The Colorado has three excellent engine choices to choose from: the 2.5-liter, 3.6-liter V6, and 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel.
2.5-liter
The 2.5-liter engine is an inline four cylinder that puts out 200 horsepower and 191 pound feet of torque. This modest power is matched to a six-speed manual transmission, which allows the Colorado to return up to 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. It has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, and while this all seems average compared to other mid-size trucks on the market, that doesn’t mean it’s incapable of performing well.
3.6-liter
The available gas engine is the 3.6-liter V6, and it cranks out a huge 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. This is a massive increase compared to the 2.5-liter engine, and it generates up to 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. On four-wheel drive models, the fuel economy is naturally decreased a bit, but it gets the ability to tow an impressive 7,000 pounds. Besides, returning that type of fuel economy is impressive for a V6 engine.
Duramax 2.8-liter
The Duramax 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine puts out 181 horsepower, and lands best-in-class torque at 269 lb-ft. With this engine equipped, the Colorado also lands best-in-class fuel economy of 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, and a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. With three best-in-class ratings, it’s easy to see why the Colorado equipped with this engine dominates the competition.