Does the Chevy Colorado have a good engine?

The latest Chevy Colorado uses a modern turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers strong torque and competitive highway efficiency for a midsize pickup. In short, for most buyers it’s a solid engine option in today’s market.

Current engine lineup and performance

The current Colorado generation focuses on a single, contemporary powerplant designed to balance capability and efficiency. Here’s what prospective buyers should know about how it performs in everyday use.

Key engine specs at a glance:

• 2.7L Turbo I-4 — roughly 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission; this setup provides brisk acceleration for a midsize pickup and ample low-end torque for highway merging and towing.


• No diesel option in the current Colorado lineup; diesel engines such as GM’s Duramax were offered in older generations but are not available on the present model year.


• Drivetrain choices include rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, with configuration and equipment affecting acceleration, fuel economy, and towing performance.

Overall, the 2.7L turbo powerplant offers modern technology, strong low-end torque, and a balance of performance and efficiency that suits urban and weekend-warrior use alike.

Reliability and maintenance considerations

Owner feedback and industry reviews generally point to solid reliability for the Colorado’s current engine setup, while acknowledging that turbocharged engines require attentive maintenance and adherence to manufacturer service intervals. As with any modern turbo engine, warranty coverage from GM helps mitigate potential repair costs during the early years of ownership.

Pros of the current engine setup:

• Strong torque delivery that helps with towing, payload handling, and confident passing on the highway.


• Modern turbo technology provides a good blend of power and efficiency for a midsize truck.


• 8-speed automatic transmission supports smooth and practical gear shifts in varied driving conditions.

Concluding: The engine’s combination of power, efficiency, and modern tech makes it a compelling choice in the midsize-truck segment, with the usual turbo-related maintenance considerations to keep in mind.

Cons or caveats to consider:

• Turbocharged engines can add complexity and potential maintenance costs compared with naturally aspirated rivals.


• Real-world economy varies with payload, towing, and driving style; city driving may show lower numbers than highway trips.


• Power delivery can feel quite strong, but it may not suit buyers seeking maximum off-the-line grunt in all conditions without treading carefully on throttle inputs.

Concluding: While there are a few trade-offs, the Colorado’s engine generally offers a favorable balance for most buyers, especially those who value highway versatility and daily usability alongside capable towing.

Fuel economy, towing, and everyday practicality

Power and efficiency are often the deciding factors for buyers in this class. Here’s how the Colorado’s engine stacks up in those areas.

• Estimated EPA range for the 2.7L Turbo I-4 is typically in the vicinity of the low 20s mpg in mixed driving, with higher highway efficiency depending on configuration and payload.


• Real-world driving often lands in the 20s mpg on highway trips, with efficiency impacted by four-wheel-drive use, cargo, and driving style.


• Towing capacity with proper equipment is generally up to about 7,000–7,700 pounds, depending on trim and drivetrain.

In practice, the Colorado’s engine offers respectable efficiency for its power level and a towing figure that covers most light- to mid-range hauling needs, making it practical for both daily driving and weekend workloads.

Bottom line: Should you buy the Colorado for its engine?

For most buyers, the 2.7L Turbo I-4 in the current Colorado represents a strong engine choice, delivering ample torque, competent acceleration, and competitive fuel economy for a midsize pickup. It surpassed older base engines in refinement and overall performance while avoiding the diesel-emissions considerations some buyers prefer to skip. If your priorities include strong low-end torque for towing and confident highway merging, this engine is a solid fit. If you specifically want a diesel, you may need to consider older models or different GM configurations or rivals, as the current Colorado does not offer a diesel option.

Summary

The Chevy Colorado’s modern 2.7-liter turbocharged engine stands out in the midsize pickup segment for its combination of power, tractable torque, and reasonable efficiency. While turbo maintenance and real-world economy can vary with payload and drive configuration, the engine delivers a well-rounded package that aligns with the Colorado’s versatile role as a daily driver and capable work vehicle. Short of extreme towing demands or a diesel preference, this engine is a strong selling point for the current Colorado generation.

What year in Colorado to stay away from?

The Chevy Colorado years to avoid are primarily the 2004-2006 first-generation models and the 2014-2019 second-generation models due to common issues like transmission problems, engine misfires, and power steering loss. The 2015 model is often cited as the worst year due to widespread transmission and power steering failures. Other years with notable complaints include 2017 for electronics and 2018 for transmission shuddering. 
This video discusses the worst Chevy Colorado years to avoid, focusing on the 2015 model's transmission and steering issues: 1mEveryman DriverYouTube · Dec 23, 2019
Problematic generations and years 

• First Generation (2004-2006):
  • 2004-2006: Early years are prone to engine misfires and worn-out valve seats. 
• Second Generation (2014-2019):
  • 2015: This is frequently called out as the worst year due to numerous complaints about the transmission and a high number of power steering system failures. 
  • 2017: Issues with the display screen freezing and phone pairing problems are frequently reported. 
  • 2018: Transmission shuddering and other transmission-related problems were common. 
  • 2014-2019: This period saw many transmission and engine issues, as well as problems with power steering and the HVAC system. 
• Other years:
  • 2004-2012: These years can have problems with the A/C blower motor and fuel level sensors. 

You can watch this video to learn about potential problems with different generations of the Chevy Colorado: 56sTech TriumphYouTube · Apr 14, 2025
Common issues by category

• Transmission: Shuddering, sluggish shifting, and premature failure were common, particularly in the 2015-2019 models. 
• Engine: Misfires and worn-out valve seats were reported in the 2004-2009 and 2016 models. 
• Steering: A significant number of 2015 models experienced power steering loss, which is a major safety concern. 
• Electronics: The 2017 model is known for issues like freezing display screens and problems with phone pairing. 
• HVAC: Malfunctioning A/C blowers were a complaint in the 2004-2010 and 2012 model years. 

Which Colorado engine is best?

The best Chevy Colorado engine is the 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder, particularly the high-output version, for its combination of power, smooth acceleration, and efficiency. For models without the high-output tune, the engine provides up to 310 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output tune, standard on the ZR2, offers 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. 
This video discusses the features of the 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado: 58sDownshiftYouTube · Sep 24, 2024

• Performance: The 2.7L turbo provides strong acceleration and mid-range passing power, making it suitable for both city and highway driving. The high-output version is particularly strong and is the standard for the ZR2 model. 
• Efficiency: This engine is also praised for being relatively fuel-efficient for its class, with one review noting it achieved over 22 MPG. 
• Smoothness and quietness: The engine is generally described as smooth, quiet, and well-matched with its eight-speed automatic transmission. 
• Towing: The high-output version of the 2.7L turbo can tow up to 7,700 pounds, a substantial capability for a midsize truck. 

This video reviews the 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 2026 Chevy Colorado ZR2: 1mAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Aug 30, 2025
For models without the 2.7L turbo, other engines were available: 

• Previous Generation 3.6L V6: This was a popular option on older models, delivering 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, which was good for towing and general driving. 
• Previous Generation 2.5L Four-Cylinder: On some older models, this engine produced around 193–200 horsepower and was suitable for basic day-to-day driving. 

Which is more reliable, Colorado or Tacoma?

The Tacoma offers more horsepower and torque when equipped with a hybrid powertrain. You'll have more standard and premium features without expensive upgrades, unlike the Colorado. Factors like ToyotaCare maintenance make the Tacoma a more reliable option compared to the Colorado.

Is Chevy Colorado a reliable vehicle?

The Chevy Colorado's reliability is generally considered good, especially for more recent model years (2019-2022), which have received "Great" ratings from organizations like J.D. Power. While some model years have had issues like transmission problems in 2015-2016 and 2018, newer models typically score well, with some owner reviews reporting few issues in models with high mileage. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the reliability of the Chevrolet Colorado: 1mConsumer ReportsYouTube · Apr 24, 2024
Reliability scores and ratings

• J.D. Power: Recent models often receive scores around 80/100, which is considered "Great". The 2021 model, for instance, scored 87/100 and ranked first among midsize trucks. 
• RepairPal: Gives the Colorado an average reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 4th out of 7 midsize trucks. The average annual repair cost is slightly lower than average for all vehicles, and owners need unscheduled repairs less than once a year. 
• iSeeCars: Gives the Colorado an 8 out of 10 reliability rating, ranking it 5th out of 7 midsize trucks, with a predicted average lifespan of 162,738 miles. 

Factors to consider

• Model year: Reliability can vary significantly by model year. For example, 2015, 2016, and 2018 models have been associated with transmission problems. The 2022 and 2023 model years are still dealing with some open recalls. 
• Maintenance: Proper maintenance is crucial for longevity. The Chevy Colorado can last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles with proper care, and some owners report reaching over 300,000 miles. 
• Common issues: Some owners have reported issues with electrical systems, computer screens, and taillights on specific models. 
• Owner satisfaction: Recent models have strong owner satisfaction and fewer major issues, often getting good reviews for comfort, interior, and performance. 

This video discusses common problems with the Chevrolet Colorado: 54sFuel ForceYouTube · Aug 9, 2024