The Chevy Colorado does not come with a V8 engine. The latter is simply not an option in any current production models of this vehicle. However, back in 2009, Chevrolet did offer a V8-lie engine in its compact pickup truck.
This vehicle line was not promoted as a V8 truck, and there are very few of them still around.
The Chevy Colorado is offered with a 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel. This particular diesel engine is often compared to a V8 engine, which is why it is popular with those partial to the latter.
Why Are V8 Engines Popular?
The V8 engine is popular because of its balance to power output and torque. Smaller engine configurations do not have the power output of an 8-inch cylinder engine. Larger engines tend to have high power output but are too heavy and consume too much gas.
The V8 strikes a perfect balance between these two extremes. It is relatively compact and light and balances horsepower, torque, and fuel economy rather well.
Chevy Colorado—Popular Even Without the V8 Engine
The Chevy Colorado is still a very popular midsize truck. It is offered in many different trims and configurations, which have proved popular with drivers across the nation. The towing feature is among the most popular in Chevy Colorado.
If you are interested in this brand of truck, you should learn all about its towing capacity, and you should get insight into issues related to transmission and mileage.
What Kind of Engine is in a Chevy Colorado?
Several engine options are available for the Chevy Colorado. The vehicle comes with multiple engine configurations depending on which trim level you choose. They are as follows:
1. 2.5L 4-Cylinder Engine
This is the least powerful engine of all available options. However, it excels in other areas. The most important to point out is its miles-per-gallon. What you lose in horsepower you will more than make up for in the money you save on gas.
The 4-cylinder Chevy Colorado is also the most affordable of all the options. It is great for people who are looking to save money on their car note and have a limited budget for gas.
2. 3.6L V6 Engine
This is a powerful engine. It is designed to drive the vehicle faster and to tow a greater amount of weight. If you must regularly haul and tow heavy objects for work or personal reasons, you should consider this option. It will provide the kind of performance you require.
3. 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel 4-Cylinder Engine
This is the engine that everyone raves about. It is the closest in design and power to the V8 engine. Indeed, you should not be misled by the 4 cylinders. This is a diesel engine, and diesel engines have greater power and last longer than gas engines.
However, the fuel costs for such engines are higher, so you should keep that in mind.
There is also the availability of diesel. Depending on where you live, you may find it harder to find a service station that offers diesel fuel. It is not really a problem on interstate highways and in more rural states. However, you may have to go out of your way if you live in a metropolitan area.
What is the Best Chevy Colorado Engine for Towing?
Without a doubt: the Duramax turbo-diesel. This engine gives the truck a maximum towing capacity of 7700 pounds. Keep in mind that the average pickup truck can tow around 5000 pounds.
The V6 tows up to 7000 pounds, and the 2.5L 4-cylinder can only manage 3500 pounds. If you are concerned about the cost of running your vehicle on a diesel engine, then the V6 may produce power that is close enough to your requirements. If you have nothing to tow at all, then the 4-cylinder may do just fine.
Reports of Transmission Problems?
Some Chevy Colorado owners have reported problems with the transmission in the 2015 through 2017 models. If you are buying a used Chevy Colorado from any of those years, then you should have the transmission inspected and evaluated by a professional before you purchase it.
There may be a reason why you are getting the vehicle for such a low price.
Are There Other Issues?
In general, the Chevy Colorado has a reputation for being a solidly made vehicle. However, complaints and problems have cropped up now and then. Some drivers reported losing power steering in the 2015 model.
Others have reported that their check-engine light comes on arbitrarily. There have also been reports of random engine misfires and troubles with rear wheels.
The evidence indicates that such problems stem from production rather than design issues. This means that there are no systematic flaws in the vehicle.
What is High Mileage for the Chevy Colorado?
In most instances, a vehicle that has accumulated more than 12,000 miles in a single year is considered to have high mileage. A Chevy Colorado that has over 60,000 miles in less than three years is a vehicle that has been driven a lot.
This does not mean that the vehicle will not last another 60,000 miles. The Chevy Colorado is a solid and durable truck. If it is well taken care of, then it will continue to go without any problems.
These are some of the things you will need to think about if you intend to purchase a used Chevy Colorado.
Is There Such Thing as Too Much Mileage?
Not really. Chevrolet is a brand name in the automobile industry, and it builds vehicles to last. The used Chevy Colorado that you purchase may have years more life to it. If you are thinking about buying a vehicle with high mileage on it, then you should look at the repair records.
Going online to Carfax will get you this document. This report will give you insight into what has been to the vehicle. If your prospective Colorado had its engine and transmission replaced after 190,000 miles, it is probably good to go for some time.
If the vehicle has reached the 200,000-mile mark and has never had any major repairs, then the current owner has probably taken very good care of it, and you should not anticipate any problems.
However, there is only so far a vehicle can be pushed before it requires major maintenance, replacement, and repair work. If you are looking at a Chevy Colorado that has 300,000 miles on it and no record of a repair or part replacement, you should be skeptical of the information provided to you.
If you are a bit of a tinkerer and automotive DIY person, you may want to buy a high-mileage Chevy Colorado for a low price and change the engine yourself. In this case, you must ensure that the chassis and other features of the vehicle are sound.
If this is not your interest, if you are just looking for a reliable Chevy Colorado to carry out your daily routine, then you should look for a vehicle with the lowest mileage on it.
You are unlikely to have much trouble with such a vehicle in the immediate future. It will get you from point A to point B and back again.
