Although we had a chance to test-drive the new diesel-powered Colorado recently at a press launch in Solvang, California, what we didn’t know then is exactly what the fuel economy would be, as the EPA testing wasn’t completed at the time. Today, the wait is over, as Chevrolet can lay claim to having the most fuel-efficient truck in the U.S. with its 31 mpg highway fuel economy for the two-wheel-drive version of the diesel Colorado.
Even though the two-wheel-drive version will lead the headlines, the 4×4 version isn’t too far off the mark, as it offers a 29 mpg highway rating. Chevy announced today in a press release that the EPA has issued a Certificate of Conformity for the Chevrolet Colorado Duramax diesel, and that there were no concerns expressed after the extensive testing and evaluation of the emission control system on the Colorado Duramax diesel (even with VW no doubt raising plenty of red flags for all diesel after its shenanigans).
Chevy says that with the Colorado’s stock 21-gallon fuel tank, the 2WD model offers a maximum highway range of 651 miles per tank.
“The Colorado Duramax diesel is in a league of its own,” said Sandor Piszar, director of Chevrolet Truck Marketing. “Colorado’s gas models already led the segment in fuel efficiency, and the new diesel – which no other non-GM competitor offers on a midsize truck – gives customers even greater freedom to go where they want with fewer fill-ups.”
Aside from the highway numbers, the two-wheel-drive Colorado Duramax offers an EPA estimated 22 mpg city and 25 mpg combined. In the city, the 4×4 version offers an an EPA estimated 20 mpg city and 23 mpg combined.
As we noted in our recent first drive story, the Duramax-powered Colorado features segment-leading towing capability with 7,700 pounds (3,492 kg) on 2WD models and up to 7,600 pounds (3,447 kg) for 4WD models when equipped with the trailering package. The 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine produces 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, and it will be paired with the same Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission found on the gasoline-powered models.
The Colorado diesel will be arriving in dealerships anytime and will be 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 V-6 model.
MORE CHEVY COLORADO
2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax Diesel First Drive