How much horsepower does a 2011 Chevy Colorado have?
The 2011 Colorado’s horsepower depends on the engine: 185 horsepower from the 2.9-liter inline-four, or 242 horsepower from the 3.7-liter inline-five. Exact output can vary slightly with the chosen transmission and drivetrain.
In 2011, Chevrolet offered two gasoline engine choices for the Colorado. A Duramax diesel option did not appear in the U.S. lineup until later years, so the horsepower figures for this year come from the gasoline engines only: 2.9L I-4 and 3.7L I-5. Output is paired with specific transmissions and other equipment that can influence final performance.
Engine options and horsepower
The following engine options define the horsepower available for the 2011 Colorado.
- 2.9-liter inline-four — 185 horsepower, approximately 190 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices typically included a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.
- 3.7-liter inline-five — 242 horsepower, around 242 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices typically included a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.
In short, the 2011 Colorado offered two gasoline power ratings depending on the engine: 185 hp with the 2.9L I-4 or 242 hp with the 3.7L I-5, with variations arising from the chosen transmission and drivetrain configuration.
Performance considerations beyond horsepower
Horsepower is only part of the story. Torque, gearing, weight, and drivetrain setup all influence how quickly a Colorado accelerates and how it performs under load. The 2.9L engine delivers lower peak power but can feel responsive in daily driving, while the 3.7L engine provides stronger acceleration at higher RPMs, especially when paired with a manual transmission.
What to consider when shopping for a used Colorado
When evaluating a used 2011 Colorado, confirm which engine it has and the corresponding horsepower figure. Also check the transmission type, maintenance history, and any modifications that could affect performance numbers or reliability.
Summary
The 2011 Chevy Colorado offered two gasoline engine options with distinct horsepower outputs: 185 hp from the 2.9-liter inline-four and 242 hp from the 3.7-liter inline-five. Depending on the configuration, transmissions, and condition, the real-world performance will vary, but the official horsepower figures provide a clear baseline for comparison.
