The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD with the 2.8L Duramax diesel gets 25 MPG combined, a number that needs some context. This isn’t a family sedan or even a crossover. it’s a mid-size truck designed for people who need real capability. For those buyers who prioritize towing, payload, and ruggedness over outright fuel savings, this diesel Colorado offers a good mix of utility and efficiency. It’s not going to win any hypermiling competitions, but it will haul your boat to the lake and still get decent mileage on the way.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 Colorado 2WD diesel are 22 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. That highway figure is particularly noteworthy. The 2.8L Duramax, paired with its smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic, allows the Colorado to cruise comfortably and efficiently on long stretches of road. The city MPG, while lower, is still respectable for a truck, especially considering the weight and rolling resistance inherent in this type of vehicle. This split reflects the engine’s strengths. it’s optimized for sustained, moderate-load driving, which is where diesels typically excel. Stop-and-go driving in the city will naturally put a strain on fuel economy, but the highway mileage helps to balance things out.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD 2.8L diesel is $2,250. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that diesel fuel prices can fluctuate significantly, and your actual costs will vary depending on your driving habits and where you live. Someone who primarily drives short distances in the city will likely exceed this estimate, while someone who does mostly highway driving or lives in an area with cheaper diesel might spend less. The $2,250 figure is simply a benchmark for comparison and should be considered alongside other factors when evaluating the overall cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, your real-world mileage may vary. The actual fuel economy you achieve will depend on a variety of factors, including your driving style, the type of terrain you drive on, the weight of your cargo, tire pressure, and even the weather. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and high speeds will all reduce fuel economy.

Likewise, driving in hilly or mountainous areas will consume more fuel than driving on flat terrain. Payload also has an impact. hauling heavy loads will noticeably decrease your MPG. Regular maintenance, such as keeping your tires properly inflated and changing your air filter, can help to maintain optimal fuel efficiency. Be sure to explore all Chevrolet fuel economy data to understand brand-wide trends.

How it compares

Compared to other mid-size trucks of the era, the 2017 Colorado 2WD diesel offers a competitive fuel economy. The Toyota Tacoma, for example, equipped with its 2.7-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, achieves around 20 MPG combined in 2WD configurations. The V6 Tacoma, with its added power, drops further into the 18-21 MPG range. Even the Honda Ridgeline, known for its more car-like driving dynamics, doesn’t significantly outpace the Colorado diesel, typically landing around 22-24 MPG combined. Opting for the 4WD version of the Colorado will reduce fuel economy slightly, making the 2WD diesel an even more attractive option for those who don’t need four-wheel drive. See the range of COLORADO MPG across all years to appreciate the value of this particular configuration. It’s critical for potential buyers to weigh their needs and decide whether the Colorado 2WD diesel’s blend of efficiency and capability makes sense for their specific usage.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of the diesel engine’s torque. Shift smoothly and avoid unnecessary aggressive acceleration. The 2.8L Duramax is designed to deliver power at lower RPMs, so there’s no need to rev the engine unnecessarily.

Pay attention to tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level, which can be found on the sticker inside your driver’s side door.

Minimize idling. Diesel engines, especially older ones, consume a surprising amount of fuel while idling. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s generally more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine.

Consider a tonneau cover or bed cap. These accessories can improve aerodynamics and slightly increase fuel economy, especially at highway speeds, by reducing drag. This is more impactful than you might think for a vehicle with the Colorado’s shape.

Plan your trips carefully. Combining errands into a single trip can reduce the number of cold starts, which are particularly fuel-inefficient. Also, avoid driving during peak traffic hours whenever possible to minimize stop-and-go driving.