3 mid-size trucks fail to meet their fuel economy estimates
Oh no, a few mid-size trucks might be thirstier than advertised. Three models are failing to meet their fuel economy estimates. As a result, they could cost more at the fuel pump. However, driving style could also play a role.
Three mid-size trucks aren’t meeting their fuel economy estimates
The three mid-size trucks that might be thirstier than expected include the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado Z71, 2024 Ford Ranger FX4, and 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road.
Edmunds has been testing these trucks and found that none of them are reaching their EPA-estimated fuel economy figures.
Each vehicles is used for 12 months with the goal of racking up 20,000 miles on the odometer. The Colorado is at 18,000 miles while the Tacoma and Ranger are hovering around 10,000 miles.
The Chevy Colorado with 4×4 and mud-terrain tires is expected to get an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city, up to 20 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined.
But Edmunds referred to the estimates for a 2WD model, which should get 19 mpg. Edmunds is measuring an average of 17.5 mpg combined, so it’s only falling half a gallon short.
The Ford Ranger with 4×4 is expected to get 20 mpg in the city, up to 24 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined.
This aligns with the figures Edmunds shoots for, but it’s only getting about 18.6 combined. It’s falling short by about 3.4 mpg.
The Toyota Tacoma Off-Road model is expected to get 19 mpg in the city, up to 24, and 21 mpg combined. This aligns with what Edmunds was shooting for, but it’s only getting 17 mpg. It’s falling short by 4.0 mpg.
Reportedly, they spend most of the time on the highway. But are they speeding? Driving style can destroy a fuel economy estimate.
Also, are they accounting for the extra weight of each truck’s off-roading equipment and larger tires? Plus, which driving modes are they using? I typically burn more in sport mode while I could have been saving in eco mode.
Either way, the Colorado seems to be sticking the closest to its EPA estimate, making it stand out from the other mid-size trucks.
