How many miles per gallon does a 2021 Chevy Colorado diesel get?
The 2021 Chevy Colorado diesel delivers about 23 miles per gallon combined, with EPA estimates of 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway for 2WD models, and 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway for 4x4 models.
Chevrolet’s 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel powers the Colorado’s balanced blend of torque and efficiency, a key selling point for highway cruising and light towing. This article lays out the official EPA numbers, how they apply to different drivetrains, and what drivers typically experience in daily use.
Engine and powertrain overview
The 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel I4 produces 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and is offered in LT and Z71 trims with either 2WD or 4x4 layouts. The engine emphasizes strong low-end torque for towing and steady highway efficiency rather than rapid off-the-line acceleration.
Why mpg can vary
Fuel economy depends on drivetrain, payload, terrain, towing, driving style, and climate-control usage. Diesel engines typically deliver favorable highway efficiency at steady speeds, but heavy loads or frequent stop-and-go driving can reduce mpg, especially in urban conditions.
EPA fuel economy estimates by drivetrain
Below are the EPA estimates published by Chevrolet for the two primary drivetrain configurations of the 2021 Colorado diesel.
- Two-wheel drive (2WD): 20 mpg city / 30 mpg highway; 23 mpg combined.
- Four-wheel drive (4x4): 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway; 23 mpg combined.
These figures provide a baseline for budgeting fuel costs. Actual mileage will vary with usage, terrain, and load.
Real-world expectations
In everyday driving, many owners report highway fuel economy in the upper 20s to around 30 mpg, provided speeds are steady and payload is light. City and mixed driving typically yield lower numbers, often in the mid- to high-20s, with towing or heavy loads pushing mpg downward. Your results will depend on how you use the truck—whether you’re mostly cruising on highways or frequently starting and stopping in urban areas.
Bottom line
For the 2021 Colorado with the 2.8L Duramax diesel, expect around 23 mpg combined, with official EPA figures of 20/30 mpg (2WD) and 20/28 mpg (4x4). Real-world results vary based on driving conditions and configurations.
Summary
The 2021 Chevy Colorado diesel provides solid highway efficiency thanks to its turbo-diesel engine, delivering about 23 mpg combined across typical configurations. If your needs include long highway trips and occasional towing, the diesel option offers a favorable balance of torque and efficiency, while city-heavy driving will see mpg hover lower. Always consider your typical daily use when evaluating the diesel’s overall value.
