The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD with the 3.6L V6 gets 20 MPG combined. While this might seem high compared to family sedans, it’s typical for the mid-size truck segment, especially a V6, rear-wheel-drive model. Buyers accept this compromise, prioritizing capability and versatility over saving on fuel.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the 2018 Colorado 2WD V6 will achieve 18 MPG in city driving and 25 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects the engine’s need to work harder in stop-and-go traffic, accelerating a vehicle that still has a substantial curb weight, even though it’s considered “mid-size.” The 25 MPG highway figure is more achievable during long drives, thanks to the smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission which allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs. These numbers aren’t going to win any awards, but they’re adequate for hauling cargo, tackling light off-road duties, and providing a more maneuverable alternative to full-size pickups.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD V6 at $2,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is just an estimate, and individual fuel costs will change based on local fuel prices, driving habits, and driving type (city versus highway).

Real-world expectations

EPA figures provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy can vary. Colorado owners who commute in congested urban areas may find it challenging to consistently achieve the 18 MPG city rating. However, drivers who frequently embark on long highway trips with minimal cargo could exceed the 25 MPG estimate. Towing or carrying heavy loads will negatively impact fuel economy.

Owners who properly maintain their vehicles and adopt fuel-efficient driving habits are more likely to see numbers closer to the EPA estimates. Realistic expectations are critical given the truck’s characteristics.

How it compares

The 2018 Toyota Tacoma, another popular mid-size truck, also offers a V6 engine. A comparable 2WD V6 Tacoma yields slightly better fuel economy according to the EPA, at 19 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. The Nissan Frontier, a less modern competitor often chosen for its value, gets 16 MPG city and 23 MPG highway with its V6. The Honda Ridgeline, with its independent rear suspension and unibody construction focusing on comfort and ride quality, achieves 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway in its 2WD configuration.

These comparisons matter to the Colorado buyer because they are weighing capability along with fuel costs. The Colorado often wins buyers with its more traditional truck styling and available features like the reliable infotainment system, trading a slight fuel penalty for desired attributes.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and avoiding hard braking can improve fuel economy in the Colorado. The 3.6L V6 delivers ample power, so there’s rarely a need to aggressively apply the throttle. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible to minimize unnecessary fuel consumption.

Regular maintenance is important for fuel efficiency. Ensure that the tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, and adhere to the scheduled maintenance intervals for oil changes and air filter replacements. These details can improve MPG over time.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the truck bed or cab. Excess cargo adds strain on the engine and reduces fuel economy. If you don’t need it, remove it. An empty cargo bed is a more efficient cargo bed.

When highway driving, consider using cruise control to maintain a consistent speed. This can help prevent fluctuations in speed that waste fuel. Also, experiment with turning off the air conditioning when conditions allow, as the A/C compressor can impact fuel consumption.

Monitor COLORADO MPG across all years and driving habits using the Colorado’s built-in fuel economy tracking tools. Understanding your own driving patterns and how they affect fuel consumption is the first step toward improving them. Compare your mileage to all Chevrolet fuel economy data to help calibrate your expectations.