What year did Chevy put a diesel in Colorado?
The Chevrolet Colorado received its diesel option with the 2016 model year, with availability starting in late 2015.
Context and timeline of the diesel Colorado
The Colorado’s first generation (2004–2012) did not offer a diesel engine. When Chevrolet revived the midsize pickup for a second generation in the 2015 model year, it introduced a turbo-diesel option later on: the 2.8-liter Duramax inline-four, which arrived for the 2016 model year. The diesel powerplant emphasized torque for towing and off-road work, and it was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Since its introduction, the diesel Colorado has remained a staple of the lineup, with trim availability evolving over time.
The following milestones map out the key points in the diesel Colorado timeline.
- Introduction year: 2016 model year (availability began in late 2015).
- Engine: 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel inline-four.
- Power and torque: around 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque (values vary slightly by model year).
- Transmission: six-speed automatic (diesel models were not offered with a manual transmission).
- Trim availability: initially offered on higher trims such as LT and Z71; later broadened to additional trims in subsequent years.
In summary, Chevy introduced the diesel option in the Colorado with the 2016 model year as part of the second-generation redesign, and it has remained a focal point of the midsize pickup lineup through recent models.
Summary
The diesel-equipped Colorado debuted in 2016 (with availability beginning in late 2015) as part of Chevrolet’s second-generation Colorado lineup, delivering a Duramax turbo-diesel option that has persisted in subsequent model years.
Is GM discontinuing the 2.8 Duramax diesel?
The diesel engine was discontinued after the 2022 model year. The following trucks use the LWN: 2016–2022 Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon (North America) 2017–2022 Chevrolet Express / GMC Savana (North America)
Is the 2.8 L Duramax diesel a good engine?
The 2.8L Duramax is generally considered a good engine, known for its strong low-end torque, good fuel economy, and capable towing ability for a mid-size truck. However, its reliability issues, particularly related to emissions and intake manifold buildup, are a significant concern, with some sources recommending specific maintenance or deletion for longevity.
This video provides an overview of the 2.8L Duramax engine, including its features and how it performs: 1mDust Runners Automotive JournalYouTube · Jul 12, 2022
Strengths
- Torque and towing: The engine produces 369 lb-ft of torque, providing strong pulling power for towing light loads, such as snowmobiles, small boats, or pop-up campers.
- Fuel economy: It offers impressive fuel economy for its class, with owners often reporting highway mileage between 26 and 30 mpg.
- Cold starts: Many owners report reliable starts in cold weather, even down to 0∘F0 raised to the composed with power cap F0∘𝐹, especially when cycling the glow plugs.
Weaknesses
- Emissions system issues: The engine's emissions components (EGR, DPF, etc.) can cause significant issues. Soot buildup in the intake and intercooler is a common problem that can lead to decreased performance or engine seizure.
- Maintenance and longevity: To mitigate issues, some owners recommend frequent cleaning of the intake manifold or performing a "delete" of the emissions system. The engine is also sensitive to proper maintenance, and neglect can lead to premature failure.
- Cost of maintenance: While oil changes may be comparable in cost to a gas engine, fuel filters can be expensive and require more frequent changes than recommended, and there is the ongoing cost of DEF fluid.
- Transmission performance: The six-speed automatic transmission can sometimes be slow to downshift, and some owners have reported the transmission becoming worse under heavy loads.
This video discusses potential weaknesses of the 2.8L Duramax engine, including issues with the emissions system and transmission: 51sI Do CarsYouTube · Dec 17, 2023
Conclusion
If you are considering the 2.8L Duramax, you should be prepared for the potential costs and work involved in maintaining the engine's emissions system. It is best suited for those who are willing to be proactive with maintenance and potentially modify the system for greater reliability.
Did the Chevy Colorado ever come with a diesel engine?
First Generation (Second-Gen Colorado)
Making its debut one year after the launch of the second-generation 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, the Colorado Diesel - and its platform mate, the GMC Canyon Diesel - was the only diesel offering in the North American midsize pickup truck market.
What was the last year for the Colorado diesel?
The inline-four turbo-diesel was available in the Colorado and Canyon from model-year 2016 through 2022, marking a respectable seven-year run in GM's mid-size truck segment before its discontinuation.
