Against 435 other V6 cars rated 2002–2004, the Tracker sits right on their 18.8 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1998, the 1.6L 4-cyl (1998–2000), does 23 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 6-cyl (2001–2004), 18: $463 a year apart.
Every Chevrolet Tracker engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 21.7 / 25.3 | 1998–2000 | $1,670 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 20 / 23.7 | 2001–2003 | $1,745 | |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 17 / 19.3 | 2001–2004 | $2,133 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Jeep Liberty gets 18.3 mpg, the Nissan Xterra 17.8 mpg and the Cadillac SRX 16.5 mpg, next to 18 mpg for the 2004 Tracker.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2004) | $0.178 |
| Fuel per year | $2,133 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,665 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2002–2004 | +$90 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,050 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2004 Chevrolet Tracker gives up 3 mpg in town: 20 on the highway against 17 in the city, $339 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2004) | 17 mpg | $2,259 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +3 mpg (18%) | Typical for its type |
How the Tracker changed over the years
The Tracker peaked in 2000 at 24 mpg (22 city, 26 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2004 at 18 — 6 mpg apart, or $533 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2004 car does 18. The 2004 model loses 2 mpg against 20 for the 2003, with 1 version instead of 2. The biggest single-year change came in 2001: 24 to 20 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 17 / 20 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2003 | 18.5 / 21.5 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2002 | 18.5 / 21.5 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2001 | 18.5 / 21 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2000 | 22 / 26 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1999 | 22 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1998 | 21 / 24 | 1 | $1,745 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 10 EPA ratings of the Chevrolet Tracker — 3 engines across 1998–2004. 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 $3,050. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2004 Chevrolet Tracker get?
18 mpg combined, 17 city and 20 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1998 the Tracker has averaged 20.7 mpg.
Is the 2004 Tracker more efficient than the 2003?
No: 18 against 20 mpg combined, about $213 a year more to run.
Which Tracker year has the best gas mileage?
The 2000, at 24 mpg combined (22 city, 26 highway).
Does the Tracker get better gas mileage than the Jeep Liberty?
About the same: 18 mpg for the 2004 Tracker against 18.3 for the 2005 Jeep Liberty.
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