Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine get 22 MPG combined. This is a realistic number for a light-duty truck designed to haul materials, tackle light off-road duties, and serve as a practical alternative to a full-size pickup for those who don’t need excessive towing capacity. Buyers of this specific Colorado configuration aren’t prioritizing fuel efficiency above all else, but capability in a manageable and affordable package.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates this Colorado at 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. These numbers are from the engine’s tuning and the six-speed automatic transmission’s gearing. Expect the city MPG during stop-and-go driving, with frequent acceleration and braking. The highway figure represents steady-state cruising, ideal for road trips or commutes where you’re maintaining a consistent speed. Remember that real-world conditions, such as aggressive driving, payload, and terrain, can change these figures.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD 2.5L 4-cyl to be exactly $2,000. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a blend of city and highway driving, and assumes national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs may change depending on your driving habits, the price of gasoline in your area, and how much of your driving is in the city versus on the highway. All Chevrolet fuel economy data is available, but this $2,000 figure is the EPA’s standardized estimate for comparative purposes.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized rating, real-world fuel economy can vary. The Colorado’s boxy shape affects aerodynamics, especially at higher speeds. You’ll see a decrease in fuel economy if you regularly carry heavier loads. Similarly, extended idling, particularly if pulling a trailer on a job site, will reduce your average MPG. Owners who drive without pressing the accelerator too hard and minimize idling are more likely to get numbers closer to the EPA estimates. Don’t expect Prius-like figures, but getting within 1-2 MPG of the EPA’s combined figure is realistic with mindful driving.

How it compares

The 2018 Toyota Tacoma, similarly configured with a 2WD and four-cylinder engine, achieved an EPA combined rating of 21 MPG. The fuel economy is nearly identical. The Nissan Frontier, with its comparable four-cylinder offering, also hovered around the 21-22 MPG combined mark. The Colorado’s fuel consumption is typical for the segment, and the decision to buy one over the other is likely based on factors other than MPG, such as ride quality, features, or brand preference. If considering the slightly larger V6 engine within the Colorado line, fuel economy drops slightly. You can review the COLORADO MPG across all years to understand the difference.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Proper tire inflation is critical for fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, found on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. This is especially important for a truck like the Colorado which may experience load variations regularly.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The Colorado’s four-cylinder engine responds best to smooth, gradual inputs. Fast starts and sudden stops waste fuel. Plan for traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. The automatic transmission will also shift more efficiently with a lighter foot on the accelerator.

Minimize idling. Extended idling burns fuel without moving the vehicle. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, shut off the engine. This saves fuel and reduces emissions. This is useful on construction sites or during deliveries where brief stops are common.

Consider using cruise control on the highway for longer drives. Cruise control maintains a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy compared to manually controlling the throttle. Be mindful of using it on hilly terrain, as the transmission may downshift frequently, reducing some of the fuel-saving benefits.

Reduce aerodynamic drag. Remove unnecessary items from the bed of the truck that can affect airflow. Consider a tonneau cover to streamline the airflow over the bed. While these may have a slight impact on fuel economy, they also protect cargo from weather and theft.