What year did Chevy put V8 in Colorado?

Chevrolet never offered a factory V8 option in the Colorado. In every production year of the midsize pickup, GM did not ship a Colorado with a V8 engine in North America.

That simple fact has been a point of curiosity for truck fans and collectors who want the grunt of a V8 in a smaller GM pickup. This article traces why the Colorado stuck to smaller engines, what was offered by generation, and what that means for anyone shopping today or researching the model's history.

Factory engine options through the Colorado’s history

The upshot is clear: there was no factory V8 Colorado. The lineup centered on smaller gasoline engines, and later diesel options in some markets, with power figures tuned for payload and efficiency rather than V8-grade muscle.

• No production year offered a Chevrolet V8 in the Colorado in North America or other markets.


• Engine options revolved around four- and six-cylinder configurations (and, in some contexts, a diesel alternative), with no GM V8 in the Colorado line.

In practice, that means buyers looking for V8 performance in a Colorado would have to consider aftermarket conversions or step up to a different GM pickup, such as the Silverado, which was offered with V8s.

Aftermarket V8 swaps

Over the years, aftermarket shops and some enthusiasts have swapped V8s into Colorado chassis as custom projects. These are not factory-backed by Chevrolet and can affect warranty coverage, safety, and resale value. They remain a niche rather than a GM-supported option.

Current status and outlook

As of the mid-2020s, the Chevrolet Colorado continues to rely on smaller engines, including turbocharged four-cylinders and six-cylinders, with no factory V8 option officially offered. GM has not signaled a plan to reintroduce a Colorado V8 in the current generation or in official production history.

Summary

Conclusion: Chevrolet never produced a factory V8 Colorado in any year. For V8 power in a GM midsize pickup, the Silverado family remains the Chevrolet option, while the Colorado stays focused on efficiency and payload within its class.

Did the Chevy Colorado ever come with a V8?

No, the current Chevy Colorado does not come with a V8 engine. Chevrolet offered a 5.3L V8 in the Colorado from 2009 to 2012, but it has since been discontinued. The current model is available with other engines, such as a 3.6L V6, a 2.5L inline-4, and a 2.8L turbodiesel inline-4. 
You can watch this video to see a V8-powered Chevy Colorado: 1mphilofabYouTube · Jun 20, 2020

• Past V8 option: The 5.3L V8 was available from the 2009 to 2012 model years, but it is no longer an option for new trucks. 
• Current engine options: Modern Chevy Colorados are equipped with a 3.6L V6, a 2.5L inline-4, or a 2.8L turbodiesel inline-4, according to this Koons White Marsh Chevrolet page and this MotorBiscuit article. 
• Future possibility: It is more likely that a V8 Colorado could be an aftermarket modification, such as a V8 swap, rather than a future factory option, notes this MotorTrend article. 

This video discusses the future of the Chevy Colorado's engine options: 57ssavagegeeseYouTube · Aug 18, 2023

What year to stay away from Chevy Colorado?

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. 

Did the 2009 Colorado come with a V8?

Those folks were usually looking to go fast. Big power in a light truck can make for some startling acceleration times. That sort of combination finally can be had from the factory. The Chevrolet Colorado is available for 2009 with an optional 5.3-liter V-8.

Which Chevy Colorado engine is the best?

The best Chevy Colorado engine is the 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder, particularly the high-output version, for its combination of power, smooth acceleration, and efficiency. For models without the high-output tune, the engine provides up to 310 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output tune, standard on the ZR2, offers 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. 
This video discusses the features of the 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado: 58sDownshiftYouTube · Sep 24, 2024

• Performance: The 2.7L turbo provides strong acceleration and mid-range passing power, making it suitable for both city and highway driving. The high-output version is particularly strong and is the standard for the ZR2 model. 
• Efficiency: This engine is also praised for being relatively fuel-efficient for its class, with one review noting it achieved over 22 MPG. 
• Smoothness and quietness: The engine is generally described as smooth, quiet, and well-matched with its eight-speed automatic transmission. 
• Towing: The high-output version of the 2.7L turbo can tow up to 7,700 pounds, a substantial capability for a midsize truck. 

This video reviews the 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 2026 Chevy Colorado ZR2: 1mAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Aug 30, 2025
For models without the 2.7L turbo, other engines were available: 

• Previous Generation 3.6L V6: This was a popular option on older models, delivering 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, which was good for towing and general driving. 
• Previous Generation 2.5L Four-Cylinder: On some older models, this engine produced around 193–200 horsepower and was suitable for basic day-to-day driving.