The 20 MPG combined fuel economy of the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 4WD with the 2.8L Duramax diesel isn’t going to win any prizes, but it provides important context. This isn’t a truck for hypermilers; it’s a purpose-built off-road machine that prioritizes rock-crawling and desert running over fuel efficiency. ZR2 buyers know they will be filling up regularly and accept that penalty for the truck’s unique talents.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates city fuel economy at 19 MPG and highway at 22 MPG. That relatively narrow spread suggests the ZR2’s fuel consumption is fairly consistent regardless of driving environment. The 6-speed automatic transmission manages the diesel’s power as best as it can, but the ZR2’s elevated ride height, aggressive tires, and additional weight compared to standard Colorado models mean it is fighting an uphill battle against aerodynamics and rolling resistance. Stop-and-go traffic inevitably hurts fuel economy, so expect to see the MPG dip significantly in heavily congested urban environments. The 22 MPG highway figure is more achievable on long trips, but the aggressive tires are a constant reminder you’re not in a sports car and wind noise increases, and rolling resistance never fully subsides.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,800 for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 4WD 2.8L diesel. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and uses the national average fuel price. Your actual costs will depend on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and the fuel prices where you live. If you drive significantly more than 15,000 miles per year, or if fuel prices in your area are higher than the national average, expect to pay more. Conversely, frugal drivers who clock below 15,000 annual miles and live in areas with lower fuel costs may find themselves paying less.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy for the Colorado ZR2 diesel will vary based on driving style and conditions. Owners driving primarily in off-road situations, or with heavy modifications like aftermarket bumpers or roof racks, will likely see significantly lower numbers than the EPA estimates. Towing will also have a major impact, dropping mileage into the mid-teens or even lower depending on the load. Drivers who prioritize smooth acceleration, minimize idling, and stick to paved roads can expect to get closer to the EPA numbers. The type of fuel used also matters; using a high-quality diesel fuel can improve efficiency slightly, as can ensuring proper tire inflation.

How it compares

Compared to other mid-size trucks, the Colorado ZR2 diesel occupies a unique position. The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, for example, typically achieves around 18 MPG combined with its gasoline V6. The Nissan Frontier, another popular option, tends to hover around 19 MPG. Even the gasoline-powered Colorado ZR2, with its 3.6L V6, struggles to match the diesel’s EPA rating, coming in around 17 MPG combined. While the diesel ZR2 is no fuel-sipping champion, it does offer a slight edge over some of its gasoline-powered competitors, especially during steady-state highway cruising, and especially for drivers who want the diesel’s superior torque for off-road adventures or towing. You can compare all Chevrolet fuel economy data to see how the Colorado stacks up against other Chevrolet models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Colorado ZR2 diesel responds well to a light foot. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking, especially in city driving. Diesel engines are most efficient at steady speeds, so try to maintain a consistent pace on the highway. Excessive idling burns fuel without covering any distance, so shut off the engine if you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two.

Tire pressure plays a bigger role in fuel economy than many realize, and the ZR2’s aggressive tires compound this. The ZR2’s knobby tires contribute to rolling resistance, so ensure all tires are at the recommended pressure to minimize drag on paved surfaces, while remembering to decrease pressures when hitting the trails. Check the sticker on the doorjamb for the correct pressures when on-road.

Reduce the truck’s aerodynamic drag. Remove any unnecessary items from the roof rack, consider a lower profile tonneau cover for the bed, and avoid driving at high speeds in windy conditions. These steps will make a small but noticeable impact over time, especially on longer trips.

Maintain the engine properly. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and fuel filter maintenance will all contribute to optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency. A well-maintained engine runs more smoothly and efficiently, maximizing its ability to convert fuel into forward motion. You can also explore COLORADO MPG across all years to see if different model years respond to different maintenance approaches.