No new mid-size diesel pickup was being offered in the U.S. as of October 6, 2025, according to Cars.com. The Chevrolet Colorado diesel that once made headlines as a class-only option is now a used-truck prospect, not a new truck you can buy from a U.S. dealer.
Is a mid-size diesel pickup on sale now?
Not as a new U.S. pickup, based on Cars.com’s October 6, 2025 guide to gas and diesel trucks. It says diesel engines were no longer offered in new mid-size pickups, listing the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Jeep Gladiator diesel options as discontinued. The statement is specific to the U.S. new-vehicle market and that publication date; it does not establish availability in other countries or what used trucks are currently listed. Cars.com’s guide
Which truck did the old “only” claim refer to?
The headline’s historical subject is the Chevrolet Colorado, specifically its 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel. In a June 2018 article, Cars.com described the diesel as a class-only offering at that time. That was a dated U.S. market snapshot, not a claim about today’s new-truck choices. Cars.com’s 2018 Colorado ZR2 overview
Historical Colorado diesel figures
| Figure | What it describes | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 186 hp | 2.8-liter Colorado diesel engine output | Reported by Cars.com in 2018; not a current-model specification. |
| 369 lb-ft | 2.8-liter Colorado diesel engine torque | Reported by Cars.com in 2018; not a current-model specification. |
| 22 mpg highway | Colorado diesel highway fuel economy | Cars.com attributed this figure to the EPA in 2018; it is not a current EPA listing or a real-world result. |
Does a used diesel Colorado make sense for your work?
It depends on how the truck will be used. Cars.com’s 2025 gas-versus-diesel guide notes that diesel’s low-rpm torque can help with towing and that fuel economy under load or sustained heavy use may be an advantage. Those potential benefits are not a guarantee of lower costs: fuel prices, local diesel availability, maintenance and the specific truck’s condition matter.
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When towing matters most
Low-rpm torque can be useful for pulling loads, but torque alone does not tell you whether a truck suits your job. Compare the exact truck’s tow rating and payload rating with the trailer, cargo and passengers you plan to carry. The guide notes gas versions generally have higher payload capacity, so a diesel’s towing character may not outweigh a payload shortfall.
When most miles are unloaded
If your truck will mostly commute empty or carry occasional loads, the diesel’s potential advantage under sustained heavy use may not apply often enough to justify its costs. Compare your expected driving pattern, fuel prices and maintenance needs rather than assuming the historical highway figure predicts your own economy.
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Maintenance and access
Diesel maintenance can cost more. Check service records and budget for the truck’s required filters and exhaust-system components; on newer diesels, diesel exhaust fluid is also part of ownership. Confirm that diesel fuel is readily available along the routes you use.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check before buying a used Colorado diesel
Because the relevant vehicle is now a used-truck purchase, evaluate the individual truck rather than relying on a general claim about the engine.
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- Confirm the exact year, engine and trim. Verify that the vehicle actually has the 2.8-liter diesel configuration; specifications and equipment can vary by model year and trim.
- Review maintenance records. Look for documented routine service and any work on fuel, emissions or exhaust systems.
- Inspect emissions-system condition. Have a qualified shop assess the system and identify warning lights, stored faults or incomplete repairs before purchase.
- Match capability to your load. Check the truck’s ratings and payload label against your planned trailer, cargo and passengers rather than estimating from engine torque.
- Calculate costs for your own use. Compare local diesel and gas prices, expected loaded and unloaded mileage, and maintenance needs. The available general guidance does not establish a cost-of-ownership advantage for a particular Colorado.
Cars.com’s 2018 figures can help identify the historical engine configuration, but they do not substitute for verifying a used truck’s year-specific specifications or condition.
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