What is the gas mileage on a 2016 V6 Colorado?

On the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado equipped with the 3.6-liter V6, EPA estimates place mileage around 21 mpg combined for 2WD models and about 20 mpg combined for 4WD models. Real-world results vary with payload, terrain, and driving style.

Overview of the 3.6L V6 and transmission options

The 2016 Colorado offered a 3.6-liter V6 that paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission as the standard gasoline option. This configuration was available in both two-wheel-drive (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) layouts, with fuel economy differing mainly by drivetrain setup. The following figures reflect the EPA’s official ratings for the common configurations buyers encountered that year.

EPA fuel economy figures

These EPA estimates apply to typical configurations of the 2016 Colorado with the 3.6L V6 and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The numbers below show the city, highway, and combined mpg for each drivetrain.

• 2WD, 3.6L V6, 6-speed automatic: 18 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined


• 4WD, 3.6L V6, 6-speed automatic: 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 20 mpg combined

These figures come from the EPA’s official testing protocol and are intended as baseline benchmarks. Your own mileage can vary based on load, terrain, and driving habits.

Real-world factors that affect mileage

Actual fuel economy often deviates from the EPA estimates. Here are the main factors that influence how far a Colorado with the V6 will go on a tank.

• Payload and towing: Heavier loads reduce fuel efficiency, especially in city driving.


• Terrain and altitude: Hills, rough roads, and high elevations can raise fuel use.


• Driving style: Aggressive acceleration and frequent braking lower mpg; steady, moderate speeds help, particularly on highways.


• Tire choice and maintenance: Properly inflated tires and regular maintenance (air filters, oil changes) support better efficiency.


• Transmission behavior: Severe cold starts, towing, or off-road use can affect mpg during the first miles after startup.

In practice, most owners report mileage within a few miles per gallon of the EPA estimates under typical use, with noticeable drops under heavy loads or rough terrain.

Other engine options and notes

For buyers considering alternatives, the Colorado also offered a diesel option (the 2.8-liter Duramax) in some trims. Diesels typically deliver stronger highway fuel economy than the gasoline V6, especially on longer trips, though official numbers vary by model year and configuration. If you’re evaluating a used 2016 Colorado, check the exact EPA rating on the Monroney label for that specific vehicle, since trim, drivetrain, and options can shift the figures.

Summary

The 2016 Colorado with the 3.6L V6 and a 6-speed automatic achieves EPA estimates around 21 mpg combined in 2WD form and about 20 mpg combined with 4WD. Real-world mileage depends on payload, terrain, and driving style, with highway cruising and light loads offering the best chances of approaching the higher end of the range. For higher efficiency on long trips, some buyers consider the Duramax diesel option, which generally delivers better highway economy but requires weighing its trade-offs. Always consult the specific vehicle’s EPA label for precise numbers.

What is the towing capacity of the 2016 Chevy Colorado engine 3.6 L V6?

7,000 pounds
CHEVY COLORADO TOWING BY THE ENGINE
The Colorado's available 3.6L V6 yields 308 horsepower, 275 lb-ft of torque, and a towing capacity of up to 7,000 pounds.

How many miles per gallon does a 2016 Colorado V6 get?

The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado V6 gets an estimated 18 mpg city / 26 mpg highway for two-wheel-drive models, with a combined rating of 22 mpg. For four-wheel-drive models, the EPA estimates are slightly lower at 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway. 
EPA estimates

• 2WD: 18 mpg city / 26 mpg highway (22 mpg combined)
• 4WD: 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway (20 mpg combined) 

Which Chevy Colorado engine is the best?

The best Chevy Colorado engine is the 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder, particularly the high-output version, for its combination of power, smooth acceleration, and efficiency. For models without the high-output tune, the engine provides up to 310 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output tune, standard on the ZR2, offers 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. 
This video discusses the features of the 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado: 58sDownshiftYouTube · Sep 24, 2024

• Performance: The 2.7L turbo provides strong acceleration and mid-range passing power, making it suitable for both city and highway driving. The high-output version is particularly strong and is the standard for the ZR2 model. 
• Efficiency: This engine is also praised for being relatively fuel-efficient for its class, with one review noting it achieved over 22 MPG. 
• Smoothness and quietness: The engine is generally described as smooth, quiet, and well-matched with its eight-speed automatic transmission. 
• Towing: The high-output version of the 2.7L turbo can tow up to 7,700 pounds, a substantial capability for a midsize truck. 

This video reviews the 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 2026 Chevy Colorado ZR2: 1mAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Aug 30, 2025
For models without the 2.7L turbo, other engines were available: 

• Previous Generation 3.6L V6: This was a popular option on older models, delivering 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, which was good for towing and general driving. 
• Previous Generation 2.5L Four-Cylinder: On some older models, this engine produced around 193–200 horsepower and was suitable for basic day-to-day driving. 

What year to stay away from Chevy Colorado?

The Chevy Colorado years to avoid are primarily the 2004-2006 first-generation models and the 2014-2019 second-generation models due to common issues like transmission problems, engine misfires, and power steering loss. The 2015 model is often cited as the worst year due to widespread transmission and power steering failures. Other years with notable complaints include 2017 for electronics and 2018 for transmission shuddering. 
This video discusses the worst Chevy Colorado years to avoid, focusing on the 2015 model's transmission and steering issues: 1mEveryman DriverYouTube · Dec 23, 2019
Problematic generations and years 

• First Generation (2004-2006):
  • 2004-2006: Early years are prone to engine misfires and worn-out valve seats. 
• Second Generation (2014-2019):
  • 2015: This is frequently called out as the worst year due to numerous complaints about the transmission and a high number of power steering system failures. 
  • 2017: Issues with the display screen freezing and phone pairing problems are frequently reported. 
  • 2018: Transmission shuddering and other transmission-related problems were common. 
  • 2014-2019: This period saw many transmission and engine issues, as well as problems with power steering and the HVAC system. 
• Other years:
  • 2004-2012: These years can have problems with the A/C blower motor and fuel level sensors. 

You can watch this video to learn about potential problems with different generations of the Chevy Colorado: 56sTech TriumphYouTube · Apr 14, 2025
Common issues by category

• Transmission: Shuddering, sluggish shifting, and premature failure were common, particularly in the 2015-2019 models. 
• Engine: Misfires and worn-out valve seats were reported in the 2004-2009 and 2016 models. 
• Steering: A significant number of 2015 models experienced power steering loss, which is a major safety concern. 
• Electronics: The 2017 model is known for issues like freezing display screens and problems with phone pairing. 
• HVAC: Malfunctioning A/C blowers were a complaint in the 2004-2010 and 2012 model years.