What kind of fuel mileage does a 2.8 Duramax get?

Typically, a 2.8 Duramax-equipped Chevrolet Colorado or GMC Canyon delivers about 22–25 mpg combined, with highway mileage often in the upper 20s to around 30 mpg and city driving lower. Actual results depend on drivetrain, payload, and driving conditions.

What factors influence the fuel economy?

Several variables can swing the mileage you see in day-to-day use. The following factors matter most when estimating real-world fuel economy:

• Drivetrain: two-wheel drive (2WD) versus four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations.


• Transmission: whether the truck uses a manual or automatic transmission (and the specific gear ratios).


• Payload and towing: carrying heavy loads or towing reduces efficiency.


• Tire size and condition: larger or aggressive tires and underinflation can lower mpg.


• Driving style and conditions: city stop-and-go versus steady highway cruising, terrain, and altitude.

In practice, these variables mean two identical trucks can see noticeably different fuel economy numbers in daily use.

EPA estimates by configuration

EPA ratings provide a baseline for comparison, but they vary by year, drivetrain, and transmission. The ranges below reflect typical figures seen in the field for the 2.8 Duramax in the Colorado and Canyon:

2WD vs. 4WD differences

• 2WD (two-wheel drive) with commonly available automatic: roughly 23–25 mpg combined; city around 19–23 mpg; highway around 27–32 mpg.


• 4WD (four-wheel drive) with commonly available automatic: roughly 21–23 mpg combined; city around 17–21 mpg; highway around 27–31 mpg.


• Manual transmission versions (if applicable on certain model years): typically similar to automatics, with minor variations depending on gearing.

These ranges show how drivetrain and year-to-year updates influence the official numbers. For the exact figure, consult the EPA sticker on the specific vehicle you’re evaluating or the window sticker for that model year.

Real-world performance and variations

Owners generally report mileage that falls within the broad ranges above, with real-world results influenced by driving habits and conditions. Here’s what to expect in everyday use:

• Highway cruising at steady speeds usually yields the best efficiency, often reaching the upper 20s to low 30s mpg for 2WD models.


• City driving, congested routes, and heavy acceleration commonly produce lower numbers, typically in the teens to low 20s mpg range, especially with 4WD.


• Towing or carrying heavy payloads reduces mpg noticeably, sometimes by several miles per gallon depending on the load.


• Moderate to aggressive acceleration, idling, and poor tire maintenance can further depress fuel economy.

Real-world data reinforces that the 2.8 Duramax can be efficient for a midsize pickup, but the actual figure depends heavily on how and where you drive.

Maximizing fuel economy

Small changes can yield meaningful gains over time. Consider these proven tips to squeeze more efficiency from the 2.8 Duramax:

1. Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure and check them regularly to reduce rolling resistance.


2. Perform regular maintenance (air filters, fuel filters, oil changes) to keep the engine operating efficiently.


3. Lighten the load when possible and minimize unnecessary payload or cargo that adds weight.


4. Manage aerodynamics: remove roof racks or carriers when not in use and keep windows up at highway speeds.


5. Drive smoothly: gradual acceleration, steady speeds, and planned stops improve efficiency more than heavy right-foot throttle.


6. Use cruise control on highways where appropriate to maintain a steady pace and avoid fuel-hungry speed fluctuations.


7. Plan trips to avoid excessive idling and combine errands to reduce overall drive time.

By applying these practices, owners can often realize several miles per gallon improvement on typical routes.

Summary

The 2.8 Duramax diesel offers solid fuel economy for a midsize pickup, with typical combined mileage in the low-to-mid 20s mpg and highway results in the upper 20s to around 30 mpg, depending on drivetrain and configuration. Real-world numbers vary with payload, towing, terrain, and driving style. To get the most accurate picture, check the EPA ratings for the exact year, drivetrain, and transmission of the specific vehicle you’re evaluating and consider your own daily driving patterns when estimating real-world mileage.

How many miles per gallon does a Duramax 2.8 get?

The 2.8L Duramax engine in vehicles like the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon gets between approximately 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, with combined ratings around 23 mpg for 4WD models and 25 mpg for 2WD models. Actual mileage varies by driving conditions, specific vehicle configuration (like 2WD vs. 4WD), and other factors. For example, towing can lower the MPG significantly.
 
You can watch this video to see a review of the 2.8L Duramax diesel engine's fuel economy: 58sThe Fast Lane TruckYouTube · Apr 20, 2016
EPA fuel economy estimates

• 2WD: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined
• 4WD: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined 

Factors that affect real-world MPG

• Towing: Towing a trailer can reduce the average MPG to about 15-17 mpg. 
• Driving style: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds can lead to lower fuel economy. 
• Modifications: Some modifications, such as a removed air dam, can negatively impact MPG. 
• Regeneration cycles: The diesel particulate filter requires periodic "regeneration," which is when it burns off accumulated soot. This process can temporarily decrease fuel efficiency. 

How many miles per gallon does a 2016 Chevy Colorado 2.8 Duramax get?

With three engine options and MPG ratings of up to 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with the Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine, the Chevy Colorado has plenty to recommend it.

What 3/4 diesel truck gets the best MPG?

The most fuel-efficient 3/4-ton diesel trucks are generally the Ram 2500 Cummins, Ford F-250 Power Stroke, and Chevy/GMC 2500 Duramax. While exact MPG varies by model year, configuration, and driving conditions, these models often achieve around 17–20 mpg highway and 15–18 mpg with mixed driving. Newer, more powerful versions may be more fuel-efficient than older models. 
Key factors influencing fuel efficiency

• Engine and drivetrain: Different engine and drivetrain options will have different fuel economy ratings. For example, the Cummins and Duramax engines are both known for their efficiency and power. 
• Configuration: Your truck's configuration can also impact fuel efficiency. 4WD models generally have slightly lower MPG than 2WD models, but a larger fuel tank can help you go longer distances before refueling. 
• Driving conditions: Fuel efficiency is also affected by driving conditions. A truck's MPG will vary depending on whether you are driving on the highway, in the city, or towing a load. 
• Model year: Fuel efficiency can vary by model year. Newer models often have more advanced engine technology that can improve fuel economy. 

Is the 2.8 L Duramax diesel a good engine?

The 2.8L Duramax is generally considered a good engine, known for its strong low-end torque, good fuel economy, and capable towing ability for a mid-size truck. However, its reliability issues, particularly related to emissions and intake manifold buildup, are a significant concern, with some sources recommending specific maintenance or deletion for longevity.
 
This video provides an overview of the 2.8L Duramax engine, including its features and how it performs: 1mDust Runners Automotive JournalYouTube · Jul 12, 2022
Strengths

• Torque and towing: The engine produces 369 lb-ft of torque, providing strong pulling power for towing light loads, such as snowmobiles, small boats, or pop-up campers. 
• Fuel economy: It offers impressive fuel economy for its class, with owners often reporting highway mileage between 26 and 30 mpg. 
• Cold starts: Many owners report reliable starts in cold weather, even down to 0∘F0 raised to the composed with power cap F0∘𝐹, especially when cycling the glow plugs. 

Weaknesses

• Emissions system issues: The engine's emissions components (EGR, DPF, etc.) can cause significant issues. Soot buildup in the intake and intercooler is a common problem that can lead to decreased performance or engine seizure. 
• Maintenance and longevity: To mitigate issues, some owners recommend frequent cleaning of the intake manifold or performing a "delete" of the emissions system. The engine is also sensitive to proper maintenance, and neglect can lead to premature failure. 
• Cost of maintenance: While oil changes may be comparable in cost to a gas engine, fuel filters can be expensive and require more frequent changes than recommended, and there is the ongoing cost of DEF fluid. 
• Transmission performance: The six-speed automatic transmission can sometimes be slow to downshift, and some owners have reported the transmission becoming worse under heavy loads. 

This video discusses potential weaknesses of the 2.8L Duramax engine, including issues with the emissions system and transmission: 51sI Do CarsYouTube · Dec 17, 2023
Conclusion
If you are considering the 2.8L Duramax, you should be prepared for the potential costs and work involved in maintaining the engine's emissions system. It is best suited for those who are willing to be proactive with maintenance and potentially modify the system for greater reliability.