“Love my Colorado, 4 cyl takes some getting used to and the lack of 4wd indicator light is annoying. Sound system is great, backup camera is very useful. Hill start assist is also a nice feature. Very nice interior with snap in floor.”
2016 Chevrolet Colorado: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado is the addition of a 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine on eligible Work Truck, LT, and Z71 models. This was not a redesign, and the basic truck and its gas engines largely carried over from 2015.
About the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado
2nd generation (2015-2022), second model year.
Chevrolet positioned the Colorado as a right-sized pickup for people who wanted real truck capability without the size and bulk of a Silverado. The pitch centered on easier maneuvering, garage-friendly dimensions, useful towing and hauling, and a cabin that felt more modern and comfortable than older midsize trucks. In 2016, the diesel option strengthened that identity by giving Colorado a more efficient long-distance towing personality.
The 2016 lineup stretches from the stripped-down Base and practical Work Truck to the more polished LT, which has an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and four USB ports. The Z71 is the trail-focused version, pairing an off-road suspension, an automatic locking rear differential, and hill descent control with heated front seats and automatic climate control.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel joined the Work Truck, LT, and Z71 trims. The existing gas engines carried over.
Tech
Colorados with the 8-inch MyLink touchscreen gained Apple CarPlay, and the driver-information display was refreshed. Trucks with the smaller screen did not receive Apple CarPlay.
2016 Chevrolet Colorado specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel 2.8L / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel 2.8L / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel 2.8L / 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD | 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Gas | Diesel / Gas |
| MPG City | 17–22 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 19 mpg | 18–22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24–31 mpg | 24–31 mpg | 26 mpg | 26–31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 181–305 hp | 181–305 hp | 200 hp | 181–305 hp |
| Torque | 191–369 lb-ft | 191–369 lb-ft | 191 lb-ft | 191–369 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7000–7600 lb | 7000–7600 lb | 3500 lb | 7000–7700 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 28.6–35.8 in | 28.6–35.8 in | 28.6 in | 28.6–35.8 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4 | 4–5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2 | 2–4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado?
The biggest change is the addition of a 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine on eligible Work Truck, LT, and Z71 models. It gave shoppers a diesel alternative to the carryover gas engines.
Was the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado redesigned?
No, the 2016 Colorado was not redesigned. It was the second model year of the generation introduced for 2015, with no major body, chassis, or lineup-wide styling changes.
Which 2016 Chevrolet Colorado trims offered the diesel engine?
The 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel was offered on the 2016 Work Truck, LT, and Z71 trims. The Base trim remained gas-only.
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado have Apple CarPlay?
Yes, 2016 Colorados equipped with the 8-inch MyLink touchscreen have Apple CarPlay. That includes the LT and Z71 trims described here, while trucks with the smaller screen did not receive the upgrade.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado meaningfully different from the 2015 model?
It is meaningfully different mainly for shoppers who want the Duramax diesel or Apple CarPlay. Otherwise, the body styles, trim structure, gas engines, and overall truck formula are largely the same as in 2015.
2016 Chevrolet Colorado Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado.
4.1
2016 Chevrolet Colorado
(657 reviews)
“The Chevy Colorado is a solid, well-built vehicle. It does its purpose, which is to get me where I need to be, with some comfort.”
“The diesel option made the difference in fuel economy and performance while towing. It was a great way for me to downsize and still tow.”