We knew it was coming, but Chevrolet finally unveiled details and specifics on the 2016 Colorado equipped with 2.8-liter Duramax diesel power. The engine should find more than a few fans, especially as diesel prices stay relatively cheap across the greater 48.
But, we want to hear from you. Is the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado diesel priced right? Let’s break it down.
The 2016 Colorado diesel will net a $3,730 premium over its gasoline siblings. Chevrolet also stated buyers must select the LT or Z71 trims with the crew cab option to slide behind the wheel of the 2.8-liter turbo-diesel.
Heading to Chevrolet’s website to build a comparatively equipped, four-cylinder Colorado LT crew cab rings in at $27,985 before taxes, title and fees. That means, MSRP should total in around $31,715 for a diesel powered Colorado LT. The Colorado Z71, with the 2.8-liter Duramax, would then check in at $34,155 with the numbers provided by Chevrolet. This is also assuming Chevrolet is referring to the four-banger and not the V6 option, which is another $1,250 for the LT, and $950 for the Z71. We also built both trucks with two-wheel drive.
Worse case scenario? $38,720 is the number we arrive at when checking the basic mechanical options for a 3.6-liter V6 powered Colorado Z71, plus four-wheel drive, then adding the $3,730 for the Duramax diesel.
Those numbers may be hard to swallow for buyers itching for a midsize, diesel-powered truck. But, the prices are drops in a bucket compared to figures north of $50,000 for a 6.6-liter Duramax powered Silverado.
The 2016 Colorado diesel should most definitely find its market niche without encroaching on Silverado territory, but it’s your turn to sound off. Has Chevrolet priced the 2016 Colorado diesel just right? Or, do you think it’s a tad steep? Let us know in the poll and in the comments section below.
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Comments
A tad steep…a lot of tad steep.
Big fan of diesels. Run a 2007 Jeep GC w/ the M-B 3.0 diesel.
Wish GM would commit to a Suburban/Tahoe diesel. Hell if towing is what GM wants to address they only need sit on the shoulder of the I 15 LA to Vegas on a weekend to see the potential that exists for a true vehicle with towing credentials..and that requires a diesel.
I realize it is off subject but the diesel SUV from GM is long over due.
Nice idea, only problem is gm would probably want 70k for it.
Heck…they get 70 + now for a Denalli…which would have my vote to have a diesel option…althought it would not surprise me to see lower trim levels get the diesel option if/when they commit. Just as with Ram…no diesel for 4×4’s or higher trim levels. The Germans have that aspect nailed…damn near everything short of AMG/RS’s can have a diesel.
It is right on par with other small diesels like the RAM.
The difference being the RAM is much bigger, stronger, 2 more cylinders, with probably virtually the same MPG. Those are not minor details. Let’s not forget there are reasons why other manufacturers have given up on mini trucks in the US. Many people don’t want to pay the same (or more?) for less substance. With the improvement in fuel economy the new F150 has made the Colorado / Canyon (without diesel) obsolete: The price is about the same, the Ford is much bigger, will run circles around any 3.6 Colorado, and gets about the same MPG.
Unlike the Ram, this offers a higher towing capacity than the gas version, so it could actually make sense.
The Ford doesn’t do anything worth bragging about in the MPG scene, real world numbers have proven that. They do make good power, but they are outgunned by GM v8’s in power and MPG.
Also, don’t pretend to know what people want to buy or what this will get for mpg. The Colorado and Canyon don’t cost much less than a Silverado/Sierra but they are selling like crazy and GM simply can not build them fast enough. They have a shorter time on the lots than any other truck because people want them. While I would go for the Sierra, not everyone wants a big truck.
Ram will even buy the truck back from you too.
Right now we can’t even order a 4×4 Colorado because sales have far exceeded GM’s expectations and the supplier can’t supply enough transfer cases based on what was GM’s expectations. The market for these trucks is just fine. (Yeah, the F150 has made these trucks obsolete……yeesh!!)
By the way, you forgot to mention the RAM ecodiesel is MUCH heavier too which plays a huge role in the ride/handling, capabilities, etc. The RAM ecodiesel has not gotten very good reviews when towing either.
This truck is meant to go mainly against those who tow with a Taco, Frontier, etc and for those who are coming from SUV’s and into trucks but don’t want a large full size truck for reasons like garage space, city parking, etc. That is the market/buyer we have been seeing the most at our dealership (as have others).
Are you saying you CAN get a base model with the diesel? GM usually reserves the good engines for the expensive high end models (Cruze diesel rare as heck, and I heard about something called a Ecotec 6.2 once, but have yet to see one in person).
Let’s hope the diesel succeeds, most US drivers don’t know that the torque number is more important than the HP number. MPGs, pulling, hauling, real world ooomph, there is nothing the diesel won’t do A LOT better than the 3.6.
Knock a grand off and offer it in all versions of the Truck and you can bet it will be a success. Priced as is with the limited offering then it’s questionable.
They’re selling like crazy. Once demand slows down, GM will use incentives to lower the price a few grand but they have had absolutely no reason to drop the price.
I still think the Canyon/colorado is a little too pricey. I know they are selling well, but I wonder if its sustainable. We test drove one and just decided it wasn’t worth the compromises from a real truck, when it ended up costing similar. On paper its cheaper, but the discounts are always high on the trucks… I paid 14,400 under MSRP for my ram 4 years ago, and they are readily available 8-10 under. Now thats not happening with the Ram Diesel, I know…
Mid 30s for a diesel truck does sound good hough. High 30s in 4×4.
The ram Diesel is tough, because you can’t quite option them the same- no 2 door Ram Diesel and 4×4 for example… but your starting at 37,200 MSRP in 4×2, so 4×2 to 4×2 your looking around $5000 price difference. On paper that sounds compelling, BUT the Ram is much bigger, much more capable.
The Chevy with a diesel has lower towing than the Ram does with the V6 gasser. This will all go out the window if the fuel economy is higher than expected…
When its all said and done, customers will determine what happens here. I see how compelling it is, but maybe I’m just not the buyer for it.
I’ve owned Ram, Ford, and Chevy trucks over the past 5 years.
It is neither. The price is not a steal as it is expensive but it is what it is as Diesels are no longer cheap to build. That is just the price of the market.
The real question is now that people have complained for years for a Diesel it is here and will they put their money where their mouth has been and buy?
Too many times we have been given what has been asked for and yet the market does not respond. I hope that does not happen here as this would help GM a lot but it is out of their control. The market will determine if their really is a market for this engine or not.
If you don’t get the significance of a Turbo Diesel engine “Yes Turbo Diesel” then you are probably not in the market to buy a truck or you are incredibly stupid… the price is right “bob”…
Surprise surprise..for years people have been clamoring for GM to listen to them and put a small diesel in a midsize GM truck. Here it is.
But of course now its a whole bunch of other nits to pick; it’s not enough HP on paper, not the right transmission, needs to be in the Suburban, shouldn’t be a 10% premium on price/should be $1k less/”I want the engine in a base 2wd regular cab W/T trim”
GIve me a break.
A tad high. GM made this mistake with the Cruze diesel, the propane option for Impala and anticipated volumes never materialized. There will be more demand because it’s a truck but at a lower price (under $3K), it would be a runaway hit
Why force everyone to get a crew cab LT or Z71? Makes no sense to bother offering this engine and then only making it available on the high end models/trim. Last time I checked pick-up buyers want/demand choices.
No doubt there is only going to be so many 2.8L’s they can build and supply and since this is designed for towing, most people towing with this will be family’s with campers, boats, etc, which means they will need crew cabs. It makes sense that if you have limited numbers of engines, put them in the most popular trucks. Someone spending $4000 on a diesel isn’t likely buying a W/T model either as if they are willing to spend that much on an engine, they likely want power windows, back up camera, etc. I realize there may be some contractors, etc who want to pull a cargo trailer with tools, but very seldom do we get a contractor wanting a small truck as they need the bed size for hauling things a full size truck brings.
Is there any talk on making a manual transmission available in the Colorado in North America? I currently drive a 2004 Dakota with manual. Other than the fact that is is under powered (it has the V6) it’s been a great truck. I don’t want to give up the control the manual provides. For example, I was able to limp to a garage when my brake lines burst two months ago. Before the Dakota I drove a 1986 Toyota Lancruiser with the 3 liter diesel and manual. I loved that rig. Over the years as manufacters have terminated their manual transmission programs my only option is the 2500 Ram. It’s a big truck with a huge price tag.
Road Dino
You’ll pay for what is the “best”, period. This stuff cost to build and produce!!! Don’t buy it if it’s too expensive. Wait until it goes on sale, or get a used one later. Don’t give in or up!
I have the 2015 model and for me a lady, it is just perfect for my gardening hauling around! My only problem is climbing into drivers seat with out an assist handle in the window roof area! I’m 5-1, 125 pounds! Ok! Ok! Hope they think of this on the next models! Ok Guys, ask women when you put these trucks and cars together! Hope you sell a lot of these!
Go American!
66 percent of US wage earners made less than or equal to $41,211.36.
Ask yourself, who’s buying these top trim models? It is total crap that these auto companies think these are reasonably priced.
http://www.mybudget360.com/how-much-do-americans-earn-what-is-the-average-us-income/
Wish Chevy would just commit to the 2.8L diesel and make it the only engine option in the Colorado. It’s the best engine all around in my opion. They wouldn’t be wasting money and resources on multiple engines which should also help drive down the cost and increase production. Far too many Americans stigmatize diesels maybe they need to be shown the light.
Why can you order the same Colorado in bare bones/diesel/4×4/4door/manual transmission in Australia for US$28,000? Who would not buy this truck here for 28Gs? Why do we get screwed? I did the US/AUS dollar conversion and the build out (because you can order the exact truck that you want). You can also get a flat bed on it.