Chevrolet introduced the second-generation Colorado for the 2015 model year, along with its GMC corporate counterpart, the Canyon. Both trucks have remained unchanged since then, besides the introduction of the 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel in 2016. But now for the 2017 model year, the Colorado is getting a heavily revised gasoline V-6 and GM’s eight-speed automatic transmission.

As we detailed in a news piece, the upgraded V-6 and eight-speed automatic bring more power, better off-the-line acceleration, and improved fuel economy. The rest of the Colorado remains unchanged for the 2017 model year. That’s not a bad thing as the pickup’s design still looks fresh.

The Colorado comes in both extended and crew cab configurations, with both short and long bed sizes. Three trim levels appeal to a wide range of buyers and budgets – from the base WT to the mid-grade LT and to the off-road oriented Z71. Three engines are available, as well, giving customers plenty of options.

The base powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. It can be mated to a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. Customers who drive long highway distances or regularly tow or haul will love the 2.8-liter Duramax with its 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Optioned in a 2WD Colorado, and the Duramax will return 31 mpg on the highway. The volume-leading engine is the 3.6-liter V-6. We’ll dive into that engine below.

Chevrolet has not released pricing details for the 2017 Colorado, but we expect a slight increase to the truck’s pricing scale.

Continue reading for the full run-down of the 2017 Chevy Colorado.

2017 Chevrolet Colorado

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Chevrolet Colorado
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 200
  • Torque: 191
  • Transmission: six-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What Makes It Different

Chevrolet has not released any official details regarding the changes for the 2017 Colorado beyond the powertrain updates, but the truck is expected to remain unchanged. That means the two cab configurations, two bed lengths, two other engine options, three trim levels, and all the available options will return.

There is the potential Chevrolet will release the rumored ZR2 package. Heralded as a dedicated off-roader that competes with the Ford Raptor, Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, and Ram Rebel, the ZR2 will combine heavy-duty suspension parts, beefy tires, and unique body adornments.

That aside, we have the nitty-gritty details on the new V-6.

The engine is a heavily revised version of the familiar 3.6-liter engine found in the 2015 and 2016 Colorado. It now comes with an updated variable valve timing system for both the intake and exhaust sides. The direct injection fuel system also sees big improvements. Engineers also added Active Fuel Management to the V-6 for the first time, allowing the V-6 to operate as a V-4 in low-load situations. This, combined with the other improvements, helps the engine deliver better fuel economy.

Along with the fuel conservation efforts, the all-aluminum V-6 gains three horsepower and six pound-feet of torque. This means the 2017 3.6-liter now makes 308 horses and 275 pound-feet of torque.

Combined with the engine updates is GM’s Hydra-Matic 8L45 eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the 6L80 six-speed auto. Not only does this give the Colorado two more overdrive gears, it also allowed engineers to shorten first gear, making it a lower ratio better suited for high torque output. This makes the 2017 Colorado faster off the line and better equipped to tow heavy loads.

There’s no word on whether the Colorado’s tow ratings or payload capacities will change, but the pickup’s EPA-estimated fuel economy numbers are very much expected to increase. Currently the 2016 Colorado in 2WD with the 3.6-liter gets 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. We expect to see at least one mpg improvement around town and a two mpg improvement on the highway.

Pricing has not been released for the 2017 Colorado, but once GM makes the announced, we’ll update you here.