The wait is finally over with the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon Duramax diesels which will arrive at dealerships later this fall.
The only one in the mid-size pickup class, the new 2.8 liter four-cylinder Duramax turbo-diesel has 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, an engine GM says will be the cleanest light truck diesel they’ve ever built.
Based on a proven design offered in the global versions of the Chevrolet Colorado pickups for some time, the engine has been tweaked to meet North American emissions standards and will use diesel-exhaust fluid injection to help achieve its cleanliness.
It features a “smart diesel” exhaust brake and the torque converter in its standard six-speed automatic transmission has has a centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber to reduce NVH. And, if it matters you you, it can run on B20 bio-diesel.
All Colorado and Canyon Duramax pickups come standard with a tow package which brings integrated trailer brake controller and an automatic locking rear axle with a 3.42 ratio.
These net up to a 7,700 pound tow rating with 2-wheel drive, slightly less with 4-wheel drive.
There will be no base work truck Duramax available here. The diesel engine is only available in crew cab models with upper-end trim grades.
Packed into highly outfitted trucks, GM says the uptick for the diesel engine is about $3,750 over a V6 gas engine. That will put pricing between 35-40k on average.
GM has not yet announced fuel-economy information or final pricing just yet. We’ll bring you a far more detailed review when we get behind the wheel later this fall.
