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Is the 2017 Chevy Colorado front wheel drive?

No. The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado is not offered with front-wheel drive; it is available as rear-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4x4), depending on the trim and configuration.


Drivetrain configurations for the 2017 Colorado


The Colorado was designed with two primary drivetrain options to suit work and off-road needs. Below is a quick overview of how these setups are structured in 2017 models.



  • Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) — rear-wheel drive

  • Four-Wheel Drive (4x4) — part-time four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case


In short, buyers could choose between a standard rear-drivetrain or an optional four-wheel-drive system to handle tougher conditions.


Engine and transmission options


Alongside drivetrain choices, the Colorado offered multiple powertrains to balance capability and efficiency. Here are the main engine options that were available for the 2017 model year.



  • 2.5-liter inline-four engine

  • 3.6-liter V6 engine

  • 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine


Transmission pairing varied by engine and trim; the 2.5L often offered a manual option in some configurations while automatic transmissions were common across V6 and diesel setups. For precise pairings on a specific trim, consult the official GM specs for that model year.


Summary


To recap, the 2017 Chevy Colorado does not use front-wheel drive. It was available in rear-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4x4), with a range of engines to match different needs. If you’re shopping for a particular configuration, verify the exact drivetrain, engine, and transmission options for the trim and cab/bed combination you want.

Was 2017 a good year for Chevy Colorado?


Edmunds' Expert Rating
The smooth-riding and well-equipped 2017 Chevrolet Colorado is a solid offering in the midsize truck segment. It's not the best choice for heading off-road or for ultimate comfort, but it's easy to drive and has plenty of towing capability.



Is Colorado FWD?


The 2025 Chevy Colorado is available with four-wheel drive (4WD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD) configurations. AWD is not available.



What years to stay away from on Chevy Colorado?


What are the worst Chevrolet Colorado years? The early years in each of the first and second generation Colorados are both problematic. That encompasses trucks built from 2002 to 2006, and ones from 2014 to 2019.



Are Chevy Colorado front or rear-wheel drive?


The Chevy Colorado is available in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) depending on the trim level. RWD is the standard drivetrain for the base WT and LT trims, while 4WD is optional on these and standard on the Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 trims. It is important to note that FWD is not an available configuration for the Chevy Colorado. 
Drivetrain options by trim

  • WT (Work Truck) and LT: Standard RWD, with 4WD available as an option.
  • Trail Boss: Standard 4WD.
  • Z71: Standard 4WD.
  • ZR2: Standard 4WD. 

Choosing between RWD and 4WD
  • RWD: A good choice for everyday driving, light-duty tasks, and better fuel efficiency. 
  • 4WD: Ideal for off-roading, heavy loads, and driving in challenging conditions like snow or ice. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.