2016 Toyota Tacoma Gas Engine vs. Chevy Colorado Diesel - Fuel Costs Comparison
This week the 2016 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon’s Duramax Diesel fuel economy numbers were approved by the EPA after a very close analysis and revealed by GM. Yes, the diesels were tested on-road to ensure that their emissions were in full compliance with the law. The results are impressive in terms of efficiency. However, we wondered which would be more cost effective to actually buy and run over 100,000 miles. It required some simple math, but what we found was surprising.
2016 Mid-Size Trucks Fuel Efficiency
Colorado and Canyon Models:Here are the fuel efficiency number for the GM trucks with the Duramax Diesel engine. All numbers shown for all trucks are automatic transmission models:
- 4WD Canyon and Colorado Models: 20 MPG City / 29 MPG Highway / 23 MPG combined
- 2WD Canyon and Colorado Models: 22 MPG City / 31 MPG Highway / 25 MPG combined
Here are the numbers for the 2016 V6 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 (Gasoline, Automatic):
- 4WD Tacoma: 18 MPG City / 23 MPG Highway / 20 MPG combined
- 2WD Tacoma: 19 MPG City / 24 MPG Highway / 21 MPG combined
100K Mile Fuel Cost Calculations
Using the combined MPG rating of the trucks we come to this result using today's AAA national average price per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline ($2.19) and diesel fuel ($2.479).
- Tacoma V6 Gasoline 4x4 = $10,950
- GM Colorado or Canyon Diesel 4x4 = $10,778
- Using highway mileage we get this result over 100,000 miles:
- Tacoma V6 Gasoline 4x4 = $9,521
- GM Colorado or Canyon Diesel 4x4 = $8,548
Conclusion:
The fuel economy of the GM Duramax diesel-equipped Canyon and Colorado is slightly better than the 2016 Toyota Tacoma’s with the V6 gasoline engine. However, GM adds $3730 to the V6 price tag of all its diesel models. If one factors that in, the Tacoma is way ahead. Of course, fuel costs are not the only important consideration when comparing a diesel truck to a gasoline-powered truck. Towing capacity is also important. For a comparison of the towing capability of the Tacoma vs. the Colorado and Canyon, please see our prior story. We will give you this hint. The difference is not as big as you might guess.