15 MPG combined. Frankly, that’s terrible. But for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado Cab Chassis 2WD with the 3.6L V6, it’s almost irrelevant. This isn’t a lifestyle truck; it’s a tool. It’s bought by businesses and contractors who need a reliable, customizable base for everything from landscaping rigs to small delivery vehicles. They prioritize payload, upfitting potential, and the Chevy Bowtie over saving fuel, and understand that ample grunt from an engine typically means lower fuel economy.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the 2019 Colorado Cab Chassis 2WD identically in both city and highway driving, at 15 MPG each. This uniformity is unusual and reflects the engine’s characteristics. The 3.6L V6, while powerful enough for the truck’s intended purpose, isn’t particularly torque-rich at low RPMs. In the city, you’ll use relatively similar throttle compared to highway cruising to get the same work done. The 8-speed automatic transmission does its best to optimize the engine’s output, but physics dictate the outcome.

The comparatively low gearing allows for quick and easy takeoffs but doesn’t save fuel. Out on the open road, aerodynamic drag quickly becomes the dominant force, negating any potential efficiency gains from a steady cruise. Don’t expect any surprises here; the numbers on the sticker are what you’ll likely see.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado Cab Chassis 2WD 3.6L is $2,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Real drivers may see a number that deviates from this number.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA’s 15 MPG rating provides a baseline, real-world fuel economy will vary significantly depending on usage. A lightly loaded truck driven conservatively on mainly flat terrain might see slightly better numbers, potentially pushing the combined MPG up to 16 to 17MPG.

However, a heavily loaded truck, especially one with significant upfitting (ladder racks, toolboxes, etc.) and driven primarily in stop-and-go traffic, will likely fall short, potentially dropping below 15 MPG. Construction companies or delivery services operating in hilly or mountainous areas should expect even lower figures. Driving style is a critical factor, too. Aggressive acceleration and frequent braking will penalize fuel economy more than gentle, predictable driving. This difference in real-world driving is where the Cab Chassis’ user base’s expectations versus real-world driving meet.

How it compares

Fuel economy is not a strong suit of work trucks, but comparing the Colorado Cab Chassis to other options provides valuable context. The Ford Transit Connect cargo van, a popular choice for smaller businesses, easily achieves around 26 MPG combined. However, it lacks the Colorado’s payload capacity and customization options. A full-size, full-customization competitor like the Ram 3500 Tradesman Cab Chassis with the 6.4L Hemi V8 offers significantly more capability but could barely hit 12 MPG combined.

Even within the Colorado family, you can find variations. For instance, the standard 2WD Colorado work truck with the 2.5L four-cylinder will see around 22 MPG according to the EPA estimates, while the 4WD V6 version is rated at a slightly better 19 MPG combined. Reviewing all Chevrolet fuel economy data helps show why the Cab Chassis makes sense in spite of it having the lowest MPG available for the Colorado.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Given the limitations of a cab chassis work truck, focusing on driving habits and preventative maintenance is key. Avoid aggressive acceleration and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. The 3.6L V6 responds poorly to lead-footed driving, so try to anticipate traffic flow and use cruise control on the highway. Keeping your tires properly inflated is critical for fuel efficiency. Check your tires regularly and maintain the pressure recommended on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires create unnecessary rolling resistance, which drags down fuel economy rather quickly.

Regular maintenance is critical for optimal fuel economy on any vehicle, and even more so on a work truck that endures constant strain. Ensure the engine is properly tuned with good air intake and regular fluid changes. Neglecting these maintenance points can lead to decreased performance and increased fuel consumption – a bad combination for a business owner. Consider the weight that your vehicle is hauling. Unnecessary weight reduces your overall fuel economy, and the cab chassis is no different from other vehicles. Review the cargo you are carrying and remove it if it’s not needed on that specific trip.

Optimize your route planning to minimize stop-and-go driving and unnecessary idling. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance, so avoid it whenever possible. Use GPS navigation with real-time traffic updates to identify the most efficient routes. When you identify areas with heavy congestion that causes significant idling, try to take detours that minimize this time spent idling. The short extra mileage will likely allow for the overall efficiency to improve and will improve your fuel bill in the long run.

While the 8-speed automatic transmission is designed with fuel economy in mind, it can sometimes hunt for gears unnecessarily, especially when towing or hauling heavy loads. Use the transmission’s manual shift mode to lock in a specific gear and prevent constant upshifting and downshifting. The transmission shifting at the appropriate time will further increase gas mileage on the vehicle.