Why is Chevy getting rid of the diesel in Colorado?

The short answer: Chevrolet is eliminating the diesel option for the Colorado midsize pickup, driven by shifting demand, rising costs, and a broader move toward electrification and gasoline-powered alternatives.

In more detail, GM has signaled a shift away from diesel in this segment as part of a broader realignment of its light-truck lineup. The change affects buyers who might have relied on the Duramax turbo-diesel for high torque and strong towing, while aligning Chevrolet with a future-focused strategy that emphasizes gasoline engines and, in the longer term, electric powertrains. Industry observers note that diesel demand in the Colorado segment has struggled to justify the ongoing costs of certification, maintenance, and regulatory compliance in the face of competition from efficient gasoline engines and planned EV variants.

Context: The Colorado, diesel, and the market shift

Before examining the implications, it helps to understand the broader context driving the decision.

• Market demand for diesel in midsize pickups has remained tepid compared with gasoline and alternative powertrains. Buyers increasingly favor lower upfront costs, simpler maintenance, and fuel options with stronger resale appeal.


• Cost and complexity of diesel technology—engine certification, emissions equipment, and required maintenance—add to the total cost of ownership for the vehicle and can complicate dealer service operations.


• Regulatory and emissions considerations are evolving, with tighter standards in some regions and ongoing scrutiny of diesel exhaust systems, which can influence product feasibility and compliance risk.


• GM’s electrification strategy prioritizes battery-electric and other advanced powertrains across its truck lineup, shaping the long-term viability of diesel offerings in light-duty trucks like the Colorado.


• Product portfolio efficiency: simplifying engine options can streamline manufacturing, supply chains, and dealer inventories, especially as GM reallocates capacity toward EV development and other core platforms.

Taken together, these factors help explain why Chevrolet is reducing the Duramax diesel option in the Colorado and transitioning toward powertrains that align with the company’s broader strategic priorities.

Implications for Colorado buyers and the market

As the diesel option recedes, buyers and dealers face a different decision matrix. Here’s what to expect and where to weigh options.

• Fewer high-torque, diesel-powered configurations: The Colorado’s diesel alternative is no longer part of the lineup, so customers must rely on gasoline engines (and any future electrified options) for torque and towing profiles.


• Shift in pricing and value: With one fewer powertrain choice, the price spread within Colorado trims may shift, and resale values for diesel-equipped models could fade as the option becomes scarce.


• Maintenance and ownership experience: Gasoline engines generally offer simpler maintenance paths and broader service coverage, while the absence of a diesel option reduces long-term maintenance considerations for some fleet customers.


• Dealer and service network impact: Service staffing and parts logistics for diesel systems may be reduced, affecting turnaround times and availability for remaining diesel-equipped vehicles in markets where any remain.


• Impact on fleets and contractors: Businesses that prioritised diesel for towing or long-idle duty cycles may reassess vehicle specifications, potentially opting for gasoline configurations with high-torque characteristics or considering non-Colorado GM trucks or competitors.

In short, buyers will likely shift toward gasoline-powered Colorado options now, while future electrified variants—if offered—could further redefine the truck’s practical towing and work-use profile.

What GM has said and what to watch next

Public statements from General Motors emphasize its broader push toward electrification and product simplification across light-duty trucks. While the company has not issued a blanket, long-term directive for every model to drop diesel, the Colorado’s current trajectory reflects the industry-wide trend away from diesel in favor of more versatile, cleaner, and increasingly electrified options. Here’s what to monitor going forward.

• Official model-year updates: Look for Colorado configuration sheets and dealer ordering guides for confirmation of diesel being unavailable in certain markets or all markets for upcoming model years.


• Electrified Colorado plans: Any announcements about an electric Colorado or hybrid variants would shape long-term powertrain strategy and customer options.


• Fleet incentives and availability: Fleet customers often drive platform decisions; watch for changes in incentives, rental and contractor programs, and special-use configurations related to the Colorado lineup.

As GM continues its transition toward electrification and streamlined powertrains, Colorado buyers should stay in close contact with their local Chevrolet dealer to understand current and future options, availability, and pricing in their region.

Summary

Chevrolet’s decision to discontinue the diesel option in the Colorado aligns with a broader industry shift away from diesel in light-duty pickups. Contributing factors include waning demand for diesel in this segment, higher ownership and regulatory costs, and a strategic emphasis on gasoline alternatives and electrified powertrains. For now, buyers will see fewer diesel configurations and may be guided toward gasoline variants, with future electrified options potentially redefining what a Colorado can tow and how it performs as emission standards and customer expectations continue to evolve. Always verify the latest model-year configurations with your local Chevrolet dealer, as availability can vary by region and year.

Why are they getting rid of diesel trucks?

California's Advanced Clean Fleet rule, which phases out diesel trucks, was one of the most far-reaching and controversial rules that California has enacted in recent years to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases.

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 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.

Does the 2025 Colorado come with a diesel engine?

The 2025 Chevy Colorado comes with a range of engine options, including a robust V6 and an efficient diesel variant, ensuring you get the perfect balance of power and fuel economy for your needs.