How many miles per gallon does a 1986 Chevy Blazer get?
In brief, a 1986 Chevrolet Blazer typically achieved around 14–18 miles per gallon overall, with V6 models tending toward the higher end and V8s toward the lower end, and four-wheel-drive versions usually consuming more fuel. Actual mileage varies based on engine, drivetrain, maintenance, tire choice, and driving style.
Engine options and how they affect fuel economy
Note: The Blazer offered several engines in 1986; mpg depends largely on engine and drivetrain. The ranges below reflect typical performance from owners and period-era estimates.
- 4.3L V6 engine, 2WD with automatic transmission: roughly 15–18 mpg combined; about 14–16 mpg in city driving and 17–20 mpg on highways.
- 5.0L (305) V8, 2WD with automatic: roughly 13–15 mpg combined; about 12–14 mpg city and 16–18 mpg highway.
- 5.7L (350) V8, 2WD with automatic: roughly 12–14 mpg combined; about 11–13 mpg city and 15–18 mpg highway.
- 4WD variants tend to be 1–3 mpg lower in mixed driving than their 2WD counterparts.
These ranges illustrate how engine choice and drivetrain influence fuel economy, while recognizing that actual numbers depend on condition and usage.
Historical EPA estimates and real-world experience
In 1986, EPA fuel economy data for full-size GM SUVs varied widely by engine and configuration. Real-world driving of the era—characterized by heavier aerodynamics, older transmissions, and varied maintenance—typically yielded mixed-driving mpg in the mid-teens for most Blazer configurations, with highway figures closer to the high teens to low twenties for the lighter V6 models when well maintained.
Factors that affect mpg and tips to improve it
Several factors influence fuel economy on an aging Blazer. The following tips can help maximize efficiency, though results will be modest given the vehicle’s design and era.
- Keep ignition and fuel systems well-tuned; use the recommended fuel grade and perform regular tune-ups.
- Maintain proper tire pressure and wheel alignment to reduce rolling resistance.
- Minimize payload and avoid unnecessary weight; streamline loads where possible.
- Drive conservatively, anticipate traffic, and avoid excessive throttle and rapid acceleration.
These practices can help, but they cannot overcome the inherent fuel economy limits of a mid-1980s SUV with traditional steel construction and large V8s.
Summary
Overall, the 1986 Chevrolet Blazer delivers mpg in the mid-teens to low twenties on highway runs, depending on engine and drivetrain, with V6 configurations generally closer to the higher end and V8s toward the lower end. For typical mixed driving, expect roughly 14–18 mpg, with significant variation based on maintenance, payload, and driving style.
What is the gas mileage on a 1983 Chevy Blazer?
The looks are not deceiving: the 2.8-liter V-6, the biggest of the three available engines, is expected to give the Blazer a 23-mpg EPA mileage rating (with a manual transmission). That's a lot better than the 15 mpg of the bigger brothers.
How much is a 1986 Chevy worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $11,300 for a 1986 Chevrolet C10 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1986 Chevrolet C10 1/2 Ton? The highest selling price of a 1986 Chevrolet C10 1/2 Ton at auction over the last three years was $85,050.
What engine is in a 1986 Chevy Blazer?
Drivetrain
| Engine | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8 | 1973–1986 | |
| 1987–1991 | Throttle-body injection | |
| 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 | 1975–1979 | 4WD models only |
| 379 cu in (6.2 L) Detroit Diesel V8 | 1982–1991 | 4WD models only |
How many miles per gallon does a Chevy Blazer get?
A Chevy Blazer gets between 18 and 29 miles per gallon, depending on the model year, engine, and drivetrain. The 2.0L turbo engine gets up to 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway, while the 3.6L V6 engine gets up to 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway. All-wheel drive (AWD) configurations are generally less fuel-efficient than front-wheel drive (FWD).
2024 & 2025 Chevy Blazer MPG by engine and drivetrain
- 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder engine:
- FWD: 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined
- AWD: 22 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined
- 3.6L V6 engine:
- FWD: 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined
- AWD: 18 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined
