What is the most fuel efficient Chevy engine?
The simplest takeaway is that Chevrolet’s most fuel‑efficient powertrain depends on how you measure “fuel efficiency.” Among gasoline engines, the smallest turbocharged option tends to win on mpg; overall efficiency, including electrified powertrains, favors Chevrolet’s Bolt EV family. Here’s how it breaks down in Chevrolet’s current lineup.
What counts as fuel efficiency for Chevy?
“Fuel efficiency” can be measured in several ways: miles per gallon (mpg) for gasoline engines, or MPGe and energy use (kWh per mile) for electrified powertrains. Different models, drivetrains, and driving conditions produce different results. This article focuses on the engines currently sold by Chevrolet in the United States and explains how each powertrain stacks up in typical use.
Gasoline engines: the leanest option
Before listing the options, note that Chevrolet has moved toward smaller, turbocharged gasoline engines to improve efficiency. Among the gasoline engines Chevrolet currently sells, the smallest displacement turbocharged option is generally the most fuel-efficient in everyday driving. It’s designed to balance performance with cost of operation and is commonly found in Chevy’s smaller, lighter SUVs and crossovers.
Chevrolet’s current gasoline lineup emphasizes small-displacement, forced-ind induction engines. The standout for efficiency is the 1.2-liter Ecotec turbocharged inline-3, which is used in models such as the Trailblazer and related small-SUV offerings. This engine is purpose-built to maximize miles-per-gallon while still delivering usable power. Other gasoline engines in Chevrolet’s fleet—such as larger turbocharged four-cylinders and naturally aspirated options—tend to consume more fuel in typical driving scenarios.
- 1.2L Ecotec Turbo I3 — the small, efficiency-focused gasoline engine used in the Trailblazer and similar models. Turbocharged to deliver a good balance of power and economy.
- 1.4L Turbo I4 — a larger turbo option that trades some efficiency for higher output, generally less fuel-efficient than the 1.2L in typical urban and highway driving.
- Other gasoline engines in Chevrolet’s current lineup vary by model and market; larger engines and naturally aspirated designs typically consume more fuel.
What to expect from the list below: it highlights the main gasoline options and their efficiency orientation, not every variant across every market.
In practice, fuel economy depends on the exact model, drivetrain (front- vs. all-wheel drive), transmission, and driving style. Always check the EPA ratings for your specific trim to compare accurately.
Electric powertrains: efficiency champion
If you measure efficiency by energy used per mile rather than gallons of fuel, Chevrolet’s electric powertrains outperform the gasoline options. The Bolt EV and Bolt EUV use electric motors paired with a battery pack, delivering energy efficiency that far exceeds gasoline engines on a per-mile basis. This results in high MPGe ratings and the advantage of zero tailpipe emissions, which matters to buyers prioritizing environmental impact and long-term operating costs.
How the Bolt family fits into the picture
The Bolt EV and Bolt EUV are Chevrolet’s flagship electric options. Their powertrains achieve strong efficiency across city and highway driving, thanks to regenerative braking and optimized electric propulsion. For many buyers, the Bolt represents the top end of “fuel efficiency” when evaluating total energy use per mile, even though the metric is MPGe rather than mpg. Availability, range, charging infrastructure, and incentives also play a crucial role in deciding if an electric Chevrolet is right for you.
Real-world considerations: choosing the right powertrain
Choosing the most fuel-efficient option depends on your daily driving pattern, access to charging (for EVs), and budget. If you mostly drive short trips and have reliable charging access, an electric Bolt will likely offer the best energy efficiency and cost per mile over time. If you drive longer distances without convenient charging, a gasoline option like the 1.2L Ecotec Turbo I3 provides better operating efficiency relative to its class and remains widely available.
Summary
In Chevrolet’s current lineup, the gasoline option with the best efficiency is the 1.2-liter Ecotec turbo inline-3, used in compact SUVs and crossovers, which is designed for higher mpg in everyday driving. However, when you expand the definition of efficiency to include energy use, Chevrolet’s Bolt EV family leads the pack with a much higher efficiency per mile and zero tailpipe emissions. Your best choice hinges on how you drive, how far you travel, and whether you have dependable access to charging infrastructure.
Bottom line: for gas-powered, the 1.2L Ecotec Turbo I3 is the most efficient option Chevrolett offers today; for overall efficiency, the Bolt electric powertrain is the standout. Consider your typical trips and charging availability to decide which path fits you best.
What is the most fuel-efficient Chevy?
The most fuel-efficient Chevy models include the 2022 Spark (30 mpg city/38 mpg highway) and the 2025 Malibu (28 mpg city/36 mpg highway) for gasoline-powered cars, and the 2025 Trax (30 mpg combined) and 2025 Trailblazer (30 mpg combined) for SUVs. For electric options, the Equinox EV is the most fuel-efficient, with up to 319 miles of range on a full charge.
Most fuel-efficient Chevy models
| Vehicle | Engine/Powertrain | EPA-estimated MPG |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Chevrolet Spark | 1.4L 4-cylinder | 30 city / 38 highway |
| 2025 Chevrolet Malibu | 1.5L Turbo | 28 city / 36 highway |
| 2025 Chevrolet Trax | 1.2L Turbo | 30 combined |
| 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer | 1.2L Turbo | 30 combined |
| 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV | Electric | Up to 319 miles on a full charge |
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What's better fuel economy, 2.7 l turbo or 5.3 silverado?
The Chevy Silverado's 2.7L turbo engine generally gets better fuel economy, with EPA estimates around 19 mpg city / 22 mpg highway, compared to the 5.3L V8's approximately 16 mpg city / 21 mpg highway. This means the 2.7L can save money on gas over time, while the 5.3L V8 provides more horsepower and torque. The actual mpg for both engines will vary based on driving conditions and habits.
You can watch this video to see a real-world comparison of the fuel economy of these two engines: 54sJB ReviewsYouTube · Apr 9, 2022
2.7L Turbo Engine
- EPA Estimated MPG: Approximately 191919 mpg city / 222222 mpg highway.
- Pros: Better fuel efficiency for daily driving. It delivers more torque at lower RPMs, which can feel quicker in city driving.
- Cons: Lower horsepower than the 5.3L V8.
5.3L V8 Engine
- EPA Estimated MPG: Approximately 161616 mpg city / 212121 mpg highway.
- Pros: More horsepower for tasks that require more power, like towing heavier loads.
- Cons: Less fuel-efficient than the 2.7L turbo.
How to choose
- For fuel efficiency: The 2.7L turbo is the better choice if your priority is saving money on gas.
- For more power: The 5.3L V8 is the better choice if you need more horsepower for towing or heavy-duty tasks.
What Chevy engine gets the best gas mileage?
#1 – Chevy Trailblazer (31 MPG combined)
In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2024 Trailblazer, with its available 1.3L turbocharged engine, continuously variable transmission, and front-wheel drive, gets an estimated 29 MPG in the city, 33 MPG on the highway, and 31 MPG combined fuel efficiency.
Is a 5.3 or 6.2 engine better gas mileage?
The 5.3L and 6.2L engines have very similar fuel economy, with official EPA estimates showing the 5.3L at 16 mpg city / 21 mpg highway and the 6.2L at 16 mpg city / 20 mpg highway. Real-world mileage can vary depending on factors like vehicle trim, driving style, and whether premium fuel is used, but the two engines are not significantly different in terms of fuel efficiency.
You can watch this video to learn more about the fuel economy differences between the 5.3L and 6.2L engines: 31s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Feb 7, 2023
- City MPG: Both engines are estimated to get around 16 mpg in the city.
- Highway MPG: The 5.3L is slightly better, with an estimated 21 mpg on the highway compared to the 6.2L's 20 mpg. This difference is considered marginal.
- Real-world variations: Actual mileage can fluctuate based on factors like the specific vehicle's trim level, wheel and tire size, driving habits, and use of premium fuel (which is recommended for the 6.2L to achieve its best performance and economy).
This video demonstrates how fuel economy can vary based on driving style: 1mJB ReviewsYouTube · Jun 30, 2022
