EPA published the MPG fuel efficiency numbers for the 2017 Chevy Colorado and the 2017 GMC Canyon on their website. The numbers are surprising, because GM spent the effort to upgrade the V6 engine and the transmission. The city and highway rating remain the same across the 2WD and 4WD models, but the combined estimate is one mpg less. How come? Let’s take a closer look.
The new powertrain combination includes a thoroughly upgraded 3.6L V6 and the 8-speed automatic transmission. GM is first to use an 8-speed automatic in the midsize pickup truck segment. The rest of the competitors use either a 6-speed or 5-speed transmissions. The 2017 V6 produces more power than the outgoing engine. The new motor is rated at 308 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm and 275 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm. It includes improved variable valve timing for intake and exhaust, improved direct injection, and Active Fuel Management (aka. cylinder deactivation) that allows the truck to run in V4 mode under light loads.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated the fuel efficiency measurement procedures and calculations starting with the 2017 model year vehicles. You can take a look at the reported changes on the EPA website. The agency states that some vehicles may see 1 or 2 MPG decrease in ratings. Did this affect the 2017 Colorado and Canyon? It’s not absolutely clear, but their rating is indeed 1 MPG lower for the combined number.
The 2WD 2017 Colorado/Canyon are rated at: 18/25/20 MPG; and the 4×4 versions are rated at: 17/24/19 MPG.
Here is our off-road test of the 2015 Chevy Colorado Z71.
