Best Truck for High Gas Prices? Why the 2026 Chevy Colorado Makes Sense Right Now

Gas prices in the Sherman-Denison area have climbed more than 36 percent over the past year, according to AAA data, and every fill-up makes that harder to ignore. If you drive a truck anywhere across Grayson County, there’s a midsize option that keeps you in the cab you need without taking a full-size beating at the pump.

The 2026 Chevy Colorado gets an EPA-estimated 24 MPG highway on regular 87 octane fuel and tows up to 7,700 lbs. when properly equipped. Strong capability, a lighter fuel bill, and no premium gas required.

At Sherman Chevrolet, we work with North Texas and Southern Oklahoma truck drivers every day, and we know that rising fuel costs aren’t abstract. They show up in your budget every single week. Below, we break down the Colorado’s fuel economy by trim, its full capability specs, and what makes it worth a serious look right now.

Key Points: 2026 Chevy Colorado Fuel Economy

• Regular gas in the Sherman-Denison area is up more than 36 percent year over year, per AAA. The Colorado’s EPA-estimated 24 MPG highway in a 2WD configuration is a meaningful advantage for daily drivers across Grayson County and the surrounding area.
• The TurboMax 2.7L engine produces 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque on regular 87 octane. No premium fuel required.
• Five trim levels scale from a capable daily driver to serious off-road performance. The Colorado tows up to 7,700 lbs. when properly equipped.

Why Texas Truck Drivers Are Rethinking the Pump Right Now

For drivers making the daily run from Sherman to Denison, Gainesville, or down US-75 toward Plano, a 36-percent jump in gas prices isn’t just a headline. It compounds with every commute, every job site haul, and every trip out to Lake Texoma until it becomes a real monthly expense.

The gap between a truck averaging 17 MPG and one averaging 24 MPG on the highway adds up to hundreds of dollars saved annually on the same roads, in the same conditions. Fuel economy has shifted from a nice-to-have into a purchasing priority for North Texas truck buyers in a way that simply wasn’t true two or three years ago.

2026 Chevy Colorado MPG by Trim: What to Expect at the Pump

The 2026 Chevy Colorado fuel economy shifts more with drivetrain choice than trim name, and knowing that distinction helps you pick the right configuration before you shop. Two-wheel drive models return an EPA-estimated 19 MPG city and 24 MPG highway, while four-wheel drive versions come in at an estimated 17 city and 22 highway. The ZR2, built for serious off-road use with specialized suspension and 33-inch tires, is rated at an estimated 17 MPG combined. Here’s the full breakdown:

All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with conditions, load, and driving habits.

Does a Midsize Truck Actually Save You Money on Gas?

The short answer is yes, and the gap carries more weight at today’s pump prices than it ever has before. Full-size trucks in the same segment typically return 17 to 19 MPG on the highway, while the 2026 Colorado in a 2WD configuration delivers an EPA-estimated 24 MPG highway on regular unleaded.

Spread across 15,000 miles of North Texas driving each year, that efficiency gap means real savings without giving up the cab space, towing capacity, or work capability that Grayson County drivers rely on. A midsize truck is not a step down; it is a smarter choice when gas prices stay high.

The Engine That Does More With Less

Every 2026 Colorado runs on the TurboMax 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 310 horsepower and a class-leading 430 lb-ft of torque on regular 87 octane fuel. That matters right now: no premium fuel requirement on top of already-high gas prices, a real and recurring saving for anyone filling up regularly in Grayson County.

The engine pairs Active Fuel Management and Auto Stop/Start technology to reduce fuel consumption during stop-and-go driving without requiring anything from the driver. Turbocharging lets this four-cylinder generate the low-end torque that used to require a larger displacement engine, giving you the pulling power you need for work and weekends without the fuel penalty.

Built to Work: 2026 Chevy Colorado Towing, Payload, and Bed Features

The 2026 Colorado earns its truck credentials on the job, not just on the spec sheet, and that matters for anyone towing a boat to Lake Texoma or hauling equipment across Grayson County. Properly equipped models tow up to an estimated 7,700 lbs., covering most single-axle trailers, fishing boats, and utility loads common to North Texas truck life.

The standard 5.1-foot bed spans 45.5 inches between the wheel wells and offers up to 17 cargo tie-down points, a combination of eight fixed and nine flexible anchors that Chevrolet markets as a class-leading total. The tailgate holds up to 500 lbs., includes a mid-position for oversized cargo, and features a built-in storage bin for a bed that works as hard as you do.

These are all features that add up to a bed designed for real-world use, not just a strong first impression at the lot.

Five Trims, One Truck for Every Kind of Texas Life

The 2026 Colorado covers five trim levels, each built around a different version of North Texas truck life. From the fuel-efficient daily driver to the trail-ready off-road performer, there’s a configuration for how you actually use a truck in Grayson County and beyond. Here’s how the lineup breaks down:

All trims come standard as a crew cab with a 5.1-foot bed. Four-wheel drive is available on WT and LT and standard on Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2.

If fuel economy is your priority, the WT or LT in 2WD gives you the best numbers in the lineup. If you need 4WD for job sites, ranch roads, or the occasional trail north of Sherman, the Trail Boss and Z71 balance that capability without a steep drop in efficiency. Meanwhile, the ZR2 is purpose-built for drivers who push furthest off the pavement and are willing to trade some MPGs for serious performance. 

A Final Word on the Best Truck for High Gas Prices

The 2026 Chevy Colorado makes a strong case right now because midsize truck technology has genuinely caught up to the demands of North Texas truck life. The TurboMax engine, EPA-estimated 24 MPG highway, and 7,700-lb. towing capacity work together in a package that fits whether you’re commuting between Sherman and Plano, hauling gear to Lake Texoma, or running a trade across Grayson County five days a week. EPA-rated fuel economy edged up slightly for 2026 on select configurations, and with strong inventory currently on the ground, the timing works in your favor. 

At Sherman Chevrolet, we know this market because we live and work in it. We serve drivers from Sherman, Denison, Bonham, Gainesville, Paris, and Wichita Falls, and our neighbors across the state line in Ardmore, Durant, and McAlester. Come in, ask your questions, and take the 2026 Colorado for a test drive on the roads you know best.