Everyday we receive dozens of emails from both TFLtruck readers and viewers. Once a week we feature one email that stands out because it’s a question that’s on many of our readers and viewers minds.
Today’s email question comes from Ryan. Ryan wants to know which Chevy Colorado mid-sized truck to buy: The Duramax Diesel or Gas 3.6-liter V6.
Ryan writes:
Hello TFL!
First, I love your input, humor and reviews. Thank you for doing the work that you do.
I’m writing because I need some help. I’ve been wanting to purchase a new Colorado but I’m torn between the diesel (if it ever comes on the market) and the V6. I do a lot of driving for my job (city mostly) but I also need a truck to pull the family camper. My job is one of the major reasons I want a smaller truck. Parking my current truck in the city can be fun at times. Which is a 2001 5.3L Silverado (Ext cab, 6ft bed, Z71 – 4×4). Which honestly from what I understand is very comparable to the V6 maybe even a bit weaker.
My camper is around 5,000-5,500 pounds after we load it up. I realize that both engines are rated for 7,000 pounds and over but what is really the better buy? With gas prices right now being so low it would seems stupid to buy the diesel. Plus it’s not like I will be towing all the time. Just on the weekends in the summer months. Our camping trips are usually not that far but we would like to take a long “out west” camping trip in the next couple of years and maybe taking it to Florida to see some family. But I want something that I know will pull the camper and the family without a problem. Would you awesome Gentlemen at TFL be able to help brother out with some insight?
Thanks,
Ryan
Ryan, If I were buying this truck I would go for the Duramax Diesel because I love the power, sound, highway MPG and range of the diesel Colorado pickup.
Let’s start with power. The 2.8-liter turbodiesel is rated at 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This makes for a relaxed highway ride, especially when towing. This small truck won’t break a sweat pulling your 5,500 pound camper. In fact with 369 lb-ft of torque, the 2.8L Duramax competes more with half-ton trucks than mid-sized pickups when it comes to towing power.
The Duramax Colorado is also rated at 31 MPG on the highway by the EPA. That means that not only will you not have to fill up as often as the V6, but you’ll get best in class highway fuel economy.
Earlier this year I had a chance to tow a new Chevy Corvette with the Duramax Colorado and it was a breeze. Please see the video below. I loved the gruff and throaty exhaust note of the Duramax and the powerful engine braking on the downhill run. It is hard to beat a diesel truck as a towing rig when it comes to pure starting and stopping power.
That’s the good news.
The bad news is the truck seems to be on back order and so far GM has been beyond slow in getting the new Colorado Duramax trucks to local Chevy dealers.
You’ll also pay a $3,730 dollar premium for the Duramax when it eventually hits your local dealership. Is it worth the wait the extra money?
Let’s see what other TFLtruck readers think. Please be so kinds and help Ryan in the comments below with your thoughts and experience when it comes to diesel vs gas pickup trucks.
Thanks!
