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Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon to Add Diesel Engines for US Market

General Motors confirms diesel engine options for the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups, aiming to boost efficiency and appeal in the competitive mid-size truck segment.

By Editorial Desk Updated
2015 Chevrolet Colorado at the 2015 MIAS
2015 Chevrolet Colorado at the 2015 MIAS Bull-Doser / Public domain

General Motors will introduce diesel engine options for its Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups in the United States, with availability targeted for the 2015 model year. The move brings US buyers in line with overseas markets, where diesel versions of the Colorado have already been established.

GM’s decision follows strong diesel sales for the Colorado in regions such as Asia and Australia, where the truck is available with either a 2.5-litre or a 2.8-litre four-cylinder Duramax turbo diesel. US buyers have not previously had access to these engines in the Colorado or Canyon, with the domestic line-up limited to petrol units.

Expected diesel engine specifications

While GM has not released full technical details for the US-bound diesels, the overseas versions provide a strong indication of what to expect. The 2.5-litre turbo diesel produces 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque, while the larger 2.8-litre unit delivers 179 hp and 470 Nm. Both engines are paired with either manual or automatic transmissions in other markets.

Chevrolet Colorado Diesel Engine Options (Overseas Specification)
EnginePower (hp)Torque (Nm)
2.5-litre turbo diesel150350
2.8-litre turbo diesel179470

Fuel economy and emissions figures for the US versions have not been confirmed. However, GM is likely to target improved efficiency over the petrol models, reflecting the trend seen in other markets. The addition of a diesel option is expected to appeal to buyers seeking better towing performance and lower running costs.

US market context and competition

The introduction of diesel engines in the Colorado and Canyon will give GM a unique selling point in the mid-size pickup segment, where diesel options have been rare. Rivals such as the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier have not offered diesel engines in the US, leaving a gap for buyers prioritising torque and efficiency. This move also follows efforts by other manufacturers to expand diesel offerings in North America, as seen with Volkswagen and Audi’s attempts to popularise diesels in passenger vehicles.

Pricing and final technical specifications will be announced closer to launch. For buyers and dealers, the diesel option is likely to broaden the trucks’ appeal, especially among those who value fuel savings or plan to tow regularly. The move reflects GM’s strategy to leverage its global diesel experience in the competitive US pickup market.

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