Chevrolet Colorado

Chevrolet Colorado: Which Version to Buy and Why

The best Chevrolet Colorado version depends on whether the priority is low-rev torque, maximum horsepower, AWD, or a lighter RWD configuration. Among the supplied specifications, the current-generation 2.7 i with 314 hp, 529 Nm, an 8-speed Automatic, and AWD is the strongest all-round choice.

The best Chevrolet Colorado version depends on whether the priority is low-rev torque, maximum horsepower, AWD, or a lighter RWD configuration. Among the supplied specifications, the current-generation 2.7 i with 314 hp, 529 Nm, an 8-speed Automatic, and AWD is the strongest all-round choice. The second-generation 2.8 AT Diesel delivers almost as much torque—500 Nm—but only 184 hp, making it the torque-focused alternative. Buyers seeking a simpler Gasoline powertrain can consider the 2.5 AT with 200 hp, while the first-generation range offers the widest variety, including 4- and 5-speed gearboxes, RWD or AWD, and engines from 2,800 to 5,300 cc.

Chevrolet Colorado generations and the versions worth comparing

The first generation ran from 2004 through 2012 as a Pickup double-cab. The database contains 41 modifications, with 12 shown here. Its listed choices include 2.8 AT, 2.8 MT, 2.9 AT, 2.9 MT, 5.3 AT, and 5.3 MT versions. Power spans 175–300 hp, while the available transmissions have either 4 or 5 speeds. RWD and AWD configurations are represented. This generation is the one to examine if engine variety and transmission choice matter more than having the newest specification.

The second generation ran from 2012 through June 2016 as a Pickup double-cab and contains 12 modifications. Its principal choices are the 2.5 MT and 2.5 AT Gasoline versions with 200 hp and 259 Nm, the 3.6 AT Gasoline version with 305 hp and 365 Nm, and the 2.8 AT Diesel with 184 hp and 500 Nm. All listed gearboxes have 6 speeds, and both RWD and AWD appear in the range.

The second-generation restyling ran from July 2016 through January 2023, remaining a Pickup double-cab and adding 10 listed modifications within the same generation. The core version names are 2.5 AT, 3.6 AT, and 2.8 AT. Their outputs remain 200 hp and 259 Nm, 305 hp and 365 Nm, and 184 hp and 500 Nm respectively. Every listed restyled version uses a 6-speed Automatic, with RWD and AWD configurations available.

The third generation began in 2023 as a Pickup double-cab and has 3 listed modifications, all named 2.7 i. They must be distinguished by output and drive: 2.7 i with 240 hp and RWD; 2.7 i with 314 hp, 529 Nm, and RWD; and 2.7 i with 314 hp, 529 Nm, and AWD. All use a turbocharged Inline Gasoline engine with 4 cylinders. The 314 hp versions have an 8-speed Automatic; the gear count for the 240 hp version is not measured.

Chevrolet Colorado engine options and specs

Repeated names below identify different drive, transmission, or generation-specific configurations.

The third-generation 2.7 i with 314 hp produces about 116 hp per litre when calculated from 2,700 cc, or about 115 hp per litre in the 2,727 cc AWD specification. The second-generation 3.6 AT produces about 86 hp per litre, while the 2.5 AT produces about 81 hp per litre. The first-generation 5.3 versions produce about 57 hp per litre. These figures describe output relative to displacement; they do not establish durability or operating cost.

The output progression is also clear. The 314 hp 2.7 i has 9 hp more than the 305 hp 3.6 AT and 14 hp more than the 300 hp 5.3 versions. Its 529 Nm exceeds the second-generation 2.8 AT Diesel by 29 Nm, the first-generation 5.3 versions by 80 Nm, and the 3.6 AT by 164 Nm. Compared with the 240 hp 2.7 i, the stronger RWD version adds 74 hp, but the data do not provide torque for the 240 hp specification.

Chevrolet Colorado performance, MPG, and economy

Acceleration from 0–100 km/h is not measured for every listed version. Top speed is also not measured for most versions. The exception is the first-generation 2.8 AT and 2.8 MT Gasoline configurations, for which the listed maximum speed is 175 km/h.

Fuel consumption is measured only for two first-generation RWD configurations: the 2.8 AT with 175 hp and the 2.8 MT with 175 hp. Both are listed at 12.3 l/100 km in the city, 8.3 l/100 km on the highway, and 10.5 l/100 km combined. Fuel consumption is not measured for the corresponding AWD versions and is not measured for the other listed modifications. No MPG conversion is supplied in the data.

The third-generation 314 hp 2.7 i reaches 529 Nm at 2,000 rpm in the AWD specification. The second-generation 2.8 AT Diesel reaches 500 Nm at 2,000 rpm. The 3.6 AT produces 365 Nm at 4,000 rpm, while the 2.5 AT produces 259 Nm at 4,400 rpm. These measured torque peaks favor the 2.7 i and 2.8 AT Diesel when low-rpm torque is the deciding specification.

Chevrolet Colorado dimensions, weight, and capacity

Overall exterior dimensions are not measured in the supplied data. Kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, fuel-tank capacity, and wheel sizes are available for selected versions.

In the second generation, the 2.5 MT RWD has a kerb weight of 1,796 kg and 200 hp, or approximately 9.0 kg per horsepower. The 2.5 AT RWD can weigh 1,778 kg, giving approximately 8.9 kg per horsepower. The 3.6 AT RWD specifications range from 1,855 to 1,919 kg; at 305 hp, that is approximately 6.1–6.3 kg per horsepower. The 3.6 AT AWD specifications range from 1,955 to 2,019 kg, or approximately 6.4–6.6 kg per horsepower.

For the restyled second generation, the listed 2.5 AT configurations weigh 1,762–1,855 kg, the 3.6 AT configurations weigh 1,864–2,007 kg, and the 2.8 AT Diesel configurations weigh 2,022–2,129 kg. The lightest listed restyled 3.6 AT has approximately 6.1 kg per horsepower, whereas the lightest listed 2.8 AT Diesel has approximately 11.0 kg per horsepower. The Diesel counters that power-to-weight disadvantage with 135 Nm more torque than the 3.6 AT.

Second-generation gross weights extend from 2,449 to 2,722 kg in the listed Gasoline configurations. The restyled range extends from 2,449 to 2,767 kg, although one AWD 2.8 AT entry lists 2,153 kg. Both measured third-generation 314 hp versions have a gross weight of 2,835 kg; their kerb weights are not measured, so weight per horsepower cannot be calculated.

Ground clearance in the second-generation records varies from 206 to 213 mm, with one specification at 212 mm. Every restyled second-generation modification lists 213 mm. First-generation 2.9 versions list 196 mm with RWD and 264 mm with AWD, a difference of 68 mm. Ground clearance for the third generation is not measured.

The first-generation fuel tank holds 72 litres, the second-generation tank holds 80 litres, and the restyled second-generation tank holds 79 litres. The measured third-generation 314 hp versions hold 81 litres. Tank capacity for the 240 hp 2.7 i is not measured.

Listed first-generation 2.9 wheel sizes are 235/75 R16, 265/70 R17, and 235/65 R18. Listed second-generation and restyled second-generation sizes are 265/70 R16, 255/65 R17, and 265/60 R18. Third-generation wheel sizes are not measured.

Chevrolet Colorado engine problems and reliability

Engine problems, reliability records, oil capacity, engine-oil specifications, engine-number location, and timing marks are not measured in the supplied data. No version can therefore be ranked for reliability from these specifications alone. The figures do support comparison of displacement, output, torque, boost, gearbox, drive, and weight, but they do not prove that one engine will require less maintenance than another.

Which Chevrolet Colorado version should you buy?

For the strongest specification, choose the third-generation 2.7 i with 314 hp, 529 Nm, an 8-speed Automatic, and AWD. It combines the highest listed horsepower and torque with AWD. The RWD 314 hp 2.7 i offers the same measured outputs and the same gearbox, so it is the corresponding choice when AWD is unnecessary.

For Diesel torque, choose the second-generation or restyled second-generation 2.8 AT. Its 184 hp is modest, but its 500 Nm at 2,000 rpm is only 29 Nm below the strongest 2.7 i and 135 Nm above the 3.6 AT. The restyled range offers both RWD and AWD 2.8 AT configurations; the earlier second-generation Diesel shown here is AWD.

For Gasoline power without turbocharging, the 3.6 AT is the standout second-generation choice. Its 305 hp is 105 hp above the 2.5 AT, while its 365 Nm is 106 Nm higher. In the listed restyled RWD examples, the lightest 3.6 AT weighs 102 kg more than the lightest 2.5 AT but gains 105 hp, a favorable exchange when straight-line output matters more than minimizing kerb weight.

For a lower-output second-generation configuration, choose the 2.5 AT or 2.5 MT. Both produce 200 hp and 259 Nm from 2,457 cc. The 2.5 MT is available in the pre-restyling data with a 6-speed Manual and RWD; the restyled records list only the 6-speed Automatic. AWD adds 77 kg when comparing the second-generation 2.5 AT entries at 1,778 and 1,855 kg, while output remains unchanged.

For the widest mechanical choice, consider the first generation. The 5.3 AT and 5.3 MT provide 300 hp and 449 Nm with RWD or AWD. The 2.9 versions produce 188 hp and 258 Nm, while the 2.8 versions produce 175 hp and 250 Nm. Moving from the 2.8 to the 2.9 adds 13 hp and 8 Nm. Moving from the 2.9 to the 5.3 adds 112 hp and 191 Nm, but fuel consumption for that comparison is not measured.

The data contain no prices, listings, or trim-specific specifications for ZR2, Trail Boss, or Z71, so no claim can be made about what additional money buys with those names. On measurable specifications alone, the third-generation 314 hp 2.7 i AWD is the performance-and-traction choice, the 2.8 AT Diesel is the second-generation torque choice, the 3.6 AT is the naturally aspirated Gasoline choice, and the 2.5 AT is the lighter-output alternative.