mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

2.8L Duramax Diesel Officially Rated At 31 MPG Highway, 25 Combined

The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado and 2016 GMC Canyon have won bragging rights to a coveted crown in the automotive industry. Today, General Motors announced the 2.8-liter Durmax diesel engine has officially been rated by the EPA at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, for a combined rating of 25 mpg.

For those choosing four-wheel drive models, fuel economy dips slightly to 20 city and 29 highway, for a combined rating of 23 mpg.

2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax TurboDiesel 01

The truck can also go further than many of its rivals with a certified highway driving range of 651 miles, thanks to both trucks’ 21-gallon fuel tanks.

Even greater news for Chevrolet and GMC was the presentation of a “Certificate of Conformity”, certifying both trucks, and their diesel engines, were in complete compliance of U.S. emission tests. The 2016 Colorado and 2016 Canyon both underwent extra scrutiny following the diesel-emissions scandal at Volkswagen.

2016 GMC Canyon Duramax 03

We’d say the ratings are spot on, though, we were able to achieve close to 32 mpg during our first drive of the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado on the highway. We wouldn’t be surprised if owners saw similar scenarios, either.

Former GM Authority staff writer.

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.

Comments

  1. Cool!

    Now I just need a diesel for my 1500 series GMC Sierra.

    Reply
    1. I’ve been hoping for a 1500 diesel for a while (4.5L)

      But after looking at the numbers I doubt they will release one that is worth the extra expense. the Gas engine (5.3l) is now rated at 23mpg 355hp and 383ft/lbs + rated to tow 11,100lbs. eco diesel is 240hp and 420 ft/lbs 29mpg and rated up to 7,950lbs towing.

      increased maintenance lower hp and reduced towing and initial cost I just dont think make up for the ~5-6 mpg gain you might get.

      Reply
      1. Not sure why I was down voted. I hope I get proved wrong but look at the new cummins powered nissan titan. Its a small v8 with specs near what gm was planning for the 4.5l 1500 diesel and its only rated to tow the same as the chevy 6.2l gas (12,000lbs) and it gets 16 city 21 freeway 17.7 combined.

        I’m not saying thats bad but it dont really beat the 6.6L duramax in mpg by much if any and I think only matches what the 6.2l gas engine gets. the 6.2l has over 100hp more then the nissan xd and 70ft/lbs less.

        I just think the numbers are too close to make it worth while. To have the numbers that the 6.2l gas engine or the nissan cummins they aren’t likely to have much if any better mileage, while you can be sure it will cost several thousands more and naturally cost more to maintain. Lets say a diesel half ton is a $4000 option (its $3700 in the colorado) that puts you close to the cost of the 2500 diesel, which has more power, capacity, and approximately the same mpg. also the 1500 is the same size as the 2500/3500. So i’m not sure that many people would buy a 1500 diesel unless chevy can offer a cheap diesel option that either matches the 5.3l mpg and far exceeds it in power, or matches its power and far exceeds it in mpg.

        Maybe to keep cost down and raise mpg chevy can use the 6.6l duramax in a 1500 with different gear ratio axles and possible detune it some and focus on mileage vs power? should be cheap as long as emissions aint a problem. the right ratio axle and or possibly a different tranmission geared toward light duty use might be worth doing?

        What do you guys think?

        Reply
  2. Really wish it was cheaper or higher performance. Lots of people do want a small truck and will get the diesel option for bragging rights but I think the diesel option wont be cost effective and that the gas v6 will likely feel sportier and funner to drive.

    I think I’ll wait and see how the reliability, real world mpg, and what the aftermarket can do with these trucks. For now if I go truck shopping I think I will end up with a silverado.

    Reply
  3. Not bad but really kind of expected a little better.
    It’s pulling around a lot less weight than the Ram1500 and down 2 cylinders.

    Will still give GM bragging rights for a while anyway.

    Reply
    1. Might be 2 less cylinders, but the displacement is just about the same.

      Reply
      1. Granted that is true but still a 2 mpg diference seems small when you factor in weight and 2 less cylinders.
        Displacement is not that much of a factor.

        Reply
        1. For highway MPG, the combination of displacement and cruising RPM is a bigger factor than weight. The weight is more significant in stop and go traffic. From what information I could find, the HFE model RAM has a 3.55 rear gear and the Colorado diesel has a 3:42. Factor in a taller tire for the RAM (20″ rims) and the cruising rpms are probably about the same. Assuming both have an OD ratio of .70, you’re taching around 2000 RPM @ 70MPH.

          Even aerodynamics plays a bigger part than weight. The HFE editions of the Ram pickups come standard with the trifold bed cover and active grill shutters. Tricks necessary to get those EPA numbers. Take those two things away and you’re looking at a 1+MPG drop in hwy mileage.

          After those issues, factor in the weight difference, and the 2mpg difference is reasonable.

          In my experience, cruising RPM’s are the biggest factor in highway mileage. If the Colorado had a 3.08 rear gear, I’d be willing to bet the mileage would go up another 2 MPG.

          Reply
    2. Hey “EVDAVE” your not the only person who had that same reaction when they read the #”s. I believe my initial response after seeing the #’so was I’m not impressed because I expected more? I couldn’t figure out how the Ram got there results that close to GM until I did a little research and found the actual build sheet for each truck as tested. That’s when I had that “AH-HA” Moment! The Ram was basically a fuel mileage Ringer!!! The Ram that was tested was equipped with Chrysler’s new 8-Speed Overdrive Transmission and it also just happened to be equipped with a 3.08 rear gear ratio that I’m sure was No accident while GM’S entry was housing a 3.73 gear ratio that was getting moved threw a 6-Speed Manual Transmission! Honestly the comparison that really surprised me was the G.V.W. Which obviously stands for Gross Vehicle Weight. There is only a 843 lbs difference in the overall weight of the 2 Trucks? I’m guessing the reason for the weight being that close is because the Colorado has a fully boxed steel frame and the Ram is C-Channel? Also that new transylvania in the Ram is alloy as are the wheels on the Ram where the Colorado was equipped with a cast iron transylvania and steel wheels. So I guess they aren’t as close as the #’s first suggest when you actually have all the facts to consider??? Has anybody else have a different opinion after getting the whole story?

      Reply
      1. I believe the ram high fuel economy models have shutters in the grille, a tonneau cover, optional air suspension that lowers the truck at freeway speeds to make it more aerodynamic, and 3.55 gears.

        Real quickly tried to configure a truck with a higher gear ratio and it wont let me, i could how ever get 3.92 gears.

        Looking of forums, a few people have had hit 27-29mpg, but most seem be 20-24mpg.

        Thats not bad for a full size truck but I think the Colorado will get more then the 2mpg better then ecodiesel in the real world. The ram has to be the high efficiency package to hit its mpg number and its towing capacity depends on the trim level and gear ratio.

        I believe since Chevy only offers the Colorado with one gear ratio, any way you configure the truck doesn’t affect mpg and tow capacity (besides choosing 2wd vs 4wd)

        I think this will lead to people getting closer to the advertised mpg in the Colorado were in the ecodiesel what options you have are gonna affect your real world mpg.

        Reply
      2. 6 speed manual Colorado duramax? I thought Gm wasn’t gonna make any of those. Where did you find that info?

        Reply
  4. I have a ’16 colorado with the petro 3.6. Advertised mpg is lower than i’m actually getting. I’m assuming the baby diesels will also do better than advertised. I get 27 hwy 18 city 21 combined. Cant wait to see the realzworld numbers

    Reply

Leave a comment

Cancel