With gas prices skyrocketing across America and showing little sign of letting up, there is bound to be renewed interest in smaller, more eco-friendly passenger cars this year. With that in mind, we figured we’d compile an easy-to-read article and accompanying chart to lay out which GM vehicles get the best fuel economy, and which will cost more to keep fuelled up.
As our helpful chart indicates, the Chevy Spark is the most fuel-efficient GM vehicle, achieving a city fuel economy rating of 30 mpg and a highway fuel economy rating of 38 mpg. This equates to a combined fuel economy rating of 33 mpg. The Chevy Malibu mid-size sedan is close behind it at 32 mpg combined, followed by the Chevy Trailblazer subcompact crossover at 31 mpg combined.
| Model | Powertrain | Drivetrain | Required Fuel | Recommended Fuel | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevy Spark | 1.4L I4 LV7 | FWD | 87 | 30 | 38 | 33 | |
| Chevy Malibu | Turbo 1.5L I4 LFV | FWD | 87 | 29 | 36 | 32 | |
| Chevy Trailblazer | Turbo 1.3L I3 L3T | FWD | 87 | 29 | 33 | 31 | |
| Buick Encore GX | Turbo 1.3L I3 L3T | FWD | 87 | 29 | 32 | 30 | |
| Chevy Equinox | Turbo 1.5L I4 LYX | FWD | 87 | 26 | 31 | 28 | |
| Buick Encore | Turbo 1.4L I4 LE2 | FWD | 87 | 24 | 32 | 27 | |
| Cadillac CT4 | Turbo 2.0L I4 LSY | RWD | 87 | 93 | 23 | 34 | 27 |
| Cadillac CT5 | Turbo 2.0L I4 LSY | RWD | 87 | 93 | 23 | 33 | 27 |
| Chevy Trax | Turbo 1.4L I4 LE2 | FWD | 87 | 24 | 32 | 27 | |
| GMC Terrain | Turbo 1.5L I4 LYX | FWD | 87 | 25 | 30 | 27 | |
| Buick Envision | Turbo 2.0L I4 LSY | FWD | 87 | 93 | 24 | 31 | 26 |
| Cadillac XT4 | Turbo 2.0L I4 LSY | FWD | 87 | 93 | 24 | 30 | 26 |
| Chevy Silverado 1500 | Turbo-diesel 3.0L I6 LM2 | RWD | Diesel | 23 | 31 | 26 | |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | Turbo-diesel 3.0L I6 LM2 | RWD | Diesel | 23 | 30 | 26 | |
| Chevy Camaro | Turbo 2.0L I4 LTG | RWD | 87 | 93 | 22 | 30 | 25 |
| Chevy Blazer | Turbo 2.0L I4 LSY | FWD | 87 | 22 | 29 | 25 | |
| GMC Acadia | Turbo 2.0L I4 LSY | FWD | 87 | 22 | 29 | 25 | |
| Cadillac XT5 | Turbo 2.0L I4 LSY | FWD | 87 | 93 | 22 | 29 | 24 |
| Chevy Tahoe | Turbo-diesel 3.0L I6 LM2 | RWD | Diesel | 21 | 28 | 24 | |
| Cadillac Escalade | Turbo-diesel 3.0L I6 LM2 | RWD | Diesel | 21 | 27 | 23 | |
| Cadillac XT6 | Turbo 2.0L I4 LSY | FWD | 87 | 93 | 21 | 27 | 23 |
| Chevy Suburban | Turbo-diesel 3.0L I6 LM2 | RWD | Diesel | 21 | 27 | 23 | |
| Chevy Colorado | Turbo-diesel 2.8L I4 LWN | RWD | Diesel | 20 | 30 | 23 | |
| GMC Yukon | Turbo-diesel 3.0L I6 LM2 | RWD | Diesel | 21 | 27 | 23 | |
| GMC Yukon XL | Turbo-diesel 3.0L I6 LM2 | RWD | Diesel | 21 | 27 | 23 | |
| GMC Canyon | Turbo-diesel 2.8L I4 LWN | RWD | Diesel | 20 | 30 | 23 | |
| Buick Enclave | 3.6L V6 LFY | FWD | 87 | 18 | 26 | 21 | |
| Chevy Traverse | 3.6L V6 LFY | FWD | 87 | 18 | 27 | 21 | |
| Chevy Corvette | 6.2L V8 LT2 | RWD | 91 | 93 | 16 | 24 | 19 |
The Cadillac CT4 and Cadillac CT5 are also notable entries toward the top of the chart. These four-doors have decent combined fuel economy ratings of 27 mpg and unlike the Chevy vehicles that occupy the top three spots, have somewhat powerful engines and luxurious interiors. This is important, as consumers considering buying a more eco-friendly vehicle should know they don’t always have to sacrifice performance and comfort for fuel economy. It’s worth noting that our chart includes only the most efficient available powertrains for a given vehicle. In the case of the CT4 and CT5, the most efficient powertrain/drivetrain combination consists of a turbocharged 2.0L LSY four-cylinder engine, GM’s eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.
Not surprisingly, one of the least fuel-efficient models in GM’s product portfolio is the C8 Corvette Stingray, which has a city fuel economy rating of 16 mpg and a highway fuel economy rating of 24 mpg, equating to a combined rating of 19 mpg. The Corvette is a mid-engine sports car that produces just shy of 500 horsepower, so it should go without saying that buyers of this vehicle are not too concerned with how much they are paying at the pump.
Readers should know that GM’s most fuel-efficient model, the Spark, will soon be put to pasture to make way for a new small crossover. GM is hoping to funnel eco-conscious shoppers into its electric vehicles, though, such as the 2022 Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV. The automaker’s EV portfolio will soon grow with the introduction of other mass-market models like the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV, as well.
Appearing on CNBC on Tuesday, morning GM CEO Mary Barra said the automaker views EVs as the “ultimate solution,” to rising gas prices and energy costs.
Subscribe to GM Authority for around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
RIP Chevy spark it sucks you are getting canceled.
With gas prices surging Spark may survive another year. People will be looking for good fuel economy like in the Iraq war years and GM cannot be crazy enough to kill both Spark and Malibu.
Sure, Trailblazer and Encore GX with 3 bangers are good, too, but I still think this price spike should help sedan sales until EVs are in dealer’s lots. Even then not everyone has a garage
I get 37+ on the highway in my 2016 Malibu. No complaints here.
Until the engine blows up.
Totally agree with Matt above: Sorry to see the fun little Spark go for yet another suv/cuv. With the market the way it is, I was able to actually make money on my last two cars (2020 Cadillac CT4 and 2021 Volvo S60 T8). I loved both of them, but a car is really just a car any more and I decided to take the money and run with both of them. So I just replaced my Volvo S60 with a 2021 Chevy Malibu LT. Not sure my timing was that great getting rid of the PHEV Volvo for a gas only Chevy. But I can buy a lot of gas for the money I got out of the Volvo! Plus, my electric bill will go down some allowing me to pass some of those savings along to the gas pump. But I’m sure happy to be back in an American brand that’s assembled in the USA!
So far, the Malibu is averaging around 32 MPG, but it only has 400 miles on it. I’m hopeful it will bump up yet a little more with time and gentle driving habits.
Nice I’m glad you were able to get the sedan you wanted. I’m trying to find a spark before they are gone. I’ve driving a few I like them for city use.
Matt: I was actually looking for a Spark too, although not assembled in the USA. I just wanted to sell the Volvo for the cash and purchase (for cash) a Spark 2LT. That just wasn’t happening based on my extensive searches. The Malibu better fits me and the two kids anyhow, plus being assembled in the USA was a huge plus. On top of that, even with the shortages and all, I was able to get a smoking great deal on mine. Got it for $23,300 plus tax and license and 0% for 48 months to boot. It was meant to be! Now, to just get the MPG up some more.
Now that’s worth it. I don’t blame you that’s a hell of a deal for the Malibu. With two kids it’s definitely the better option. Aren’t you in California somewhere? If you are I feel bad for you guys I’ve seen LA gas prices at $7 a gallon.
Lol. Yes, unfortunately I am in southern California, but I’m originally from the mid-west where I’d much rather be. However, my ex won’t leave here and I’m not moving away from my kids.
On the way home I just filled up the tank on the Malibu. It was just a hair under half and it took nearly $39 bucks to top it off. That’s at a station where just two weeks ago the price was about $1.10 per gallon less. It’s now $5.30 per gallon and going up fast. We can all thank the piece of s–t Putin for this mess along with the entire world.
Trust me I know all about the crazy ex stuff I’m dealing with the exact same thing right now. I had a good job promotion that I wanted but it would of required me to move out of state and I didn’t wanna leave my kids either so here I am lol. I found a spark this morning it was $2k under market value I called the dealership within 10 minutes of the post and it had already sold lol.
I,ve had a Spark VISTA on order since December 15th. GM just last week accepted the order. Anybody have an idea on a time frame on or about delivery. All the dealer says is “dunno”.
Not surprising at all. Remember when gm used to make competitive economical cars and CAFE standards weren’t so asinine? They literally punish automakers for developing economical ICE cars and force them to supplement emission regulations with BEVs that nobody wants. The “green” special interest is real, and less than ideal.
h4cksaw: I just don’t really get it. You say BEV’s that nobody wants, and yet GM and Ford are selling every EV truck they can build at this point. Volvo is the same. From what I am reading, Rivan and Lucid are going to be selling every last one they can build. Tesla seems to be doing quite well too. So maybe it’s just taking people a little longer to warm up to them? Then you go on to say the green special interest is real and less than ideal? Seriously? Outside maybe the gun lobby, the big oil lobbyist are right there with the pharmaceutical companies. Big oil is certainly real and obviously less than ideal. They don’t give a single care about any of us or the earth. It’s all about the $$$$ and who’s in their pockets. Every politician (Dems or Repubs or independents) are all owned by big oil.
Per energy unit, renewable energy is many times more subsidized than oil. Do your research homie. Nancy Pelosi and Biden’s family all have substantial investments in “green” energy, not cause it’s good for the environment, but cause it’s good for their pockets.
How many BEV trucks have gm and Ford actually sold to date? Let’s pretend for a second that small, refundable reservations don’t count as real sales. Pretty sure it’s closer to 0 than 100,000.
@Dan Berning I agree EV makers are generally finding they can’t build the EVs fast enough. I’m sure $4/gallon gas will tip the scales even further.
@h4cksaw I work at an electric utility and it’s well known that renewable solar and wind is cheaper than coal because a) don’t have to pay for coal; and b) wind & solar plants need way less maintenance than coal plants that grind up coal and have parts that wear out. Even before you consider the collateral damage that comes with coal plant emissions, the renewable plants are a cheaper alternative.
How do you store renewables? The wind doesn’t always blow and the sun doesn’t always shine. How do you propose to supplement power during those times? Batteries aren’t energy dense and aren’t all too “green” or “renewable”. The best sustainable energy is renewables stored as hydrogen, or nuclear, but nobody want to talk about that. Everyone just wants the easy money.
Ps. Not surprising that working at an electric utility you would have an Ill informed bias towards renewals, it only further proves my point about disproportional subsidies for the renewables.
h4chsaw: So here we go. You get called out on some questionable comment and you turn to calling someone a stupid name. I’m not your “homie”. Then I noticed that you conveniently avoid how big oil is so powerful and in the pockets of nearly every politician. How big oil is a HUGE special interest and that it’s all about money. How easy it is to just avoid those facts and then try to turn this into Biden, Pelosi and anyone that’s a Democrat! So it’s just and only Democrats now? How novel of you. So I’ll turn your comment back around to you. Do some research yourself. All the politicians are in the pockets of big oil, but the last time I checked, the Bush’s are republican. The entire state of Texas has been quite red for my entire life and they are all about big oil. Shall I go on?
Both parties are clearly corrupt, just in different ways, we all know that. Funny how it strikes a nerve when I’m critical of a certain one. It sure seems like blue states are more heavily invested and subsidizing BEVs doesn’t it. I bet it’s not necessarily for the good of the citizens. I honestly don’t care at all, I’ll continue to buy ICE vehicles for as long as their a more convenient and viable option for my household. If gm doesn’t make em I’ll buy them else where. Have a good one Senator Berning.
Sorry I hurt your feelings on the internet by calling you homie. I hope you can emotionally recover.
Think and say what you will h4chsaw. Just shows you are either younger and immature or older and ignorant. Doesn’t matter to me and feel free to call me whatever makes you feel like a big boy.
Bring back the Cruz. 40 mpg on the highway and it rode and handled very well. Plus you could get a manual transmission if you still wanted one. Now the only option in this category seems to be the Corolla.
It would be a nice year for the Chevy Cruze.
Still have our 2011 LTZ RS with sunroof and leather.
It has 33,000k and never winter driven.
Now that the snow is leaving will dust it off while gas prices are sky high, and it will be the daily driver.
Glad we never sold it.
The Colarado Z71 and equinox 2.0L will get a lot less driving right now.
I had a Chevy Sonic LTZ 1.4T with a 6 speed manual, which I purchased new. The car was bulletproof, never burned a drop of oil. Handled fantastic and got 40 MPG’s on the highway. I sold it at 220,000 miles. One of the best cars I ever owned.
I find it hilarious that a Camaro is in there as one of the more fuel efficient cars. I love my LTG Camaro, the handling is better than I expected and power is more than sufficient as a daily driver.
My 2014 Fusion Hybrid gives me over 40 MPG every day, and on highways I get up to 54. GM did wrong to eliminate the Chevy Volt and not apply that technology to other vehicles. The closest was the Hybrid Malibu .
Mary-“BEV’s are the clear choice for people wanting to avoid High gas prices”…….. until you see eletric bills skyrocket (news flash, they already are) FYI, once you adjust the new EV hummer for power plant and distribution losses, it still only gets 18 miles per gallon burned at the gas generation station.
The average total recharge (empty to full charge) cost for an EV in the U.S. is $9.
And a Diesel car or hybrid isn’t far behind at $10-20 to fill the tank to 200 miles of range.
Which ones? Asking for real I’ve not kept up with diesel engines in cars, only trucks.
Your name alone states your mentality. EV lovers point out the low cost of charging but neglect to point out the extra up-front cost for all these cars and the taxpayer subsidies needed to make them remotely attractive. Not to mention the lengthy charging times, battery degradation, extra weight, cost to replace worn out batteries, needs for precious metals, landfill waste issues with old batteries that’s becoming an issue and possible electrical fires. I’ll stick with ICE for now. EVs have a way to go.
RIP little Spark, you will be missed.
Those turbo 4 mpg’s are based on recommended 93 octane. Chew on that for a while. Let the market place determine the car mix not the politicians. My family cars are various brands 1.4 turbo 4, 1.5 turbo 4, 2.4 4cyl, 2.0 4 cyl hybrid and 5.7 V8.
The Cruze diesel got about 50 MPG.
Great job to unallocate and close that plant Mary Barra.
It is ridiculous that m5 95 GEO consistently got 52 MPG, lasted 160,000 miles and the best I can buy today is 38. What happened to progress. BRING BACK THE GEO !!!
I’ve been getting 28.3MPG highway in my Camaro LT1. Not too bad in my opinion for a V8
If I drive my Cruze LT (gas) at a constant 70 MPH, it makes 55MPG, all the time. It varies a little on hilly terrain obviously.
So Cruze & Sonic killed and were good mileage-rs. Spark is the best and will be killed this year. Then the Malibu in 2025 per GM Auth.
No more sedans ever (for the masses at is being said); we are left only with CUV & SUV. Hopefully the Spark replacement delivers as good or better mileage than the Spark.
We will be left only with Trailblazer, Encore GX & Equinox then. This is for conscious inhabitants of this our only home: planet Earth.
Then will come the EV era. We will see…
My Chevy Sprint got an honest 45 MPG 32 years ago and now GM does not offer a single 40 MPG vehicle?
Notice they are keeping quiet on everything else like the trucks and larger SUV’s or most anything with 4X4 or AWD. Its comical that these tiny 3 cylinder Encores and TB’s can’t even make 30 highway with AWD yet Honda and Toyota easily surpass it with larger heavier 4 cylinder powered Rav 4’s and CRV’s and that the full size pickups and SUV’s are now lowest in class if you take the diesel out of the equation on volume 4X4 models.
Toyota and Honda? Ok Mr Yoman. I’ll put anything from GM up against any comparable Toyota or Honda any day. The funny thing is that it’s all about the weight, HP and overall shape of the vehicle. Just because they have a larger (outdated) 4 cyl doesn’t mean anything. What’s the HP? What’s the weight of the vehicle? Not only that, but just because a company prints fuel economy numbers doesn’t equate to real world driving numbers. Mazda can say what they want, but their very outdated 2.5L 4 cyl is slow and under normal driving will not get close to the posted MPG. Sounds to me like you are a Japanese apologist.
Lol you sound slightly like a racist “Japanese apologist” Senator Berning.
You’re mad at the wrong people. You shouldn’t be resentful of the Japanese because they currently make better economy cars. You should be mad at US shareholders like Mary Barra for slashing domestic production while chasing low hanging fruit and short term profits.
The fact of the matter is that the Japanese make far far more 4 cylinder economy cars in the United States than domestic manufacturers right now.
Since you want to make comparisons what exactly does gm have to compare with a Honda civic or accord, or a Toyota Corolla or Camry, or a Mazda3? A CVT powered Malibu, pretty sure that’s it… Pathetic.
Further more, Japan is one of the US closest allies and a vital asset close to some of the largest threats to the free world over there in the Pacific.
h4cksaw: You really (really????) think Japan is one of our closest allies? Just wait till things change and they will. The Japanese are not our best friends out there by a long shot. But you just go ahead and keep tossing stupid names at people like a child, while thinking Japan is our friend.
Ever hear the saying: Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer? Japan has manipulated the Yen forever to their advantage. They only do stuff if it completely is to their advantage or gives them something. The older Japanese do not like Americans, but they love our money. So keep on pushing their agenda. Keep on pushing their products. I refuse to give any of my money to them and will not buy anything from them knowingly.
All of a sudden, my 2013 Sonic LTZ is looking a lot better. I’ll definitely be keeping it for another year or two. Maybe longer. It’s a damn good car. Another hit that GM refused to advertise and was sent to pasture. With gas prices climbing in .30 increments, how long till Mary is kicking herself in the butt for canceling all these fuel sippers. It actually hurts my head.
I’m keeping my 2013 Sonic 1.4t 6mt until the wheels fall off. It’s a fantastic car. I wish there was a viable replacement in the gm pipeline but it doesn’t look like there is. Honda, Toyota, and Mazda seem to have no problem continuing to develop competitive replacements, some of which are made right here in the States.
h4cksaw you are correct. Why the compact and subcompact cars appeared to be a waste for GM? I really do not know. Even Stellantis Opel & Vauxhall are still making it today (two more months to have the last one rolling off the line) as the Astra -Cruze twin. They continued to make it 2 more years than GM and they started a year earlier. And it was a success.
I saw yesterday for the 1st time, a 2022 Honda Civic in a parking lot, Had to see it close. Very nice car. 11th generation. They still believe in that market segment big time. And of course, made in the USA.
The Japanese are happy taking slow, steady returns on low profit vehicles. Greedy American CEOs like Mary Barra hate that. I would love to see gm bring production of an economical for cylinder compact car back the the US. However, Mary lacks the spine the spine to make a controversial decision like that. It would be easy enough, the platform exists in the Trailerblazer and they could easily and cheaply develop another bombproof 4 cylinder cast iron turbo block that would easily last 200k. Just like many Sonics and Cruze did.
You’re driving a Cruze now, did you get rid of the Tesla?
A lot of hot air coming out of DC these days! Just another reason Biden’s is crashing in the polls! The canceled Chevy Spark wouldn’t have met those requirements, what are we going to drive? Golf carts and Slime scooters! Traffic fatalities are going to sky rocket, smaller vehicles aren’t what consumers want. Joe drives a Corvette, why does he get to drive what he wants? It will take two decades for EV demand to overtake ICE vehicles, electricity rates will increase as EV use increases. Consumers can’t win, pay more for gas or buy an expensive EV, just one of the many Biden policies citizens don’t approve of!