Newly Designed 2017 Chevrolet Colorado Packs A Punch With A Brand New V-6 Engine Mated With 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

Jan 20, 2017 09:24 AM EST | Andrew Davis

When it comes to the mid-size class, there is no doubt the redesigned 2017 Chevrolet Colorado is formidable. GM seemingly upgraded the truck with a new V-6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This pickup truck packs the same mass but with more power and gears.

The newly designed truck has been designed to perform efficiently on city streets and also for rough terrains. It has segment-first MultimaticTM shocks and front and rear electronic locking differentials. To best secure and store equipment and gear, the mid-size is equipped with a bed divider.

Although the truck is nearly identical to its sibling GMC Canyon, the 2017 Colorado promises to be more fuel efficient and a bit refined, compared with its earlier model. The truck is propelled by a new V-6 engine, which is coded as LGZ. 

This is a variant of the LGX V-6 that is housed in the liked of Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Camaro, Cadillac ATS and CTS, and GMC Acadia. In fact, the LGZ configuration points to a different oil pan and lack of an auto stop or start. The new V-6 has a cylinder deactivation, which means when under light loads, the 2 cylinders will shut down.

Compared with last year's Colorado, the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado packs a 308 horsepower with 275 lb-ft of torque. Relatively, it is higher by about 3 horsepower and 6 lb-ft compared with the 2016 model. The attached 8-speed automatic transmission should help its performance, fuel economy, and towing.

Speaking of fuel economy, the Colorado stands out due to its available Duramax® 2.8-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. According to CarAndDriver during their brief test of the Colorado, the mid-size truck has the same miles per gallon recorded as that for the 2015 model.

When it comes to the technology housed in the truck, it comes with the standard conventional Pandora Internet radio capability and infotainment system. Each pickup is equipped with Apple CarPlay, with up to 4 USB ports and an onboard 4G LTE Wi-Fi. A forward collision alert system is also part of the 2017 truck.

AutoTrader reported that the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado is the truck for towing. However, numbers for the 2017 model are not yet out. Based on the 2016 number, a properly equipped V6-powered Colorado truck could tow 7000 pounds, while the diesel model could tow around 7,700 pounds. Relatively, the new 3.6-liter V-6 model could perform better, which could highly benefit from the 8-speed transmission when passing or pulling a trailer on an angle.

The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado will grace storefronts by Spring this year. Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price is around $20,055, excluding freight charges, tax, title, license, dealer fees, and other optional equipment.

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