Production of the dependable 2.8-liter oil-burner has ended.
After many years of faithful service, General Motors is finally putting the aging Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon out to pasture. The midsize pickup truck has been around for quite some time and, while it received a minor update in 2021, there’s no denying it’s outclassed by the competition.
As the Colorado nears the end of its life, the underpowered but trusty 2.8-liter Duramax diesel is no more. Production of the 181-horsepower mill ended on July 4, meaning that it’s no longer available to order for the 2022 model year. If you were hoping to get your hands on a diesel-powered Colorado, your best bet would be to purchase an existing example at a dealer or perhaps order your run-out pickup with the asthmatic 2.5-liter or the 3.6-liter V6.
Chevrolet
But we’re not quite sure why you’d do such a thing. Chevrolet has already given us a teaser of the all-new Colorado and, while we couldn’t see much, it already looks like a massive improvement. More imposing and muscular than its predecessor, the newcomer will, alas, only be available with just one engine with the 2023 model getting the turbocharged 2.7-liter gas engine which does duty in the larger Silverado and GMC Sierra.
In these full-size offerings, the four-cylinder powerplant produces 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque; more than enough for the smaller truck. It will be mated to the 10-speed automatic transmission.
This would make it more powerful than the 3.6-liter V6, which boasts outputs of 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. We’re guessing it will be more economical too, but certainly not as frugal as the turbodiesel. Still, we expect more engines will be made available in the coming months.
Those itching to get their hands on the new Colorado won’t have to wait much longer. The reveal of the new model is set to take place on July 28, with more details to be announced then. With the latest-generation Ford Ranger expected to touch down next year, the competition will be tough but, judging by the aforementioned teaser, the Colorado is more than a match for its Dearborn-based rival.
We wouldn’t be surprised if an all-electric derivative is in the cards, either. Chevrolet has already proven it is capable of making desirable battery-powered trucks and with an electrified Ranger in the works, it would make a lot of sense.
