Is GM discontinuing the 2.8 Duramax diesel?
GM has largely phased out the 2.8L Duramax diesel for its North American midsize trucks, with production winding down and dealers shifting focus to the larger 3.0L Duramax. There has not been a single, explicit company-wide press release declaring an official, permanent discontinuation, but the 2.8L is no longer a regular offering in new Colorado/Canyon orders in most markets.
What this means for the market and buyers
Below is a timeline of how GM has managed the 2.8L Duramax in recent years and what it means for consumers considering Colorado or Canyon models.
- 2019 — The 2.8L Duramax was launched for the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, giving the small-diesel option a place in GM's mid-size truck lineup.
- 2023 — Demand for small diesels in mid-size trucks cooled as costs of emission compliance rose and consumer preferences shifted toward gasoline engines and, later, electrification.
- 2024 — GM and its dealers narrowed orders for the 2.8L Duramax in many regions, placing greater emphasis on the 3.0L Duramax as the diesel option in the Colorado and Canyon families.
- 2025 — New-orders for the 2.8L Duramax are largely unavailable in most markets; the used and leftover inventories of older 2.8 models may still exist through dealer stock or specialty channels.
In short, the 2.8L Duramax is effectively out of regular production for new Colorado/Canyon orders in most areas, with the 3.0L Duramax serving as the default diesel option going forward. Showrooms and pricing reflect that shift, though exact availability can vary by region and dealer.
Current diesel option in GM midsize trucks
To understand what replaced the 2.8L Duramax in new orders, here’s a quick look at the diesel option GM has prioritized for Colorado and Canyon in recent years.
- 3.0L Duramax inline-six — The primary diesel engine now most commonly paired with new Colorado and Canyon models, offering higher torque and towing capability relative to the 2.8L.
- Gasoline alternatives — For buyers not pursuing diesel, GM continues to offer gasoline powertrains across the Colorado and Canyon lineup, including smaller turbo and naturally aspirated options.
- Future propulsion considerations — GM has signaled a broader industry shift toward electrification; while diesel remains available for now in some configurations, there is ongoing strategic emphasis on non-diesel powertrains in the broader truck segment.
For buyers who already own a 2.8L Duramax or are considering a used model, it’s important to verify local availability of parts, service coverage, and emission-compliance requirements, as these can influence ownership costs and resale value.
Practical tips for prospective buyers and owners
If you’re evaluating a Colorado or Canyon in light of the 2.8L Duramax’s status, consider these points before making a decision.
- Check current dealer inventories and official GM product pages to confirm whether a diesel option is offered on the exact trim you want.
- Compare total ownership costs between the 2.8L Duramax (if found in used market) and the 3.0L Duramax, including maintenance, fuel economy, and potential resale value.
- Factor in availability of service and parts for older diesel configurations in your region, as some markets experience parts shortages sooner than others.
- Assess your need for towing and torque: the 3.0L Duramax typically provides higher torque, which can influence payload and towing performance.
Ownership and purchasing decisions may differ by region and model year, so consult local dealers for the most current configurations and pricing information.
Summary
The 2.8 Duramax diesel, once a distinct option in GM’s Colorado and Canyon lineup, has largely been phased out in new sales in favor of the 3.0L Duramax. While there isn’t a single, formal discontinuation press release, the practical effect is that new orders for the 2.8L are rare in most markets, and buyers are directed toward the 3.0L Duramax or gasoline powertrains. For current and prospective buyers, the key is to verify local availability and consider the total cost of ownership, including service, parts, and resale value, in light of this shift. A final note: always check the latest GM product pages and local dealer listings for the most up-to-date configuration options.
