Chevrolet Colorado
Fuel economy, running costs and specs by model year
The Chevrolet Colorado appears in this database in 5 model years, from 2016 to 2020, offered with diesel and gasoline power. Combined economy ranges from 15 to 25 MPG across those years, with annual fuel costs of $2,950 to $4,950 at 15,000 miles.
Fuel economy by year
| Year | Combined | Annual fuel | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 16-25 MPG | $2,950-$4,100 | 8 |
| 2017 | 15-25 MPG | $2,950-$4,700 | 10 |
| 2018 | 15-25 MPG | $2,950-$4,700 | 10 |
| 2019 | 15-23 MPG | $2,950-$4,950 | 10 |
| 2020 | 17-23 MPG | $2,950-$4,950 | 8 |
How it compares
Against the average small pickup trucks 4wd in this dataset (about 20 MPG), the Colorado sits roughly 0 MPG above that mark on average, making it a relatively efficient choice for its class.
Five-year fuel cost
Fuelling a Colorado for five years at the EPA's 15,000-mile basis costs roughly $14,750 to $24,750, averaging about $19,750 across the versions here. That is the energy bill alone — it excludes insurance, maintenance and depreciation, which for most owners together exceed what goes into the tank.
The range within the range
Economy across the Colorado varies by about 10 MPG between its most and least frugal versions, which run on diesel and gasoline. Engine size, turbocharging, drivetrain and even wheel size explain most of that gap, so when you shop a used Colorado check which version you are looking at before comparing its running cost to another car.
How it changed over time
Between 2016 and 2020 the Colorado's average combined economy slipped from about 20 to 20 MPG. Redesigns, new engines and added hybrid or electric versions are usually what move the number, so the year you choose can matter as much as the model.
Best year for fuel economy
The 2016 Colorado has the strongest average combined economy in this database at about 21 MPG, while the 2019 is the lowest at about 20 MPG. If running cost is your priority, that is the year to target on the used market; later years may add equipment or safety features instead.
2020 Colorado at a glance
| Version | Engine | Fuel | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado 2WD | 2.8L 4-cyl turbo | Diesel | 23 MPG |
| Colorado 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Gasoline | 22 MPG |
| Colorado 4WD | 2.8L 4-cyl turbo | Diesel | 22 MPG |
| Colorado 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Gasoline | 21 MPG |
| Colorado 2WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Gasoline | 20 MPG |
| Colorado ZR2 4WD | 2.8L 4-cyl turbo | Diesel | 19 MPG |
| Colorado 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Gasoline | 19 MPG |
| Colorado ZR2 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Gasoline | 17 MPG |
Use the comparison tool to set the Colorado against a rival, or go back to all Chevrolet models.