If you are curious about test-driving 2022 Colorado trucks in Dallas-Fort Worth, it’s best to spend time trying a model with the actual specs you want. You not only know you are testing the right vehicle for your towing and other capacity needs, but you get to feel how that power output performs in general. Let’s take a closer look at the 2022 Chevy Colorado, particularly its towing capacity and engine options, so you know which trucks match your requirements.
What Is the 2022 Chevy Colorado’s Max Towing Capacity?
Some pickup truck drivers need good towing numbers and the best they can possibly afford. As is often the case, this Chevrolet pickup’s highest possible towing capability requires the optional turbodiesel engine. The 2022 Chevrolet Colorado’s maximum towing capacity is 7,700 pounds when equipped with the turbodiesel engine in four-wheel drive. This output causes the Colorado to be tied for first in the segment. For more details on this engine choice and others and which models of 2022 Colorado offer these engines, read on.
2022 Colorado Gasoline Engines and Towing Numbers
There are three different 2022 Colorado engines to choose from. Let’s start with the two gasoline options.
The most basic powertrain option is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. This engine uses a six-speed automatic transmission that is smooth to drive and keeps the Colorado on pace with similar trucks. At max, this engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Suppose you need a little more power out of a gasoline-powered Colorado. In that case, a 3.6-liter V-6 is offered across the range, with significantly increased horsepower over the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and torque values that are nearly as high as the third, most powerful engine option, the turbodiesel. The middle pick generates 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, mated to an optimized, eight-speed automatic gearbox. This engine allows Colorado trucks to tow up to 7,000 pounds, double the capacity of the standard four-cylinder.
All told, the 3.6-liter V-6 has more power available for faster acceleration and increased agility over the four-cylinder, to say nothing of the doubled towing numbers. It’s a very appealing upgrade, standing out better than middle-choice engines on other trucks. Before you settle on a 2022 Colorado, you should consider the 2021 Chevy Colorado, another great option for a pickup truck.
2022 Colorado 2.8-Liter Turbodiesel
What if you need the most power possible, especially when it comes to towing? What if diesel is the most practical fuel source for you? In either case, you have the 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine option, which can be installed in every trim except for the Colorado WT.
The 2.8-liter Duramax is the second of the two four-cylinder options and is highly desired by those who need it. This third engine receives the same six-speed automatic transmission as with the starting four-cylinder, but outputs 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 2.8-liter Duramax engine makes the 2022 Colorado fast and responsive.
This configuration provides the highly coveted greatest towing capability of 7,700 pounds in standard four-wheel drive. The only exception is the ZR2, a trim we’ll discuss next as we cover all the trim levels and how they relate to engine choice.
2022 Colorado Trim Levels and Body Styles
Before you can pick the 2022 Colorado with the right power ratings and performance for your needs, you might be wondering what trim levels and body configurations offer them. Fortunately, Chevy keeps it simple. Work Truck (WT), LT, Z71, and ZR2 are the four trim levels available for the 2022 Colorado. The ZR2 and Z71 are only available in four-wheel drive, but the other trims offer either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Drivers also have their pick between three configurations: Extended Cab Long Box, Crew Cab Short Box, and Crew Cab Long Box. To reiterate, the engines first is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine, second is the 3.6-liter gas V-6, and last is the 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder.
Every engine works well with either rear- or four-wheel drive, but it’s important to note that the ZR2 trim level doesn’t let you pick the latter, as it is built on rear-wheel-drive sporty performance. Another important exception is that Crew Cab Long Box Colorado models do not offer the ZR2. This availability is subject to change, but Chevy usually keeps things consistent across a model’s life span.
2022 Colorado: What Engines Are on What Trims?
In general, both gas engines are available for the WT and LT trims, across the different cab and bed options, while the middle gas engine appears as standard or an option alongside the turbodiesel for higher models. However, the diesel engine is also available in Crew Cab form on the LT, so don’t think you are forced to pick a higher trim just to drive a diesel. Also, with the Crew Cab Long Box configuration in two-wheel drive, the LT can only use the 3.6-liter V-6, not the turbodiesel.
There isn’t much to worry about when it comes to finding the right engine and body configuration, as any online inventory by a good dealership will allow you to search by the exact specs and cab size you want. If you are after the V-6 engine and the 7,000-pound towing capacity, it is standard on the Z71 and ZR2 trims, and plenty of configurations allow the diesel engine in its place for drivers who need it.
Performance and Fuel Economy
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The Colorado’s initial four-cylinder gets up to 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, according to EPA estimates. The middle V-6 is rated at 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. With estimates of 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, the rear-drive diesel is the most fuel-efficient powertrain of its type in its class.
If you are after a midsize truck with awesome towing capacity, especially on its upper levels, the 2022 Colorado is a must-try. Contact our friendly experts or feel free to browse our new or certified pre-owned inventory to see what kinds of 2022 Colorado trucks we have available.