The third generation 2023 Chevrolet Colorado midsize pickup is great news. Both the exterior and interior are completely new designs. But buried in the fine print comes word that GM is dropping three of the staples of the Colorado engine line. Not included in the 2023 lineup are the 2.8-liter Duramax diesel, base 2.5-liter four-cylinder, and 3.6-liter V6 engines.

The current Colorado and sister GMC Canyon pickups have hung in there since 2015. Not a lot changed over that time. It was due for some major upgrades. Instead, we got a completely new truck. And a new engine as well. 

Which engine options are available in the 2023 Colorado truck?

Now there are three versions of the 2.7-liter I4 that were the base engine for the Silverado pickups. The first is the turbocharged 2.7-liter with 237 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. Next up is the 310-hp version with 390 lb-ft of torque. The 2.7-liter Turbo High-Output four also has 310 hp but grunts out 430 lb-ft of torque. All three of the I4s are backed by the eight-speed automatic. Both 2WD and 4WD powertrains are available. 

The outgoing 2.8-liter turbodiesel Duramax engine cranked out 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It featured variable-geometry turbocharging. This alters the turbo housing to maintain its aspect ratio. This means minimal lag, a low boost threshold, and more efficiency during high-speed runs. 

Though the block was cast iron, to save weight the cylinder head was aluminum. Its efficiency numbers were 22 mpg City, and 30 mpg Highway driving with two-wheel-drive. The Chevrolet Duramax debuted in 2016 and could tow up to 7,700 lbs. It was one of the smaller, more affordable truck diesel engines at the time of its introduction. 

Was the 3.6-liter V6 in the Chevrolet Colorado a good engine?

The 3.6-liter V6 LFX/LGZ engine came in a wide range of GM products. Early versions (before 2016) had timing chain issues for a variety of reasons. But the LGZ version of GM’s venerable V6 saw extensive use and performance for its owners. It became available in 2016 for 2017 models of both the Colorado and Canyon pickups. 

As for the 2023 Colorado, what we know is that with the three-inch extra wheelbase from the second-gen versions, it should ride better. However, if you’re expecting an extended two-door cab, that has also been dropped. Chevy is only offering a four-door crew cab with a 62-inch box. 

GM is definitely streamlining its pickup lines. Of course, the variety of cabs, beds, and engines is what has made pickup trucks so popular. Could GM be shooting itself in the foot? We’ll have to wait and see once the truck has a year or so under its belt to see how it fares against trucks with more options and cab styles.