Chevrolet Colorado Diesel Gets 31 MPG Highway

The GMC canyon is on the same lines as the Colorado on terms of size.

GM is pressing on with its plan to add diesel engines to its lineup, despite the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal, which has caused regulators all over the world to give diesel-powered vehicles extra scrutiny. Additional testing, both in the lab and on the road, revealed nothing out of compliance with emissions in these GM trucks. Buyers must opt for the available towing package to get it, which includes the only automatic locking rear differential in the segment, according to GM. A GMC spokesman said orders for the Canyon diesel have been open for several weeks but would not say when the trucks are expected to roll into dealerships.

Mark Reuss, GM’s head of global product development, a year ago said the diesel Colorado’s fuel economy would “surprise” people. When asked if he thought the diesel fuel economy would top 30 mpg highway, he would not comment.

In addition to mpg ratings, the EPA issued a certificate of conformity stating the agency has no issues or concerns about the emissions systems in the Chevrolet Colorado diesel, pictured, and the GMC Canyon diesel.

Equipped with the truck’s 21-gallon gas tank, you could theoretically stretch a single tank out over 651 miles, which is great news for long-haul drivers. The new engine produces 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Canyon/Colorado to tow 7600 pounds and 7700 pounds in their 4WD and 2WD variations, respectively. The stablemates have received city/highway/combined estimates of 22/31/25 mpg in two-wheel-drive form, or a slightly lower 20/29/23 mpg when equipped with four-wheel drive.

The Canyon diesel goes on sale this fall, offered on SLE and SLT Crew Cab models.

Currently, the Colorado and Canyon segment competitors, the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier, don’t offer a diesel variant.