What kind of engine does a Chevy Colorado have?

The latest Chevrolet Colorado is powered by a 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and producing about 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel option was offered in certain earlier model years but is not part of the current lineup.

To understand how the Colorado has evolved, it helps to look at the current generation’s engine as well as past offerings from previous model years. The truck’s powerplant choices have shifted over time, with gasoline four-cylinders being standard in modern models and a diesel option appearing in select years of the mid-generation era.

Current generation engines (2023–present)

Below are the engines associated with the modern Colorado lineup, including the fuel type, general output, and notable transmission pairing.

• 2.7L Turbocharged Inline-4 Gasoline (L3B): roughly 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque; typically paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission; available in different drive configurations (2WD/4WD) depending on trim.


• 2.8L Duramax Turbodiesel (previously offered in some years): approximately 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque; usually paired with a six-speed automatic; offered on select trims and configurations in earlier years and not part of the current lineup.

The current emphasis for the Colorado is the 2.7L turbo gasoline engine, with the diesel option existing in the history of the model but not in the latest production.

Past engine options and historical context

Across the Colorado’s earlier generations, buyers could encounter a variety of gasoline and diesel powerplants, including inline-five configurations and, in certain model years, a turbodiesel option. The most notable diesel in its history is the 2.8L Duramax turbodiesel, which offered strong torque for towing and payload in mid-cycle years but was not retained in the most recent model lineup.

In the truck’s first generation (roughly 2004–2012), Chevrolet deployed several gasoline engines with different displacement and cylinder layouts, catering to customers seeking a range of performance and efficiency. The exact engine availability depended on the model year, market, and trim level.

Things to consider when evaluating engine choices

- Towing and payload: Turbocharged gasoline engines tend to offer strong mid-range torque suitable for mid-size pickup duties, while diesels historically provided higher torque at lower RPMs for hauling heavier loads.

- Fuel economy: Gasoline turbo engines generally deliver competitive highway fuel efficiency, though real-world numbers vary by configuration and drivetrain.

- Maintenance and warranty: Diesel variants often have different maintenance schedules and potential long-term cost considerations compared with gasoline engines.

Summary

In its modern form, the Chevy Colorado uses a 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine as the core powerplant, with a turbodiesel option having appeared in earlier years but not in the current lineup. Throughout its history, the Colorado has offered a mix of gasoline and diesel engines to suit different needs, from everyday driving to towing and payload-focused use. For precise engine availability, it’s best to check the model year and trim of interest.

Is a Chevy Colorado a V6 or V8?

Engine options are the 3.6 L LGZ V6 engine and the 2.8 L Duramax LWN turbodiesel engine. Chevrolet designed many new parts specifically for the ZR2 to improve off-road performance.

What year of Chevy 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. 

What engines are in the Chevy Colorado?

For current models like the 2025 and 2026 Chevy Colorado, there is only one engine option: the 2.7L TurboMax four-cylinder engine, which produces 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. In previous model years, other engine options were available, including different versions of the 2.7L Turbo, a 3.6L V6, and a 2.8L Duramax diesel. 
This video reviews the engine options and specs for the 2026 Chevy Colorado: 1mCar Reviews hubYouTube · Jul 16, 2025
Current Engine Options (2025-2026)

• Engine: 2.7L TurboMax inline-four-cylinder
• Horsepower: 310 hp
• Torque: 430 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic (standard)
• Towing: Up to 7,700 lbs when properly equipped 

Historical Engine Options (2015-2024)

• 2.5L Ecotec I4: 200 hp, 191 lb-ft of torque
• 3.6L V6: 308 hp, 275 lb-ft of torque
• 2.8L Duramax LWN I4 (Diesel): 181-197 hp, 369 lb-ft of torque 

Is the 2.5 L Colorado engine reliable?

The Chevy Colorado with the 2.5L engine has generally good reliability, especially for basic use, with owners reporting it's a well-made truck for its intended purpose. However, common issues include a lack of power, potential electrical problems, and transmission problems in some models, particularly the earlier ones in the second generation. For those who need more power or heavy-duty towing, the V6 engine is often recommended over the 2.5L.
 
This video discusses common problems and reliability of the Chevy Colorado 2.5L engine: 59sDoing Dave StuffYouTube · Mar 6, 2024
Positives

• Generally reliable for basic use: Many owners report that the 2.5L engine is reliable for daily driving and general tasks. 
• Good fuel economy: The 2.5L engine is noted for achieving good gas mileage, often around 22-27 mpg. 
• Good value: Compared to other options like the Toyota Tacoma, the Colorado is often cheaper, making it a good value for the price. 

Potential issues

• Weak performance: The 2.5L engine is not powerful and can feel weak, especially when accelerating or towing. It may struggle with heavier loads or hilly terrain. 
• Transmission issues: Some owners have reported transmission problems, such as shuddering or the need for replacement due to metal shavings. 
• Electrical problems: Some owners have experienced issues with the electrical system, including battery draining, software glitches, and other problems. 
• Exhaust leaks: Some owners have reported exhaust leaks, which can cause the engine light to come on. 

What to consider

• Check for recalls and service history: Before buying a used Colorado, always check the vehicle's recall history and service records. 
• If you need power, consider the V6: The 2.5L is fine for light use, but if you plan on towing or driving in hilly terrain, the V6 engine is a better choice. 
• If you need towing, consider the diesel: The diesel engine offers the best towing capacity and fuel economy. 
• Focus on the 2017-2022 models: These models are generally more reliable than earlier ones, and the second-generation V6 is also considered more reliable than the first-generation.