How many miles per gallon did a 1972 Chevy LUV get?
The 1972 Chevy LUV—Chevrolet’s badge-engineered Isuzu-based light pickup—typically delivered around 23–25 miles per gallon combined, with variations by engine, transmission, and load. Exact figures depended on configuration and driving conditions.
Representative figures from the era
Below are representative ranges based on era-era testing and common configurations. These figures reflect typical performance for the 1972 LUV and can vary by drivetrain and maintenance.
- 1.8 L four-cylinder with a 4-speed manual: roughly 18–20 mpg in city driving, about 28–30 mpg on the highway, yielding a combined figure around 23–25 mpg.
- With an automatic transmission (same engine family): roughly 16–18 mpg in the city, 26–28 mpg on the highway, with a combined around 21–23 mpg.
These ranges illustrate how drivetrain choices and road conditions affected real-world fuel economy. Modern restoration or maintenance can also shift these numbers modestly upward or downward depending on tune and load.
Key factors that affect MPG on the LUV
MPG for the 1972 LUV varied widely because several factors influenced efficiency. Understanding these helps explain why two identical trucks could ride out on different fuel economy figures.
- Engine and fuel system: differences between the base 1.8 L engine and any optional powertrain tuning can alter efficiency.
- Transmission: manual versus automatic gearboxes change how the engine carries loads and maintains rpm.
- Rear axle gearing and payload: steeper gears and heavier payloads generally reduce fuel economy.
- Maintenance and condition: carburetor tuning, ignition timing, and overall engine wear can significantly impact mpg.
- Driving conditions: city stop-and-go driving typically lowers mpg compared with steady highway cruising.
In practice, actual mileage will reflect combination of these factors, particularly payload weight and engine health, which were common variables for early 1970s pickups.
Modern context and restoration notes
Today, enthusiasts who restore or maintain a 1972 LUV often report mpg in the low- to mid-20s under mixed driving, though real-world results vary. Converting or updating components (within reason) can influence efficiency, but the vehicle’s original design and era-specific fuel economy principles largely govern performance.
Summary
In short, the typical fuel economy for a 1972 Chevy LUV hovered in the low- to mid-20s MPG combined, with highway figures higher and city figures lower depending on the drivetrain (manual vs automatic), gearing, payload, and overall condition. Real-world results vary, but a rough baseline is 23–25 mpg combined for well-tuned, lightly loaded examples.
What engine was in the Chevy Luv truck?
Chevrolet LUV
The LUV was as basic as you could get when it appeared in 1972, offering a 1.8-liter, 75-horsepower, four-cylinder engine; four-speed manual gearbox; and 88 lb-ft of shrub-pulling torque.
What is the gas mileage on a Chevy Luv?
The Chevy LUV's fuel economy varies significantly by model year and engine, with the second-generation diesel model achieving up to 44 mpg on the highway, while earlier gasoline models were estimated around 30 mpg highway, 22 mpg city, and 25 mpg combined.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Chevy Luv's fuel economy: 49sBackshift GarageYouTube · Nov 24, 2025
Gasoline models
- 1972: The initial model with a 1.8L engine is estimated around 30 mpg highway.
- 1978: California EPA estimates for the 1978 model are 30 mpg highway, 22 mpg city, and 25 mpg combined.
Diesel models
- Second-generation: The diesel engine is reported to get up to 44 mpg on the highway.
- 1982: An estimated 35 mpg highway and 28 mpg city.
Factors influencing fuel economy
- Vehicle condition: A truck's maintenance status can affect its fuel efficiency.
- Driving habits: Aggressive driving will reduce mileage, while a smooth, consistent driving style can improve it.
- Driving environment: Highway driving will generally yield better mileage than city driving.
How many miles per gallon does a 1978 Chevy Luv get?
Your mileage depends on how you drive, your truck's condition, where you drive, and your truck's available equipment. California EPA estimates are 30 miles per gallon highway, 22 mpg city and 25 mpg combined.
How many miles per gallon does a 1972 Chevy Luv get?
For 1972, the Chevy LUV was powered by a 1.8L SOHC four banger good for 75 horsepower, which was enough giddayup to give the LUV around a 1,200 pound payload capacity. But the bigger news was the engine's fuel economy—north of 30 mpg highway, which was a serious benefit as the 1970s gas shortage dawned.
