GMC S15 Pickup 2WD
19.6 MPG The 1990 GMC S15 Pickup 2WD is EPA-rated at 19.6 MPG combined (17.4 city / 23.6 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 765 gallons, $2449 a year in fuel, or $0.163 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–1990 run it averages 20.5 MPG, falling by 2.7 MPG over 7 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 | $0.128 | $1276 | $1913 | $2551 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.153 | $1531 | $2296 | $3061 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.163 | $1633 | $2449 | $3265 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.179 | $1786 | $2679 | $3571 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.204 | $2041 | $3061 | $4082 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.230 | $2296 | $3444 | $4592 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.255 | $2551 | $3827 | $5102 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 19.6 MPG | 17.4 | 23.6 | $3200 | 456 | 5 |
| 1989 | 20 MPG | 17.8 | 24 | $3138 | 447 | 4 |
| 1988 | 19.7 MPG | 17.3 | 24.2 | $3192 | 455 | 6 |
| 1987 | 19.3 MPG | 17.1 | 22.5 | $3263 | 466 | 8 |
| 1986 | 20.2 MPG | 17.8 | 23.8 | $3125 | 446 | 6 |
| 1985 | 22.1 MPG | 19.8 | 25.9 | $3068 | 427 | 14 |
| 1984 | 22.3 MPG | 20.1 | 26.2 | $2994 | 420 | 18 |
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 8 small pickup trucks models tracked here, the GMC S15 Pickup 2WD ranks 2 on current figures, against a class average of 19.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Toyota Truck 2WD (19.8).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 456 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.8 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the GMC S15 Pickup 2WD get?
The 1990 GMC S15 Pickup 2WD is rated at 19.6 MPG combined by the EPA — 17.4 city and 23.6 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 20.5 MPG, ranging from 16 to 29 depending on year and trim.
How much does a GMC S15 Pickup 2WD cost in fuel per year?
At 19.6 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 765 gallons — roughly $2449 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.163 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1990 model is $3200.
Has the GMC S15 Pickup 2WD become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 22.3 MPG in 1984 to 19.6 in 1990. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the GMC S15 Pickup 2WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 2 of 8 in the Small Pickup Trucks class on current figures, against a class average of 19.2 MPG. That is 0.4 better 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.