As one of the big success stories in the pickup truck universe, the Chevrolet Colorado is on track to sell more than 100,000 units by year-end. For 2017, Chevrolet will upgrade the Colorado's V-6 engine and it will boast an all-new eight-speed transmission.
Slated to be the biggest change for 2017 models, the new 3.6-liter engine is a modified version of the one it's replacing, meaning it still offers a DOHC 24-valve aluminum V-6 with direct injection and variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust sides of the cam. But it will now offer active fuel management, which allows the engine to slip into a fuel-sipping four-cylinder mode under "light-load" situations. The new engine is already used on some Cadillac models, and it offers 308 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 275 pounds-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm.
In addition to the new engine, the 2017 Colorado will also come standard with a new eight-speed transmission. The transmission offers both a shorter 1st gear and taller overdrive gear, so it will feel quicker off the line and potentially provide lower-rpm cruising. Although the EPA mpg ratings have not been released, we don't expect there to be much (if any) change in city, combined or highway mpg numbers.
"We look at this change as adding to the Colorado's level of refinement," said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet Truck Marketing Director. "A lot of our new customers are coming out of crossovers so they're looking for a higher level of comfort and smoothness, and we're delivering that with this new Colorado, without compromising a single pound of capability."
Neither of these powertrain changes will affect gross vehicle weight ratings, payload or maximum towing capacities, and the axle gearing (3.42:1) will remain the same as well. The 2017 models will arrive in dealerships by the fourth quarter, with pricing scheduled to be announced closer to that time. Chevy Colorados are offered in WT, LT and Z71 trim levels, and include special-edition models called the Shoreline, Trail Boss, LT Midnight Edition and Z71 Midnight Edition.
Cars.com photos by Angela Conners
