The EPA estimates the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 4WD with the 3.6L V6 gets 17 MPG combined. It’s not exactly Prius territory, but that number misses the point. This isn’t a truck designed for fuel efficiency. It’s a purpose-built off-road machine engineered to conquer challenging terrain, prioritize durability, and provide serious fun far from paved roads. ZR2 buyers aren’t cross-shopping it against an Equinox, and they understand the trade-offs.

City and highway performance

Looking at the EPA figures, the ZR2 gets 16 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway. The small difference reflects aerodynamics and rolling resistance at higher speeds. Around town, the engine’s torque helps compensate for the truck’s weight, while the eight-speed automatic transmission works to keep the engine in its optimal range. On the highway, the gearing helps a little, but the off-road tires and the ZR2’s raised suspension take a toll. The 3.6L V6 needs to work harder than it would in a standard Colorado, resulting in that 18 MPG figure. More aggressive driving or aftermarket accessories degrade these numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 4WD 3.6L is $2,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Fuel prices fluctuate, and your actual mileage may vary. This $2,600 figure provides a benchmark. Owners putting significant annual mileage on their ZR2 will exceed that amount.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a good start, but real-world mileage can vary. A ZR2 cruising at 65 MPH on the highway might get closer to 18 MPG. Fuel economy may dip below the EPA numbers if you’re using four-wheel-drive, tackling trails, or accelerating hard. Tire pressure, ambient temperature, and even the terrain will influence observed MPG. The truck’s computer displays real-time and average fuel economy, allowing drivers to monitor their consumption.

How it compares

The ZR2’s fuel economy needs to be considered with its competitors. A similarly equipped Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro manages an EPA-estimated 18 MPG combined with its 3.5L V6. That single MPG difference likely isn’t a deciding factor for most buyers. The Ford Ranger Raptor, not sold in the United States, would offer similar fuel economy. Other off-road midsize trucks, like the Nissan Frontier PRO-4X, would likely show similar results, underscoring that off-road capability rarely equates to fuel efficiency. Drivers concerned with fuel economy who are also interested in Chevrolet should view all Chevrolet fuel economy data while considering what capabilities are needed. Drivers who like the midsize Colorado will also want to view COLORADO MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The ZR2 isn’t designed for hypermiling, but there are ways to improve fuel economy. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The ZR2 might have the suspension to handle hard cornering, but smooth driving will conserve fuel.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially before long trips. This is good practice across all vehicles, but especially when the tires have aggressive tread which amplifies the impact of rolling resistance.

Minimize idling. Idling burns fuel. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. The 3.6L V6 is a relatively large engine, and it burns significant fuel at idle.

Reduce weight. Remove any unnecessary items from the bed or cab. Excess weight increases the load on the engine, which reduces fuel economy. This is relevant if you haul heavy gear but don’t need it for everyday driving.