What engines do Chevy Colorados have?
The Chevy Colorado is offered with three engine choices in its current lineup: a 2.5-liter inline-4, a 3.6-liter V6, and a 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel. Availability varies by trim and market.
In more detail, Chevrolet positions these powertrains to balance daily usability with towing capability, offering a gasoline four-cylinder for efficiency, a robust V6 for stronger acceleration, and a turbo-diesel for high-torque pulling power. The diesel option is typically found in higher trims and for buyers who value fuel economy and torque for towing and off-road work.
Current engine options
The following engines are available on recent Colorado models:
- 2.5L inline-4 gasoline: An efficient four-cylinder engine with roughly 200 horsepower and about 190–200 lb-ft of torque; typically offered with automatic transmissions and, in some years, a manual option.
- 3.6L V6 gasoline: A larger gasoline option delivering around 308 horsepower and roughly 275 lb-ft of torque; commonly paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
- 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel inline-4: A turbocharged diesel engine producing about 181 horsepower and roughly 369 lb-ft of torque; usually paired with an automatic transmission (often 8-speed in newer configurations).
These three powertrains provide a spectrum from daily commuting efficiency to strong towing and off-road capability, with diesel offering the best low-end torque for payload work.
Historical context
Earlier Colorado generations offered different engine options, with some markets receiving additional diesel and gasoline configurations depending on year and regional requirements.
- Gasoline engines (various inline-4 and inline-5 configurations) were used across the first generation.
- 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel inline-4 was available in certain markets and years during the first generation, providing another diesel option alongside gasoline powertrains.
Engine availability for older Colorados varied by model year and region, so exact options should be verified for a specific vehicle and market.
Summary
The Chevy Colorado’s engine lineup combines efficiency, performance, and torque across three main options: 2.5L inline-4 gasoline, 3.6L V6 gasoline, and 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel. Past generations offered additional configurations that varied by year and market. For buyers, the choice typically centers on balancing daily driveability with towing and load requirements.
