2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax Is Motor Trend Truck of the Year
In what some might consider a big surprise, the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado midsize pickup equipped with the all-new (for the U.S.) turbo-diesel 2.8-liter inline-four-cylinder Duramax engine won the coveted 2016 Motor Trend Truck of the Year award, unofficially kicking off the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. What's surprising about the award is the fact the Colorado won the same award last year when it was all-new to the segment. Our sister site Cars.com also named the 2015 Colorado Truck of the Year.
Motor Trend usually presents the award to a model's entire lineup, which includes all engine choices. For example, last year Motor Trend made note of the Volkswagen Golf hybrid, diesel and gas powertrains; it was named the 2015 Motor Trend Car of the Year.
Interestingly, the Colorado's new Duramax diesel engine, which offers the highest highway fuel economy of any pickup sold in the U.S., is the only thing new about the popular midsize pickup for the 2016 model year. However, there is a precedent for back-to-back accolades from Motor Trend.
Just a few years ago the all-new 2013 Ram 1500 full-size pickup was awarded the Truck of the Year honor. In 2014, when Ram introduced the all-new (for the U.S. market) 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel, which also was the highway fuel economy pickup leader at the time, the 1500 won the award again. Clearly, this voting body likes diesels and believes one of the more important considerations for the winner is fuel efficiency and low-end torque.
Motor Trend awards are based on six key criteria: safety, value, efficiency, advancement in design, engineering excellence and performance of intended design. During the awards ceremony presenters and judges emphasized that the winner should be "raising the bar" in some way or another, both in its own segment and the larger pickup universe.
The baby Duramax, the first turbo-diesel in an attention-getting midsize segment, is the clear torque, towing and mpg leader. However, some may argue that when compared to other entries — the all-new 2016 Nissan Titan XD, 2016 Toyota Tacoma and 2016 Ram 1500 Rebel, for example — the Colorado with a simple new engine might fall a little short.
Regardless, we like the fact Motor Trend is not afraid to choose what it believes to be the best pickup out there (based on its criteria), and that it's comfortable selecting the truck it thinks best reflects what customers want. We salute its efforts, especially since Motor Trend did some towing, unlike many other outlets. From the towing photos we saw, it looks like a gooseneck hitch was hooked to the Titan XD. However, it's a little disappointing that Motor Trend downplayed pickups' off-road abilities. Motor Trend tested the new Trail Boss version of the Colorado; the Tacoma has a special new Crawl Control feature; and the Titan XD offers an athletic PRO-4X trim level. We also did not see any payload testing, and we're pretty sure just about everyone nowadays purchases a pickup because they need to carry something at some point.
Motor Trend announced the winners of three other awards as well: The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro was named Car of the Year, the 2016 Volvo XC90 was named SUV of the Year and Subaru President Thomas Doll received the Person of the Year honor. To watch the awards ceremony, hosted by car enthusiast Adam Carolla, click here.
Cars.com photos by Mark Williams
Comments
Why is it when a new vehicle comes out from any manufacturer becomes car/truck of the year? The winner is always predictable with MT.
It amazes me the trucks aren't even out and proven yet and they gets awards, then again it is motor trend, remember all the ford Gm guys complaining that ram got it 2 years in a row? Now they will be saying how great MT is.
The 2.8 VM Motori is an older diesel and not as refined as it's competition
follow ram trucks method, new truck one year , same new truck with another diesel thanks ram ill copy , signed chevy
Motortrend vehicles of the year awards are equivalent to glamour magazine woman of the year award.
Meaningless award. The real award is when consumers make a choice. Then that truck is truly truck of the year. These suits give that award to any manufacturer who then advertise the heck out of that truck in their magazine. It's all about the money folks. Sorry old man truck lovers but this Colorado is still a dud.
Congratulations.
The Colorado/Canyon twins have breathed new life into the once stagnant and dying small truck market.
If one considers that most of the C/C twins I've seen are all north of 43k then there will be buyers for 50k diesel versions.
At least a full bling Colorado diesel can carry more than a full bling Titan XD Cummins or a Ram 1500 Italian VM Motori diesel.
Paging Big Al
Paging Big Al
Paging Big Al
Paging Big Al
Posted by: Lou_BC | Nov 18, 2015 2:53:09 PM
Oh he is comming. A Diesel is his turn on. He is only trying to figure out what personality he is going to log on with. My vote is for team skeet skeet skeet fat Al.
Of course squatting to the ground while doing it.
LMAO - not only a diesel that won but a diesel small truck to boot.
Brace yourself for pages and pages of "I told you so".
I'd buy a Colorado diesel well before a Titan XD.
At least the Colorado is best in its class.
The Titan is bipolar.
It doesn't know if it wants to be a 3/4 ton or a 1/2 ton.
The way mark williams wrote this article, makes him look and sound disgruntled. Sounded like it should not have won! Sour grapes perhaps?
Hopefully Toyota gets the message and puts a diesel in both the Tacoma and Tundra.
Robert Ryan, suppose you are trying to make a point by making a pointless comment?
The only major truck award that really count is the North American Truck of the Year Award. You have about 40 journalist from Canada and USA chosing the truck. Not just 3 journalist from Motor Trend magazine. If it was from Road and Track it might be a different story.
The only thing I do not like about this new truck, is the fact you must buy the crew cab to get the diesel engine in it! I have driven the ext cab V-6 4x4 Z-71, and like it a lot, and plan to buy one soon, I have a 2011 full size Chevy Z-71 to trade, that is a nice truck, but I usually trade at around 60-80K, and we are at 60K now, and where I live gas is at $3.66/gal now, and well I like to get new every few years or so anyway. I do like the gas motor, but would like to drive the diesel, and buy one even if I had to give up on the Z-71 to do so, and a few of the toys to get the diesel, as I do plan to tow enough to justify it, and being used to towing with a V-8 I think the V-6 might be a little short on tq. But like I said, I want an Ext Cab, with the 6' bed, and do NOT want a mid size truck that is a long as a full size, which the Colorado Crew Cab with the 6' bed is! It is a long as the truck I have now! Chevrolet, you need to let us get the diesel with the ext cab!
The only major truck award that really count is the North American Truck of the Year Award. You have about 40 journalist from Canada and USA chosing the truck. Not just 3 journalist from Motor Trend magazine. If it was from Road and Track it might be a different story.
Posted by: Chuck Taylor | Nov 18, 2015 3:48:27 PM
Motor trend truck/Car of the year has a lot more clout from a marketing perspective. But based on your normal posting, you probably know that and only call out the NATOTY because ford won last year. Admit it:)
and where I live gas is at $3.66/gal now
Posted by: Sandman4x4 | Nov 18, 2015 4:17:40 PM
WOW, we are $1.80 a gallon. Actually have been for a few weeks now. At least around $2.00 and below.
Chevy is on a roll! MT truck and car of the year! Two years in a row for the Colorado. How does the mud feel on your face Ford and Ram? No market for a mid size pickup in the US.
Ray Ray Chucky is a Furd slappie all the way! He's probably in the corner crying his eyes out, cause the Chevrolet Colorado won 2 years running and the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro was named Car of the Year blows the doors right off the ruststain Furd!
Scott wrote:
Motortrend vehicles of the year awards are equivalent to glamour magazine woman of the year award.
Laugh OUT LOUD!!!!!!
Congrats but it was one of those years it didn't have much competition in the Nissan Titan, a Taco refresh, and the old Silverado/Sierra b/c it got an 8 speed? I'm guessing Truck Trend will pick the Titan. That way Motor Tend covers all its advertising bases. smh.
@Dave, MT turns to the old playbook to fund its magazines. MT picks one brand and TT picks the other more obvious choice.
@Ray Ray
Motor trend truck/Car of the year has a lot more clout from a marketing perspective. But based on your normal posting, you probably know that and only call out the NATOTY because ford won last year. Admit it:)
40 Journalist vs 3 Journalist. Tough call. lol
@Johnny Dope Boy.
What happen to your Corvette Z06 it got beat by Mustang GT350 Road and Track Performance Car of the Year.
The other challengers were the Bentley Continental GT-3 R, Cadillac ATS-V Coupe, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Dodge Viper ACR, Mercedes-AMG GT S, and Porsche Cayman GT4.
Your 2016 Camaro SS was not even good enough to make the cut.
@Nitro do you remember back when Obama had just been elected the first time they gave him the Nobel Peace Prize before Big O had even tried out his new office?
Same with Motor Trend. The named the 1971 Chevy Vega the car of the year. The Vega had some of the worst customer satisfaction stats in history. There is a long list of crappy COTY cars.
However, I'm happy to see the GM twins getting some praise. I doubt I'll ever own one but so far a lot of people like them and they're built near where I grew up near Wentzville MO.
Great town. Nice people. Chuck Berry used to live there.
It's good to see an alternative pickup take the gong. Another gong to a manufacturer who possibly took the riskiest move in the US pickup market over the past couple of years.
The Colorado with it's load and tow capabilities is a genuine alternative for anyone looking at a full size, remembering the average load towed behind a pickup is roughly 2/3s of what the diesel Colorado can manage.
The diesel Colorado is the "Titan" of the midsizers, sort of a half ton, but yet not. The diesel Colorado has the heart and soul of a genuine truck. Real trucks have diesel power.
The reality is 75% don't really care about load and tow. They just want a pickup to drive around in and go to Home Depot and their kids soccer.
The only people with problem are the ones with 6' 10" ten year olds.
Nice awards but then again no real competition. Good to see the midsize market coming back though. And no mud rubbed in anyones face.
Well, I wonder if the aluminium F-150, with the new and beaut 2.7 EcoSuck will ever get another award, like the one granted to the fantastic diesel Colorado.
Here a cut and link from Truck Yeah on the fantastic 2.7 EcoBoost;
"After all of Ford's talk about reducing mass in the truck by up to 700 lbs., we were expecting more. Where's the aluminum payoff? Consumers may wonder the same thing, when fuel prices go back up."
........................................................................................
This sort of matches my comment for sometime. Did Ford "accidently" produce a pickup that could of been better?? If they had it would be a bigger seller.
........................................................................................
Another excerpt;
"We checked consumption old-school (253 miles divided by 16.16 gallons [61 L] to refill the tank) and came up with an even more disappointing figure: 15.6 mpg (15 L/100 km)."
........................................................................................
Wow, it's achieving roughly 50% of what the diesel Colorado's FE is! Good work Frod!
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The link, (I wonder why this the FE problem with the aluminium, weight saving, FE enhancing F-150 hasn't made light on PUTC??? Mark.
http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/the-ford-f-150-ecoboost-engine-actually-kinda-sucks-sa-1678282081
........................................................................................
Lou, so it's all about load and tow? What has been Ford's line since the realised the 2.7 EcoSuck drinks like an alcoholic? Load and tow I assume.
Hmmm............maybe, just maybe my views that are hampering the new aluminium F-150 are coming to light. Go back and read them all.
YAWN !!
Wow, it's achieving roughly 50% of what the diesel Colorado's FE is! Good work Frod!
Posted by: Big Al from Oz | Nov 19, 2015 4:17:11 AM
You are getting ridiculous fat albert. There is a dramatic size difference between a F150 and a small truck like the Colorado. For how small the gas Colorado is, it does not get that much better FE than a full sized truck. The diesel is much better. Every report I have seen doing an exact FE comparo of similar trucks FE is not much different from truck to truck. Comparing gas. Diesel does do a better job at FE but the diesel option is expensive, maintenance does cost more, fuel is historically more money, DEF is now needed, Diesels do not make good short trip only engines because of Regency issues, soot build up, fuel in oil. There are pros and cons to every engine choice. You have chosen the diesel kool-aid and push it is hard as you can say ing you are the smartest girl here. Well your no different than Hemi V8 or johnny dill hole.
I still believe the FE would be better if they lowered the stance to the GM level. GM trucks are low to the ground. I have parked a standard 4x4 F150 next to a Chevy 4x4 2500 and the F150 was taller. A shorter stance would give the F150 a lower wind drag profile. That is the biggest killer on FE for gas trucks. Wind resistance.
Big Fail from Oz:
Sorry that Ford provides such a threat to you. That's what superiority does.
Get that ignition switched serviced and be sure to replace your fuel cap monthly...
This truck isn't even for sale!! You can't even buy one! Yet, it's the truck of the year?
Um, ok. Sure.
Lowest quality, highest price...that's what GM stands for. And they still win awards because they are in the pockets of the right people doing the magazine articles.
"2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax Is Motor Trend Truck of the Year". Now THAT'S funny!
Ford is a big all killer, when Ford sales really take off Al will just say they are doing it the wrong way, or have some other excuse
This truck isn't even for sale!! You can't even buy one! Yet, it's the truck of the year?
Um, ok. Sure.
Lowest quality, highest price...that's what GM stands for. And they still win awards because they are in the pockets of the right people doing the magazine articles.
Posted by: WXman | Nov 19, 2015 8:34:40 AM
"2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax Is Motor Trend Truck of the Year". Now THAT'S funny!
Posted by: Haha UAW | Nov 19, 2015 8:46:13 AI
If Ford or Toyota one, you would both be saying things exactly opposite of what you just wrote. Maybe it's time to acknowledge your bias.
Posted by: Ray Ray | Nov 19, 2015 9:21:24 AM
If Ford or Toyota one, you would both be saying things exactly opposite of what you just wrote. Maybe it's time to acknowledge your bias.
@Ray Ray - Do you know what the UAW is? Google or Bing it and you'll have your answer re: am I a Ford fan. ...and it's "won" not "one" (I know I know, you're a victim of public ehdyoukayshun).
I'm wondering when ford brings back the ranger,will it have a diesel option right away,and will they pull a gm and only offer it in a crew cab? Things will be interesting in the next few years for all of us.
@Sierra WT
Common problem with the engine. More refined around.
http://www.4x4australia.com.au/drive/road-tests/1411/holden-colorado-7-ltz-v-isuzu-mu-x-ls-u-v-mitsubishi-challenger-ls/
"Colorado 7’s diesel isn’t particularly quiet or refined but the gearbox does have the smartest shift protocols and does what you want most of the time.";
A timing belt. Sounds like the old diesel engines that GM produced from a gas block nightmare all over again.
@BARFo - please post excerpts where I have supported and cheer-leaded the 2.7 EB?
The Colorado is at least on paper and from initial tests a great truck. The diesel will keep many buyers happy.
Durability data will be telling since the past Colorado was rated the worst of the worst. Even poorer than anything from Fiat.
Some people need space for kids and pets. A small truck does not cut it unless one's kids are still small and one's dog is a chihuahua.
The only people so far that I have noticed with Colorado's and even Tacoma crewcab trucks are single guys, young married couples with little kids or empty-nesters.
At 45-55k the new Colorado is in the price range of full sized trucks. Anyone not fixated on size will go to what they think works best.
The Colorado/Canyon trucks are game changers since they have brought new life to the truck market.
It is a personal choice as to whether or not they are best for everyone.
That shouldn't be too hard to comprehend or is it?
Lou,
You rattle on regarding load and tow advantages all the time.
What is Ford's current marketing mantra with the all aluminium star player?
Load and tow.
As I've stated in the past the aluminium pickup is only competitive with the other manufacturers, when it should of been a leap forward. Adding all of the electronic wizardry to it isn't a leap forward.
The vehicles dynamics and refinement should of advanced more, like the Colorado over the previous Colorado.
Load and tow, what a laugh, when most buy a pickup as an alternative to a large car. Most any pickup will do what the owners expect, that is to drive to work, go to Lowes, and tow 5 000lbs of boat on a weekend.
Can this be done cheaper and in a pickup as refined as the aluminium F-150? Yes.
That's why Toyota get away with just offering enough, like the Taco and Tundra to remain good sellers.
The Hilux is the same. Just bolting on tech and differenet materials isn't the answer.
Ford has proven this with the new aluminium F-150.
The consumer want value first and the new F-150 isn't considered as valuable as the older steel F-150.
This is how Ram improved it's numbers, by giving more value and refinement. The XD Titan will use the same logic.
BARFo - Ram refinement? Part of that is durability. The only real reason Ram durability has improved is because FCA can't afford to release a new truck. Quality always gets better the longer a model has been on the market.
Value ?
The Ram costs the same as everyone else.
Is the 2015 F150 more expensive than anyone else's truck?
Ram XD - value? The truck is as heavy as a 3/4 ton with 1/2 ton capacity.
Price? I'm betting it is closer to an equivalent HD than a 1/2 ton.
Value is highly subjective and so is refinement.
If one looks at value from the perspective of dollar value then there shouldn't be anyone buying 45-55 k small trucks with zero rebates since 10-14k is common for rebates on 1/2 tons. GM is offering 20% off on full sized right now but nothing on small.
You don't like being challenged on your view points.
It seems that everyone is challenging you.
That must mean the rest of us are wrong.
HAHA . "GM trucks are low to the ground. I have parked a standard 4x4 F150 next to a Chevy 4x4 2500 and the F150 was taller. A shorter stance would give the F150 a lower wind drag profile."
Nice made up story LMAO, go chug another Ford KOOL-AID dumb a#$ retard!
Nice made up story LMAO, go chug another Ford KOOL-AID dumb a#$ retard!
Posted by: johnny doe | Nov 19, 2015 3:42:16 PM
Learn to drive and buy an actual truck first and not a playschool corvette. My dogs have a higher intellect than you do. And your post prove it every time. Your sister is calling you, she needs some more "servicing from her brother".
Load and tow, what a laugh, when most buy a pickup as an alternative to a large car. Most any pickup will do what the owners expect, that is to drive to work, go to Lowes, and tow 5 000lbs of boat on a weekend.
Posted by: Big Al from Oz | Nov 19, 2015 1:33:48 PM
So where is all this data you keep babbling about that trucks arenot bought for load and tow. During the summer months it is hard to keep count on the highways the Ecoboost F150s towing large travel trailers and smaller 5th wheels. When I go to the lake there is a good share of F150s with large boat trailers hooked on the back of them. I know several people that bought F150s with load and tow in mind for toys.
Actually BAFO, midsize pickups are the undisputed "Lifestyle Pickup" choice.
Official Fleets Sales *alone* are 40% of half ton pickup sales. That concentration is greater for 3/4 tons and up.
But small companies and farms, mom-n-pops, private ranches, and one man operations don't even qualify for "Fleet Sales".
These lesser operations of less than 10 operating vehicles are the backbone of the US economy too, btw.
So you really have it assbackwards here. Maybe 10% of 1/2 ton owners are into for the lifestyle.
And likely 90% of midsizers are lifestyle pickups.
Really midsizers are too big and too small at the same time. Too big for compact spaces and even with young kids in the back, a midsizer can feel too confining. Kids require duffle bags or backpacks of stuff to bring along.
And hopefully your friends are all midgets.
Fullsizers can wear many hats, and just because BAFO "sees" 75% of them driving around empty, doesn't mean they weren't bought for bigger kids, adult passengers and frequent work loads.
A midsize truck may be OK for smaller kids (in the back), but if you expect to own it 10+ years, your kids can easily outgrow it.
Aussies really don't know any better, since fullsize pickups, and crew cab fullsizers especially, haven't really been on the 'menu'. I'm sure you guys/gals deal with it just fine though..
We don't have too. Good thing we have *Choices*!!!
But diesels in light duty vehicles are on their way out. It doesn't matter how manly they can make you feel. Those days are gone!
Yeah LMAO kid keep making up stories like a retard!
GM HS's Height, Overall 77.76 in - 78ins
http://www.gmc.com/2015-sierra-2500hd-pickup-truck/features-specs/options.html
F150 75.7 in
http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/specifications/exterior/
What a retarded kid you are LMAO. Get back to washing your daddies fleet of hot wheel trucks stupid f**k!
Oh my god Johnny douch douch, you thought nothing of that for hours. What a total loser you must be. I'm making another statue of you on the toilet and figure i will see what is new here and your lame post is there. I laughed so hard a turd popped out that was slated to be your nose. It is great to know I am 100% in your head and you realize your a loser trying so hard to disprove a minor post I made about height. The very sad thing is I did not say what year trucks I was even talking about. But your very ignorance showed that even the new F150s are within your D#ck size of a GM 2500.
Headline should be "Car Magazine likes pretend truck again." Its not shocking coming from MT.
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