The time has finally come for General Motors->ke1024 to release the long-promised 2.8-liter four-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel in its Colorado and Canyon midsized pickup trucks. The engine has been on the books for production for the 2016 model year ever since GM debuted the trucks back in 2014.

Until now, the two trucks have utilized the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder and previously range-topping 3.6-liter V-6 gasoline engines as the only options. With the introduction of the “baby” Duramax, customers demanding higher towing, payload, and fuel efficiency numbers can opt for the new engine.

Chevrolet->ke199 has set the diesel upgrade price at $3,730 more than the 3.6-liter V-6. The price includes some add-ons as well, making the cost seem more reasonable. A new six-speed automatic comes standard while 4WD models use a new transfer case. All Duramax Colorados get a diesel-exclusive exhaust brake and integrated trailer brake controller, along with all the emissions equipment that allow the engine to pass EPA standards.

Those trailering aids help boost the Colorado’s max towing capacity by 700 pounds to 7,700 pounds on 2WD models. Those equipped with 4WD can tow a maximum of 7,600 pounds. In keeping with the theme, a frame-mounted two-inch receiver hitch comes standard with the Duramax.

Chevrolet says the new Duramax won’t sacrifice comfort for capability. The transmission includes a new style of torque converter called a Centrifugal Pendulum Vibration Absorber. Long story short, the CPVA keeps excessive vibrations out of the driveline and therefore out of the cabin.

The EPA fuel economy estimates have not been released yet, but expect the Duramax Colorado to achieve better than 30 mpg on the highway. Sales should begin by late summer 2015.

Continue reading to learn more about the Chevrolet Colorado Duramax Diesel.

Exterior

Spotting a Duramax-equipped Colorado is best done with the badging on the front fenders. Beyond that, the classic diesel knock will likely be the second best way to spot this oil-burner. Other than that, the 2016 Colorado hasn’t changed since its introduction for 2015.

Of course there are plenty of special editions and optional trim packages available, but the standard look of the truck is unchanged. That’s not bad, however, as the Colorado and its GMC fraternal twin still look fresh. The Chevy’s front grille gives off a sporty vibe with its aggressive styling. The Colorado’s tail end still offers the best solution for getting into and out of the cargo bed with its bumper-mounted side steps and stake pocket handgrip.

All around, the Colorado still holds its handsome good looks – even compared to the newly revised 2016 Toyota Tacoma.

Interior

Like the outside, the interior is carried over from 2015. The only cosmetic differences are the addition of the integrated trailer brake controller and rearranged numbers on the tachometer. The Colorado’s interior offers room for five when equipped with the Crew Cab and room for four in the Extended Cab configuration. Like before, no regular cab configuration is offered.

The Colorado continues to offer Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system on the optional eight-inch touch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are new additions for 2016 as well. A second screen, this one measuring 3.4 inches, resides in the gauge cluster and offers the driver information on vehicle conditions.

From my experience in the 2015 Colorado Z71, the interior’s fit and finish are good, but not great. Rubbery plastics dominate the landscape while the seats feel somewhat small. Still, the truck is a good place to pass the miles with excellent outward visibility and good ergonomics.

Drivetrain

Now to the meat and potatoes of the Colorado’s 2016 update: the Duramax engine. The 2.8-liter inline four-cylinder is constructed with an iron block and aluminum heads that feature a DOHC design. A forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods are the heart of the engine and offer plenty of strength for dealing with typical diesel combustion pressures. Oil jets help keep piston temperatures down by squirting oil at the underside of each cylinder head. A laminated steel oil pan is constructed with an upper aluminum portion that Chevy says helps add structural rigidity to the block.

The Duramax’s turbo is a variable geometry unit that gets its own oiling supply. Chevy doesn’t list how much boost the turbo spools out, but its enough to produce 369 pound-feet of torque at only 2,000 rpm. Those who understand diesels know torque is what’s important. The fact this little four-cylinder is cranking out 369 pound-feet is far more important than what looks like a low horsepower rating. Chevy says the 2.8-liter Duramax is rated at 181 horsepower at 3,400 rpm.

Backing up the baby Duramax is a new transmission to the Colorado, GM’s Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic. Inside its torque converter is what’s known as a Centrifugal Pendulum Vibration Absorber – that in layman terms – reduces the amount of vibrations felt in the cab. Chevy says this is GM’s first application of a CPVA and is also a segment first. This should help make the Duramax a pleasure to drive on long trips – something the four-cylinder diesel should feel right at home doing.

The Duramax’s exhaust brake works just like one on a semi truck., helping to reduce speed while going down a hill. This keeps the brakes from being overworked and fading. Adding to the stopping power is the integrated trailer brake control. It is wired into the Colorado’s braking system and activates the trailer’s brakes to help aid in stopping. What’s more, the system even ties in the truck’s ABS system to the trailer, keeping the trailer’s brakes from locking up.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

The list price for the 2.8-liter Duramax is roughly $3,730 – or that’s what Chevy says a Duramax-equipped truck costs above the 3.6-liter V-6. The diesel is offered only on Crew Cab models decked out in LT or Z71 trim levels. It is offered with both 2WD and 4WD.

That means the lest-expensive diesel-powered Colorado will list for roughly $31,700.

Competition

2016 Toyota Tacoma

The new Tacoma has been redesigned to better compete with the Colorado, though no diesel is in the works. The Toyota offers two engines that do compete with GM’s gas offerings – the carryover 2.7-liter four-cylinder and the new 3.5-liter V-6. Though the two trucks are closely matched, Toyota says the Tacoma is targeted towards more youthful buyers looking to have a good time rather than the contractor needed a workhorse truck.

Nissan Frontier

The current Frontier is an aging truck that will have to soldier on for another year or so when Nissan is set to bring an entirely new model to market. Rumors have been swirling about a small Cummins powerplant making its way into the truck, with Nissan going so far as to showing a concept truck with the a Cummins mill. Diesel or not, the next Frontier will have to be much improved to compete in this new league of midsized trucks.

Conclusion

The new diesel should bring a slew of new sales to the Colorado and Canyon trucks – both from buyers that have been waiting for the 2.8-liter Duramax to arrive and those who should find the towing and fuel economy numbers appealing.

Not only is this big news for General Motors, but can also be seen as the canary in the coalmine for other truckmakers. Nissan and Toyota will surely be watching how the Duramax-equipped Colorado does in sales. Only Nissan has expressed interest in equipping its midsize truck with a diesel, with Toyota saying diesels are not cost effective for its Tacoma. Ford and Ram, on the other hand, are still absent in the midsize segment, though both are likely watching the battle between Toyota and GM with a close eye.

It will be interesting to see how well the Duramax Colorado does. I figure GM could have a small-scale hit on its hands.