How is the Camaro on gas?
In brief, the Camaro’s fuel economy depends largely on the engine and drivetrain you choose. The 2.0-liter turbo is the most efficient, while the big V8s drink more fuel; real-world numbers vary with transmission, tires, and driving style.
Fuel economy by engine
The following estimates reflect EPA ratings for the latest Camaro lineup and can vary by trim, transmission, and options. Use these as a baseline and check the exact figures for your configuration.
- 2.0L turbocharged inline-4: Typically records the best mileage in the Camaro range. Expect city in the low- to mid-20s mpg, highway in the low to mid-30s mpg, and a combined around the mid-20s mpg depending on transmission and tires.
- 3.6L V6: A step up in power comes with a modest drop in efficiency. City roughly 19–20 mpg, highway about 28–29 mpg, for a combined in the low to mid-20s mpg range.
- 6.2L V8 LT1: The performance-oriented option pushes economy lower. City around 15–17 mpg, highway in the mid-20s, resulting in roughly 20–22 mpg combined.
- 6.2L Supercharged LT4 (ZL1): The most powerful Camaro generally shows the lowest mpg of the lineup. City around 14–16 mpg, highway 22–25 mpg, with combined in the high teens to low 20s mpg.
These figures are EPA estimates and assume standard tires and typical driving conditions. Real-world results can vary with wheel size, aero packages, launch behavior, and climate. For precise numbers, consult the EPA ratings for the exact model year, trim, and transmission you’re considering.
How transmission and driving affect mpg
Beyond engine choice, the transmission and how you drive influence fuel economy. Automatics with modern shift programming can yield different results than manuals, and performance-oriented setups (larger wheels, sticky tires, aggressive gearing) typically reduce mpg. Weather, road grade, and driving habits all play a role in actual mileage.
- Transmission choice: Some Camaro trims offer both manual and automatic transmissions. Automatics with smooth, efficient shift logic often edge out manuals for highway mileage, while manuals can vary more based on throttle input and gearing.
- Wheels and tires: Low-rolling-resistance tires and smaller wheel options tend to improve highway efficiency, while larger, grippy wheels can reduce mpg slightly, especially at city speeds.
- Driving style: Gentle acceleration, steady speeds, and proactive braking help maximize fuel economy, particularly on non-turbo engines and in V8-equipped models.
Ultimately, the Camaro’s efficiency is a trade-off: if you prioritize straight-line performance, expect lower mpg; if you value efficiency, the 2.0L turbo configuration will be the standout among the lineup.
Practical tips to maximize fuel economy
These practices can help you squeeze more mpg from your Camaro, regardless of which engine you choose.
- Maintain correct tire pressure and consider lighter wheels if you’re aiming for efficiency gains.
- Use cruise control on the highway to keep a steady pace and minimize unnecessary accelerations.
- Combine trips and avoid excessive idling to reduce fuel burn.
- Limit aggressive acceleration and heavy braking; plan smoother driving to improve the average mpg.
While these tips can improve real-world mileage, performance-focused Camaros will still not match typical economy cars, especially with the V8s or high-performance packages.
Real-world observations
In everyday driving, the 2.0L turbo Camaro tends to deliver the best efficiency, particularly on highway stretches and during moderate-speed cruising. V6 models offer a reasonable balance between performance and economy, while V8 variants deliver peak performance at the cost of higher fuel consumption. Weather and traffic can further skew numbers from the EPA estimates.
Summary
The Camaro’s gas mileage varies widely by engine and setup. If fuel economy is your primary criterion, choose the 2.0L turbo with the right transmission and tires, and adopt fuel-saving driving habits. For enthusiasts prioritizing power, be prepared for lower mpg with the V6 and especially the V8 and LT4 variants. Always verify the exact EPA ratings for your specific configuration to make an informed decision.
