Whats the biggest motor you can get in a Chevy Colorado?
Displacement: the largest engine currently available
To understand the size of the powerplants you can order, here are the two engines Chevrolet offers for the Colorado today. The diesel is physically larger, but the gasoline turbo delivers more horsepower. The figures below summarize the core specs you’ll want to know when choosing between them.
- 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel inline-4 — displacement: 2.8 L; horsepower: 181 hp; torque: 369 lb-ft; notes: best for towing and fuel efficiency; availability varies by trim and model year
- 2.7-liter turbocharged gasoline inline-4 — displacement: 2.7 L; horsepower: 310 hp; torque: 430 lb-ft; notes: highest horsepower in the lineup; widely available across trims
Bottom line: the largest engine by physical size is the 2.8L Duramax diesel, while the most powerful engine in terms of peak output is the 2.7L turbo gasoline.
Context and practical implications
Engine choice directly affects how the Colorado handles tasks like towing, payload, and daily driving. The diesel’s torque at low revs makes heavy hauling easier and can improve fuel economy on long trips, but it typically costs more upfront. The gas turbo, with its higher horsepower, offers brisk acceleration and confident highway performance, though fuel economy may not match the diesel in all conditions. Buyers should also consider drivetrain (2WD vs 4WD) and how often they plan to tow or haul heavy loads when picking an engine.
Summary
The biggest motor you can get in a Chevy Colorado depends on how you measure “biggest.” By displacement, the 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel is the largest option. By horsepower, the 2.7-liter turbocharged gasoline engine delivers the most power with 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are part of the current Colorado lineup, with no V6 or V8 option in this generation. For most buyers, the choice comes down to towing needs, daily drive feel, and long-term fuel considerations—so check the latest specs for your specific year and trim.
