GMC Sonoma 2WD
18.8 MPG The 2003 GMC Sonoma 2WD is EPA-rated at 18.8 MPG combined (16.5 city / 22.8 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 798 gallons, $2553 a year in fuel, or $0.170 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1991–2003 run it averages 18.9 MPG, falling by 0.8 MPG over 13 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 | $0.133 | $1330 | $1995 | $2660 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.160 | $1596 | $2394 | $3191 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.170 | $1702 | $2553 | $3404 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.186 | $1862 | $2793 | $3723 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.213 | $2128 | $3191 | $4255 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.239 | $2394 | $3590 | $4787 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.266 | $2660 | $3989 | $5319 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 18.8 MPG | 16.5 | 22.8 | $3363 | 479 | 4 |
| 2002 | 16.5 MPG | 14.5 | 20 | $3775 | 539 | 2 |
| 2001 | 16.5 MPG | 14.5 | 20.5 | $3775 | 539 | 2 |
| 2000 | 19.7 MPG | 17.3 | 23.2 | $3208 | 457 | 6 |
| 1999 | 19.3 MPG | 16.8 | 22.8 | $3275 | 468 | 4 |
| 1998 | 19 MPG | 17 | 22.8 | $3313 | 472 | 4 |
| 1997 | 19.8 MPG | 17.3 | 24 | $3188 | 455 | 4 |
| 1996 | 20.3 MPG | 17.8 | 24.3 | $3100 | 442 | 4 |
| 1995 | 19.2 MPG | 17 | 23 | $3450 | 468 | 5 |
| 1994 | 19 MPG | 16.5 | 23 | $3567 | 470 | 6 |
| 1993 | 19.2 MPG | 17 | 22.8 | $3408 | 466 | 6 |
| 1992 | 18.8 MPG | 16.8 | 22.3 | $3333 | 476 | 6 |
| 1991 | 19.6 MPG | 17.6 | 23.6 | $3200 | 456 | 5 |
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 Sonoma 2WD ranks 8 on current figures, against a class average of 19.3 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chevrolet S10 Pickup 2WD (19), Dodge Ram 50 Pickup 2WD (19), Mitsubishi Truck 2WD (19), Isuzu Pickup 2WD (19.5), Nissan Truck 2WD (19.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 479 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the GMC Sonoma 2WD get?
The 2003 GMC Sonoma 2WD is rated at 18.8 MPG combined by the EPA — 16.5 city and 22.8 highway. Across all 13 model years in the database it averages 18.9 MPG, ranging from 16 to 23 depending on year and trim.
How much does a GMC Sonoma 2WD cost in fuel per year?
At 18.8 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 798 gallons — roughly $2553 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.170 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2003 model is $3363.
Has the GMC Sonoma 2WD become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 19.6 MPG in 1991 to 18.8 in 2003. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the GMC Sonoma 2WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 8 of 8 in the Small Pickup Trucks class on current figures, against a class average of 19.3 MPG. That is 0.5 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.