Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the Colorado trails their 26.3 mpg average by 5.3 mpg, about $369 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2004, the 2.8L 4-cyl (2004–2022), does 23 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5.3L 8-cyl (2009–2012), 16.5: $657 a year apart.
Every Chevrolet Colorado engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 4-cyl | 20 / 28.3 | 2004–2022 | $1,670 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 20 / 26 | 2015–2015 | $1,745 | |
| 2.7L 4-cyl | 19.5 / 24 | 2023–2026 | $1,803 | |
| 2.9L 4-cyl | 18 / 24.2 | 2007–2012 | $1,873 | |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 18 / 25 | 2015–2022 | $1,873 | |
| 3.5L 5-cyl | 17 / 22.7 | 2004–2006 | $2,021 | |
| 3.7L 5-cyl | 16.5 / 22.7 | 2007–2012 | $2,053 | |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 15 / 20.3 | 2009–2012 | $2,327 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Tacoma gets 23 mpg, the Ford Maverick 31.8 mpg and the GMC Canyon 20 mpg, next to 21 mpg for the 2026 Colorado.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.152 |
| Fuel per year | $1,829 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,145 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | +$369 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,189 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado gives up 5 mpg in town: 24 on the highway against 19 in the city, $421 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 19 mpg | $2,021 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 24 mpg | $1,600 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (26%) | Typical for its type |
How the Colorado changed over the years
The Colorado peaked in 2016 at 23 mpg (20 city, 27.5 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2012 at 18.7 — 4.3 mpg apart, or $383 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 21.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 19 / 24 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2025 | 19 / 23 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2024 | 20 / 24 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2023 | 20 / 25 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2022 | 19 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2021 | 19 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2020 | 19 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2019 | 19 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2018 | 20 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2017 | 20 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2016 | 20 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 2015 | 19 / 25.5 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2012 | 16.7 / 22.3 | 3 | $2,053 | |
| 2011 | 16.7 / 22.3 | 3 | $2,053 | |
| 2010 | 16.7 / 22.7 | 3 | $2,021 | |
| 2009 | 16.7 / 22.7 | 3 | $2,053 | |
| 2008 | 17 / 23 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 2007 | 16.5 / 23 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 2006 | 17.5 / 23.5 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2005 | 17.5 / 23.5 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2004 | 17.5 / 23.5 | 2 | $1,920 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 42 EPA ratings of the Chevrolet Colorado — 8 engines across 2004–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,189. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado get?
21 mpg combined, 19 city and 24 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2004 the Colorado has averaged 20.5 mpg.
Is the 2026 Colorado more efficient than the 2025?
Yes: 21 against 20 mpg combined, about $91 a year less to run.
Which Colorado year has the best gas mileage?
The 2016, at 23 mpg combined (20 city, 27.5 highway).
Does the Colorado get better gas mileage than the Toyota Tacoma?
No: 21 mpg for the 2026 Colorado against 23 for the 2026 Toyota Tacoma, about $159 a year more to run.
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