If you’ve been looking at the newest edition of the Chevrolet Colorado, you’re stuck with a tough decision: which powertrain is right for me? The Colorado offers three distinct engine options, including two gasoline-powered engines and a turbo-diesel engine.

As you’re making the decision on which kind of engine is right for you, it’s worth diving into and understanding the difference between gas and diesel engines.

The Newfound Popularity of Diesel Engines

More auto manufactures are starting to offer diesel engine options for their pickup trucks and SUVs. It used to be that only super heavy-duty trucks or commercial vehicles would use this alternate fuel source; now, you can find it everywhere, including the brand-new Chevrolet Colorado.

While most vehicles in the USA run on gasoline, other options are gaining traction, like electric engines and diesel-powered engines. Some people think of diesel as a dirtier fuel; it’s actually a fantastic option for drivers who want an efficient, green option.

How Engines Work

Both gasoline and diesel engines use the same internal combustion process to power your truck. Air enters the engines and combines with fuel. This mixture is compressed and ignited to force pistons to move, thus causing your wheels to move through the transmission. The spent gas is expelled through your vehicle’s exhaust system.

Where gasoline and diesel engines differ is how the ignition process works. In a gas engine, a spark plug ignites the fuel that causes the pistons to move. Diesel engines, however, do not use spark plugs. Instead, they use higher levels of compression to generate immense amounts of heat that leads to spontaneous ignition. If this were to happen in a gas engine, the entire powertrain is at risk for damage. Diesel engines are designed for this kind of process and ultimately offer incredible efficiency without using sparks or any kind of electricity.

Which Kind of Engine Is Right For You?

Given that the Chevrolet Colorado has several engine choices, there is an option for everyone. Typically, drivers who expect to be on the highway more often prefer diesel engines. The increased efficiency that comes with a diesel engine makes a real distance for road warriors.

Drivers who expect to do their driving on city streets generally prefer gasoline engines. These engines are also typically less expensive, although the longevity and diesel fuel prices can make a difference over time.

The Colorado Has An Engine For You

Beyond the choice between gas and diesel, drivers can also look at other specs to determine which engine is right for their Chevrolet Colorado.

The Standard 2.5-liter engine has four cylinders and offers an EPA-estimated 25 mpg on the highway. You’ll enjoy 200 horsepower and 191 lb0ft of torque along with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

The available Duramax 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine only comes in at 181 horsepower but delivers a massive 369 lb-ft of torque. You’ll love 22 mpg on the highway and a towing capacity of 7,7000 pounds.

There is also an available 3.6 DOHC V6 engine. This gas-powered engine also offers 25 mpg on the highway along with 308 horsepower, 275 lb-ft of torque, and a towing capacity of 7,000 pounds.

Regardless of which engine you choose, your Chevy Colorado won’t leave you hanging. Stop by your local Chevy dealer to explore your options and take a test drive today.