Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab 4WD
17 MPG The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab 4WD is EPA-rated at 17 MPG combined (15 city / 20 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 882 gallons, $2824 a year in fuel, or $0.188 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2004–2012 run it averages 17.3 MPG, falling by 1 MPG over 9 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.147 | $1471 | $2206 | $2941 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.176 | $1765 | $2647 | $3529 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.188 | $1882 | $2824 | $3765 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.206 | $2059 | $3088 | $4118 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.235 | $2353 | $3529 | $4706 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.265 | $2647 | $3971 | $5294 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.294 | $2941 | $4412 | $5882 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 17 MPG | 15 | 20 | $3675 | 525 | 2 |
| 2011 | 17 MPG | 15 | 20 | $3675 | 525 | 2 |
| 2010 | 17 MPG | 15 | 20 | $3675 | 525 | 2 |
| 2009 | 17 MPG | 15 | 20 | $3675 | 525 | 2 |
| 2008 | 17 MPG | 15 | 20 | $3650 | 523 | 1 |
| 2007 | 17 MPG | 15 | 20 | $3650 | 523 | 1 |
| 2006 | 17.3 MPG | 15.7 | 21 | $3583 | 513 | 3 |
| 2005 | 18 MPG | 16 | 21.3 | $3467 | 495 | 3 |
| 2004 | 18 MPG | 16 | 21.3 | $3467 | 495 | 3 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 10 small pickup trucks 4wd models tracked here, the Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab 4WD ranks 8 on current figures, against a class average of 19.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chevrolet Colorado Cab Chassis inc 4WD (18), GMC Canyon Cab Chassis Inc 4WD (18), Chevrolet Colorado 4WD (19), GMC Canyon 4WD (19), Nissan Frontier 4WD (19).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 525 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.9 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab 4WD get?
The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab 4WD is rated at 17 MPG combined by the EPA — 15 city and 20 highway. Across all 9 model years in the database it averages 17.3 MPG, ranging from 16 to 19 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab 4WD cost in fuel per year?
At 17 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 882 gallons — roughly $2824 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.188 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2012 model is $3675.
Has the Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab 4WD become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 18 MPG in 2004 to 17 in 2012. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab 4WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 8 of 10 in the Small Pickup Trucks 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 19.2 MPG. That is 2.2 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.