Chevrolet Simplifies The Colorado For 2025: One Engine To Rule Them All

The latest Chevrolet Colorado has undergone a simplification process compared to its second-generation predecessor. Gone are the extended cab and multiple body styles—now, buyers get just one option for a crew cab. When this newest generation debuted, it offered three different outputs for the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine.

But for 2025, Chevrolet has pared that down to just one. After dropping the "Turbo Plus" engine last year, Chevrolet has now eliminated the lowest-performing version of the 2.7 as well.

What’s left is the most powerful version of the engine, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. With 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, the engine is plenty potent. Properly equipped, the Colorado and its GMC Canyon sibling can tow up to 7,700 pounds and carry up to 1,710 pounds in the bed. By comparison, the previous lower-trim engine offered just 237 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, limiting its towing capacity to 3,500 pounds and its payload to 1,490 pounds.

Chevy hasn’t officially commented on why it dropped the lower-powered engine, but it’s straightforward to see why. The most capable engine was only about $1,285 more than the base engine in 2024, so it’s likely many customers opted for the upgrade. Furthermore, the exclusive availability of this engine in the premium GMC Canyon likely streamlines production, as both trucks share the same assembly line.

Ultimately, this move is likely part of General Motors’ broader strategy to maximize profits on its internal combustion vehicles, especially pickups and SUVs, as it deals with the lower profitability of its electric vehicle lineup. With the Colorado essentially being a heavily refreshed version of the previous generation rather than a completely new truck, GM seems focused on squeezing the most out of its existing platforms.