One Engine Will Power The Next-Gen Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon
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Just yesterday, GM Authority was the first to report that the Chevrolet Colorado diesel and GMC Canyon diesel were in danger of disappearing following the sale of GM’s production facilities in Rayong, Thailand. Now, we have another exclusive report on the two midsize pickups. With the introduction of the next-gen models in 2023 for the 2024 model year, the Colorado and Canyon will offer just one engine option, namely a turbocharged 2.7L inline four-cylinder gas unit.
The decision is based on a number of factors, but is primarily motivated by pressure to remove complexity and consolidate vehicle builds.
It’s currently unclear which turbocharged 2.7L inline four-cylinder gas engine will be offered with the next-gen Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. For now, General Motors offers the turbocharged 2.7L I-4 L3B engine with the 2019 and newer Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, where it produces 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque.
The turbo 2.7L L3B in the Chevy Silverado
While some may decry the move as limiting buyer options, the new 2.7L unit certainly has the potential to outperform the current Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon engine lineup. For example, the atmospheric 2.5L I-4 LCV is really only selected for its low price or fleet applications, and in general, buyers would much rather have the 3.6L V6 LGZ gas unit or the 2.8L I-4 LWN diesel.
Meanwhile, the new 2.7L unit headed to the next-gen Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon will likely strike a balance between fuel economy, power, and torque, as evidenced by the L3B offered in the Silverado and Sierra.
| Aspiration | Fuel | Horsepower @ RPM | Torque @ RPM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L LCV | Atmospheric | Gasoline | 200 @ 6300 | 191 @ 4400 |
| 3.6L LGZ | Atmospheric | Gasoline | 308 @ 6800 | 275 @ 4000 |
| 2.8L LWN | Turbo | Diesel | 181 @ 3400 | 369 @ 2000 |
| 2.7L L3B* | Turbo | Gasoline | 310 @ 5600 | 348 @ 1500 |
* Note: specs listed from Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500
As we can see, the L3B offers more power than the 3.6L LGZ gas unit and nearly as much torque as the 2.8L LWN diesel (at a lower engine rpm, as well). The new 2.7L is also expected to deliver better fuel economy than the three engines currently on offer. To note, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon post a maximum of 22 mpg combined with the 2.5L gas engine, 2WD, and automatic six-speed, according to fueleconomy.gov. Fuel returns for the diesel are currently unavailable.
It’s also worth noting the much maligned eight-speed automatic, a transmission that has resulted in multiple lawsuits against GM, will not return with the next-gen Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.
For now, the new 2.7L gas unit looks like a good fit for these next-gen trucks. After all, rival products like the new Ford Ranger only offer a single powertrain as well.
What are your thoughts on the move to a single powertrain option with the next-gen Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon? Let us know in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Colorado news, Chevrolet news, GMC Canyon news, GMC news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
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Don’t neuter the 2.7, keep same specs as in Silverado.
Exactly, the article states they want to “remove complexity and consolidate vehicle builds” and your suggestion sounds like a great way to achieve that!
Lol, the Silverado specs are neutered! The real power is in the CT4. 320 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. This is the engine the Colorado/Canyon needs. Also, is the Express/Savana gonna get the 2.7 to replace the 4.3 and is the Colorado/Canyon and Express/Savana gonna get the 3.0 Duramax? And when are the HD trucks and the Vans gonna get the 10 speed behind the 6.6 gas engine?
Got mine, 2020 Allison Duramax 6.6 3500HD Silverado 4×4 Crew
Better engine all around.
Fake news. The V6 isn’t going anywhere.
Why the downvoted? DAN is being saterical after all.
Article states ” unclear which 2.7 will be used”, then lists one in GMs line up. Did I miss something?
That’s just Jonathan, he doesn’t dig up facts. He just diggs at GM.
You both outta read before commenting. Clearly says that it will be a 2.7L and the figures shown are from the Silverado/Sierra 1500. Yall need some glasses or contact lenses?
So GM actually produces two variations of the 2.7 liter turbocharged I-4 engine. The first 2.7 liter engine is used in the 2020 Cadillac AT4 as an available engine choice for the Premium Luxury Trim and is rated at 310 hp and 325 lb ft of torque and the second 2.7 liter engine is considered a high output option that is standard on the 2020 Cadillac CT4 V series and is rated at 350 hp and 380 lb ft of torque, but requires premium gasoline as that engine is tuned for maximum performance.
Yes more public-works, Orkin and Roto-Rooter drivers to terrorize the streets and roll-over with “Mhorr Powwaah!!” standard, fortunately speed limiter is set at 99mph…
Still Billys will ask can the 6.2 be optional…..
This sucks if there is any truth to it but as we all know this could change overnight.
Why? Do you mean that towing would be worse?
Glad I got the diesel in my 2020 ZR2
…. love the torque of my 2.8 turbo diesel, impossible that a turbo gas 2.7 gets better fuel economy…
Hopefully the ZR2 will have some sort of power increase over the standard offering….whatever it might be.
Does it need more power? If so, what for?
The 2.7L in L3B tune is a perfect engine for a midsize truck.
Look for a possible GM tune like the 2.0 had.
It would retain the warranty but would make it Premium Required. But like my 2.0 it gained 60 HP with a flash and two maps.
I will miss the V6 but I hold interest in the Turbo as I loved my 2.0 and all the torque it had even below 2000 RPM.
I am all for it , But why wait till 2023 , It should be already in the Colorado for 2021 ! The 2.7 already can pull a 7000 Travel trailer with the Silverado, So the 2.7 in the Colorado should be able to pull at 8500 LB ! GM just give the 2.7 a little more HP and TQ say 335 HP / 370 TQ !
I’m guessing that GM did not want to spend resources to re-certify the platform for crash worthiness. The new one will be out soon enough.
CAuse thats not necessary, if GM wants to offer a super hd towing package for the colorado the smart play and
resumably were talking the truck having the 10 spd automatic which has a .67 10th gear ,
ok did a little calculation , with 4.56 to 1 gears and 31 inch tires you’d have plenty of extra grunt through
mechanical reduction , and still have a 3.05 top ratio ,, which means at 60 mph your turning under 2000
rpm.
Best in Class Torque. This is exactly what trucks need.
The diesel really has a good following. I would hope they keep it around – even without updates.
The 2.7L is a good unit though. Good choice.
Clearly your handle is a perfect fit. Article states its unclear which 2.7 will be used for next gen. As in there are multiple (more than the singular) choices of 2.7s. Then lists one (1/singular) 2.7 in engine line up. You can pay for school, but you can’t buy class.
GM produces a 2.7 liter I-4 turbo engine that is used in the Sierra & Silverado and also in the 2020 Cadillac CT4. The second 2.7 liter I-4 turbo engine is used in the Cadillac CT4 V series and has a higher output at 350 hp and 380 lb ft of torque. It would make sense for GM to use the 1st variation of that engine since it is already being produced for the Sierra/Silverado and for the CT4.
Will the next gen Colorado be on the new global truck architecture?
I can’t remember. I know it’s getting a full redesign earlier than expected, but I don’t remember the game plan on the chassis.
It will be an updated version of the current 31XX platform. Global model, though some international markets (primarily South America) will get a different cab.
Bet the price will go up, anyway. No cost savings passed along to consumer.
What cost savings are you referring to? This is already a premium engine in the Silverado, and it surely costs more than the 2.5L or 3.6L.
A redesign isn’t going to be done for free either, and you know they have to upgrade everything with a redesign if they want to stay competitive.
Note to offer one engine and not selling multiple engines is cheaper. Less crash testing, less inventory, less special parts, less emissions testing, less design time, etc.
Many of us who posted on this site in the past Re the Colorado suggested dropping the 3.6 liter V6 and replacing it with the 2.7 turbo with 73 pounds feet more torque than the V6. GM could offer two different turbo engines for the next generation Colorado, or even this generation as a place holder, use the 2.0 liter turbo gasser instead of the non-turbo 2.5 liter gasser. It has 104 pounds feet more torque than the base 2.5 liter 4 cylinder with 191 lbs feet, and the 2.0 liter has 295 pounds feet. It has 275 HP, but GM could offer this car engine with a slight drop in HP to give better low end torque for a truck and lower the price for a base model 2 door. with 2 wheel drive. There is no reason that a base WT Colorado should be selling for over $24,000 and this will make it much more competitive with Nissan, Toyota and Honda small pickups. We all know that bean counters rule at GM and the smaller turbo as a base engine on a base WT model will fit in with their ideals. Running either turbo engine on cheap 104 octane propane will boost power another 10 to 15 percent. Municipal trucks have ready access to the very high octane CNG, cheap natural gas, so they too will benefit from the turbo engines.
This makes perfect sense, but GM should replace all non-FWD 4-cylinder and V6 engines with the 2.7L. If it can make more torque than the other turbocharged or even diesel engines but with more power than the V6’s, while also getting better fuel mileage, why not produce as many of them as possible to make them cheaper?
Base Camaro – replace v6/2.0t
Colorado/Canyon – only option
Base Silverado/Sierra – standard to replace v6
Base Tahoe/Yukon non-XL – standard to slot under V8
Base Work vans – standard to replace V6
CT4-V – already there
I don’t see why they can’t make a transverse version and shove it into the Traverse, Blazer, Acadia, Enclave, XT6, and an XT4-V/XT5-V. They’d save so much money and improve on so many engine offerings, and GM could then pump R&D money back into it.
is there anywhere to complain about the lack of the diesel? I will be looking at a new truck in about 3 years, but dont want the huge size of the 1500’s, and want the diesel capability for the range and torque.
You do realize how close the 2.7 will be in range and torque right? With the cost, complexity and minimal benefits over an engine like the 2.7 a diesel isn’t needed. 95% of the torque, probably 80% of the mpg and 150% of the horsepower pretty much nulls the diesel except for those that have a hard on for diesel fuel. The 3.0 is just too large to fit being an inline engine.
Ted, I have been complaining of lack of S10 (my previous truck)since 2012 and had to settle for 2014 Silverado. To quote Sonny from ,’A Bronx Tale’, nobody cares. Now they don’t sell reg short box (like I have) so don’t know what next truck will be.
Too bad for the Colorado. Was really interested in getting a ZR2 Duramax as an overland rig. Not any more. Without the Duramax there is no reason to consider it. It’s back to the Tacoma for me.
Haha, you know how much better the 2.7 is than the V6 in the Tacoma? On top of that the Suspension and front locker. Why would you downgrade if the Tacoma doesn’t even offer a diesel? The 2.7 will have 95% of the torque, 85% of the mpg and 150% of the HP. You do you though…
If you are actually really interested in a ZR2 Duramax, then go buy one! You have until 2022. Or are you here to complain?
Tacos are ok if you like the go kart seating position.
YES YES YES! XD. laughing my but off right now! I drove one of these when they had their last powertrain and chassis update (my have the years flown!) at one of my prior jobs. It was a nice truck, but my current daily driver (04 pontiac sunfire, still wont kick the bucket) had about the same headroom and more or less the same seat position. Tacos are nice trucks, just why does toyota expect me to pay as much for them as a Colorado when they dont have the power, fuel economy, space or even features of the chevy. Id buy one it it was priced right in a heartbeat!
GM and Ford need to outsource their transmissions from ZF as Chrysler and other manufacturers done. Why continue wasting millions of dollars on engineering BS in house while losing loyal consumers just to keep a few people working! I like the idea of using one engine in the trucks as long as its a damn good reliable long lasting engine. One thing I would do is to offer the 2.7 in turbo and non turbo. Therefore people that don’t like turbocharged engines in a vehicle that they’ll own for 10- 15 years have a piece of mind. Ford is already screwing up by putting all of their money on ecoboost engines. All im saying is I’ve lost damn near all respect for the way GM does business. GM used to build cars that people could trust and adore, but now mostly everything GM builds is a bunch of BS disguised under new paint.
That 9 speed ZF transaxle has really worked out great for Chrysler, NOT!
Agreed bernard, and then increase the compression ratio of the 2.7 back to 11.8 like it is in the 5.3. The 2.7 looses at least 5% efficiency due to compression ratios alone over the 5.3 before looking at turbo losses. It should still be good for 225HP and 220 ftlb, more than enough for a Colorado or even an equinox.
More Power then a Syclone, had back in the day. BUT>>>> 4 banger turbo. Wondering if GM goes back in the parts bin for this new truck and bring back the Syclone!
Well, for that I wouldn’t mind “Mhorr Powwaah!” with a 6.2…😉
Maybe this time they will spell it correctly.
So I’m guessing that the 2.7T engine family is about to expand in the full size segment. When will the 3.4T I5 and the 4.1T I6 gas engines debut? Will there be a new V8 based on these as well? Just sad that the Colorado is loosing the 2.8 Duramax. Hopefully there are plans to introduce something based on the 3.0TD that will fit in the Colorado!
I think you are close, the new 5.3 will probably include an electric water pump, variable cooling zones and variable valve lift to be a “triPower” motor. while they are at it, it would be nice to have a 48V system.