22 MPG combined. That’s what you can expect from a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine. This isn’t a fuel sipper. It’s a work truck, a compact pickup designed for hauling materials, tackling projects, and navigating job sites where a full-size truck feels cumbersome. The fuel economy, while not great, is often considered an acceptable trade-off for the capability and utility it provides.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway for this Colorado configuration. Understand that these figures are from standardized testing. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving habits, load, and terrain. The city MPG reflects stop-and-go traffic and lower speed limits, conditions where the 2.5L engine works harder to move the truck’s weight. The highway MPG represents a more consistent cruising speed, allowing the engine to operate more efficiently, but headwinds, hills, and a loaded bed will all impact that 26 MPG figure negatively.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD 2.5L 4-cyl at $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s a useful benchmark for comparison, but fuel prices fluctuate, and your individual mileage will vary. If you drive significantly more than 15,000 miles annually, or if fuel prices in your area are higher than the national average, your actual fuel cost will be higher. On the other hand, if you drive fewer miles or live in an area with lower fuel prices, your cost will be lower. The $2,000 estimate provides a standardized way to understand potential fuel expenses with this Colorado, especially relative to other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides estimates, but real-world driving rarely mirrors lab conditions. Colorado 2WD 2.5L owners often report figures close to the official numbers, but getting the advertised 26 MPG on the highway requires conscious effort to drive efficiently. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and carrying heavy loads will all substantially reduce fuel economy. In city driving, expect numbers closer to the 20 MPG mark, and potentially even lower during heavy congestion. For some owners, the convenience of a pickup outweighs the fuel cost, especially when considering the alternatives.

How it compares

The 2019 Colorado 2WD 2.5L’s fuel economy is generally similar to its competitors. For example, a similarly equipped 2019 Toyota Tacoma SR with a 2.7L four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 20 MPG combined. A 2019 Nissan Frontier King Cab S 2WD with its 2.5L engine only manages around 19 MPG combined. Small variations exist, the Colorado isn’t drastically better or worse than its rivals in fuel consumption. Those prioritizing fuel economy above all else might consider a small crossover instead, but they’d sacrifice the utility and towing capacity that the Colorado provides. For those who need a truck and are comfortable with the inherent trade-offs, the Colorado offers a reasonable balance. Compare COLORADO MPG across all years to understand how other models perform.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is critical for optimal fuel economy. Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce efficiency. Also, keep up with scheduled oil changes and air filter replacements. A clean air filter ensures the engine breathes easily and doesn’t have to work harder than necessary.

Avoid aggressive driving habits. Rapid acceleration and hard braking consume more fuel than smooth, gradual inputs. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible. Using cruise control on the highway can also help maintain a steady pace and improve fuel economy.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo in the bed of the truck decreases fuel efficiency. Remove any items that you don’t need to haul regularly. Also, consider removing aftermarket accessories, such as roof racks, that can increase aerodynamic drag.

Plan your trips strategically. Combine multiple errands into a single trip to reduce cold starts, which consume more fuel. Avoid peak traffic hours whenever possible to minimize stop-and-go driving.

Consider the terrain. Driving in hilly or mountainous areas requires the engine to work harder, which reduces fuel economy. If possible, plan routes that minimize elevation changes. Pay attention to the transmission, allow it to shift into the highest gear possible without lugging the engine. If you want to compare this to all Chevrolet fuel economy data, you can see the broader range available.