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What year did the Colorado have the 5.3 engine?

The Chevrolet Colorado, a popular mid-size pickup truck, has been equipped with a 5.3-liter engine option at various points in its production history. This article will provide a detailed overview of when the 5.3 engine was available for the Colorado.


The 5.3 Engine in the Colorado


The 5.3-liter V8 engine has been a powertrain option for the Chevrolet Colorado at certain times during the truck's production run. The 5.3 engine was first introduced as an option for the Colorado in 2015. This engine, part of General Motors' EcoTec3 engine family, offered increased power and torque compared to the standard 4-cylinder and V6 engine options available for the Colorado.


The 5.3-liter V8 remained an available option for the Colorado through the 2019 model year. However, in 2020, Chevrolet discontinued the 5.3 engine for the Colorado, leaving the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and 3.6-liter V6 as the only engine choices.


Key Specifications of the 5.3 Engine



  • Displacement: 5.3 liters (325 cubic inches)

  • Horsepower: 305 hp @ 5,600 rpm

  • Torque: 269 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm

  • Fuel Economy (2WD): 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway

  • Fuel Economy (4WD): 16 mpg city / 22 mpg highway


The 5.3-liter V8 engine provided a significant boost in power and capability for Colorado owners who needed more towing and hauling capacity than the standard 4-cylinder and V6 engines could offer. However, the tradeoff was slightly lower fuel economy compared to the smaller displacement engines.

What's the difference between a 5.3 Vortec and 5.3 LS?


Nothing really. Engines with the LS designation were typically set up for passenger car duty while the Vortec line was for GM's SUV and truck lines. In other words, the difference is in the marketing and where the various engines were going to be used across the GM brands.



Which year 5.3 to avoid?


The Gen 4 Vortec is a 5.3-liter V8, and those are normally quite reliable– but its Active Fuel Management system causes many, many problems. The AFM system is a major factor in why the 2012 and 2014 Silverado model years are notorious for engine problems.



What year did Chevy put V8 in Colorado?


2009
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.



What is the standard engine in a Chevy Colorado?


2.7-liter four-cylinder
Every Colorado is powered by Chevy's turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder, which makes 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission.



What year is Chevy Colorado best?


Top 3 Chevy Colorado Years to Buy (and one to Avoid)

  • 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The 2009 Chevrolet Colorado marked a significant milestone in the model's history, introducing several key improvements that still make it practical in 2024.
  • 2023 Chevrolet Colorado.
  • 2020 Chevrolet Colorado.
  • 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show.



Can you get a V8 in a Chevy Colorado?


And 2011 which produced 300 horsepower and 320 lb feet of torque. If Chevrolet were to revive this setup for the 2025. Model the natural candidate would be a proven 5.3 L displacement.



What does LS stand for on a Chevy Colorado?


Luxury Sport
Let's get the easiest part out of the way: the LT trim level is always above the LS trim level. But how do they differ for Griffin drivers? In the beginning, LS stood for “Luxury Sport,” but now it's often the name of the base Chevy trim level, which also means it's the most affordable.



What year did Chevy come out with the V8 engine?


1917
The 265 cu in (4.3 L) "Turbo-Fire" V8 was the second Chevrolet small-block; the first Chevrolet V8 was produced in 1917.



What year did GM start using the 5.3 engine?


The first Vortec-branded 5.3L V8 hit the market in 1999, and the transition to Gen IV came with the 2007 model year. However, some Gen III engines were still under the hood of 2007 model-year trucks and SUVs.



What is the engine code for a 2009 5.3 Colorado?


LH8 L
2009 Chevrolet COLORADO (5.3L 8 -cyl Engine Code [L] LH8 L) Motor Oil, Filters and Lubricants - AMSOIL.


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.