The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado two-wheel drive pickup powered by the Duramax turbo-diesel will be the most fuel efficient pickup in America, offering an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated 31 mpg highway fuel economy. (The full-sized Ram 1500 reaches 29 highway miles per gallon with a diesel engine, and Ford’s F-150 with EcoBoost engine is rated 26 highway mpg.)
The EPA-estimated highway fuel economy for the diesel Colorado 4x4 is 29 mpg.
The EPA has issued a Certificate of Conformity for the Chevrolet Colorado Duramax diesel. The agency expressed no issues or concerns following its recent extensive testing and evaluation of the emission control system on the Colorado Duramax diesel.
The 2016 Colorado diesel 2WD offers an EPA estimated 22 mpg city and 25 mpg combined. The 4WD model offers an EPA estimated 20 mpg city and 23 mpg combined.
The all-new 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine generates 181 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. It is paired with the Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission.
A variable-geometry turbocharger helps optimize power and efficiency across the engine-speed band, while a balance shaft contributes to smoothness. Colorado’s diesel is engineered to be B20-capable.
Two new features add control and confidence to the Colorado diesel: smart diesel exhaust braking and an integrated trailer brake controller. Smart diesel exhaust braking enhances vehicle control and reduces brake wear by reducing the need for breaking on downgrades. The integrated trailer brake controller works with the antilock brake system to provide immediate and measured brake force, eliminating the need for an aftermarket trailer brake controller.
Colorado Duramax diesel’s fuel economy complements maximum trailering ratings of up to 7,700 lb. on 2WD models and up to 7,600 lb. for 4WD models with the available trailering package.
The Colorado diesel goes on sale this fall, offered in LT and Z71 Crew Cab models, with 2WD or 4WD. Pricing for the diesel engine option is $3,730 more than a comparably equipped 3.6L V6 model.
