How many miles per gallon does a 1975 K5 Blazer get?
In general, a 1975 K5 Blazer achieves roughly 12–14 miles per gallon combined, with city driving yielding around 9–12 mpg and highway cruising around 14–16 mpg, depending on configuration and maintenance.
Context: what the 1975 K5 Blazer was and how mpg was recorded
The K5 Blazer in 1975 was a heavy, body-on-frame SUV built for rugged duty. Most were powered by a V8 and used either a manual or automatic transmission with four-wheel drive available or fitted. Official EPA fuel economy data for this era varies by source; the automaker's brochures and period road tests provide the best guidance, while real-world results depend heavily on maintenance, tire size, gearing, and driving style. Today's restorations or conversions can further alter mileage from stock figures.
Engine and drivetrain options
In 1975, the Blazer commonly used Chevrolet’s small-block V8 engines (around 5.7 L / 350 cu in) paired with a manual or automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive was available. Some configurations used a larger V8, and 4WD generally reduces economy versus a 2WD setup due to extra weight and drivetrain losses. The combination of heavy weight, carburetion, and gearing all influence miles per gallon.
Estimated mpg ranges by driving conditions
In practice, fuel economy is highly sensitive to driving conditions. The ranges below reflect typical reports from owners and period testing of similarly equipped 1970s K5 Blazers.
- City driving: 9–12 mpg
- Highway driving: 14–16 mpg
- Combined (mixed driving): 12–14 mpg
Actual numbers can vary widely based on engine, transmission, drivetrain, and condition. A well-tuned 350 V8 with a 2WD configuration may approach the upper highway figure more often, while a heavy 4WD with aggressive tires and city driving may linger closer to the lower end.
What factors influence these numbers
Several elements determine the real-world fuel economy of a 1975 K5 Blazer. The list below outlines the main variables owners consider when estimating mileage.
- Engine displacement and tune (carburetion, ignition, and exhaust condition)
- Drivetrain configuration (4WD vs 2WD) and transfer case usage
- Transmission type and gear ratios
- Vehicle weight, condition, and body aerodynamics
- Tire size, inflation, and rolling resistance
- Driving style, load, and typical speeds
Those factors collectively shape whether a given Blazer approaches the higher end of the range or sits closer to the lower end.
Notes for collectors and drivers today
Because the 1975 Blazer is a classic vehicle, owners often rely on practical measurements rather than EPA estimates. If you're restoring or maintaining one today, consider baseline testing by filling the tank to a consistent level, driving a set distance, and refilling to compare mileage over time. Keep in mind that modern fuels and lubricants can also affect performance versus period benchmarks.
Engine options in 1975 Blazer
Typical configurations featured Chevrolet’s small-block V8 around 350 cubic inches with an automatic transmission in most Blazers, with four-wheel drive commonly available. A few examples used larger displacement options in select builds. The combination of engine choice and 4WD substantially influences fuel economy.
Summary
In short, a 1975 K5 Blazer typically posts around 12–14 mpg combined, with a common split of 9–12 mpg in city driving and 14–16 mpg on highways. Actual mileage depends on engine, drivetrain, condition, and driving style. For collectors and enthusiasts, using a standardized fill-up method over a fixed distance provides the most consistent personal estimate.
