’t needed adds extra load to the engine, reducing fuel efficiency. Remove any non-essential items from the truck bed and cab to lighten the load.

Consider using cruise control on the highway whenever conditions allow. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy compared to constantly adjusting the throttle manually.