The Chevy Silverado and Chevy Colorado have more in common than the bowtie in the grille and the “rado” in the name. The midsize Colorado is down to just one engine option for the 2025 model year, and it’s the same turbo-four that’s available in the full-size Silverado.
We’re talking about the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B. When the third-generation Chevy Colorado first came out for the 2023 model year, it had three engine options: the 2.7L I4 L2R, the Turbo Plus 2.7L I4 L3B, and the torquier Turbo High-Output 2.7L I4 L3B. Now, for 2025, the only engine in the Chevy Colorado is the Turbo High-Output version of the L3B (now called TurboMax), which has the same tuning as the L3B that’s available in the Chevy Silverado 1500 with 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.
Since GM puts the same engine in two different-sized trucks, let’s compare the efficiency of the Chevy Silverado and Chevy Colorado when equipped with the same engine, drive type, and tires.
| Model | Engine | Drivetrain | Tires | City/Highway/Combined, MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Colorado | Turbo 2.7L I4 L3B | 2WD | All-Season | 19/24/21 |
| 2024 Colorado | Turbo 2.7L I4 L3B | 4WD | All-Season | 18/22/20 |
| 2024 Colorado | Turbo 2.7L I4 L3B | 4WD | Mud-Terrain | 17/20/18 |
| 2024 Colorado ZR2 | Turbo 2.7L I4 L3B | 4WD | Mud-Terrain | 17/17/17 |
| 2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison | Turbo 2.7L I4 L3B | 4WD | Mud-Terrain | 16/16/16 |
| 2025 Silverado | Turbo 2.7L I4 L3B | 2WD | All-Season | 18/21/19 |
| 2025 Silverado | Turbo 2.7L I4 L3B | 4WD | All-Season | 17/20/18 |
| 2025 Silverado | Turbo 2.7L I4 L3B | 4WD | Mud-Terrain | 16/17/16 |
When comparing equivalent drivetrains and tires, there’s roughly a 2 mpg difference between the two trucks. Unsurprisingly, the smaller, lighter pickup is the more efficient one. Better fuel economy with the same engine is just one advantage of a midsize truck over a full-size truck, in addition to a lower price tag, better maneuverability on-road and off, and easier parking.
Remember, even though the TurboMax I4 is the smallest-displacement engine available in the Chevy Silverado, it’s not the most efficient. The Duramax 3.0L I6 LZ0 turbo-diesel returns up to 26 mpg combined with 2WD and 24 mpg combined with 4WD. When comparing their most efficient variants, the EPA-estimated annual fuel cost is actually slightly lower for the diesel-powered Silverado than the TurboMax-powered Colorado.
Some GM enthusiasts miss the Duramax option in GM’s midsize trucks. However, the TurboMax engine impressively has a higher torque rating than the 2.8L I4 LWN turbodiesel Duramax engine that was available in the second-gen Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon while matching its maximum towing capacity (7,700 pounds).
Comments
Wish they didn’t discontinue the 2.8 Duramax in the Colorado. I.m getting 30 to 35 around town, over 40 on trips. Over 20 towing 7K trailer.
Not sure why people need to lie to try and solidify their point of view. You are not getting 40 mpg and over 20mpg towing a 7k trailer which is the limit for that truck. I have followed these extensively over the years as we have a 2016 Canyon, no one is getting 40mpg on the highway. Please be realistic, you set unrealistic expectations for others that may not know…
Fuelly shows the 2.7 matching the 2.8 Dmax, despite more lifted truck options in the Colorado. The EPA nerfs any kind of ICE engine today, so these trucks get much better than advertised.
About 2 MPG better out of about 20 MPG rating is about a 10% improvement in fuel economy.
Therefore the midsize Colorado is about 10% more efficient than the Silverado with the same engine. Physics still works.
10% less fuel a year will be a consideration for many truck buyers, especially if they are fleet purchased work trucks.
Gm has never made a good 4cyl these are a joke nothing but junk won’t last won’t do what they claim transmissions are junk also v8 for ever
I so wish they were mated to the 10 speed instead of the 8 speed but the new 8 speed fixed most of the problems with the old one and these 2.7s seem to be holding up pretty well reliability wise. Of course I would rather have a 5.3 but GM probably has to the put the 4 cylinder in for fuel economy regulations, thanks EPA
My buddy just bought a TRX and after riding in it, and EXPERIENCING the sheer RAW power of 702HP from the 6.2L supercharger hellcat motor, really upsets me that GM didn’t offer a supercharged truck. Instead we a get a turbo 4 cylinder! What a disgrace!!!