2017 Chevy Colorado vs GMC Canyon Duramax Ike Gauntlet Review: World's Toughest Towing Test

[@davidjb9199]

I have a 2016 Colorado Z71 Duramax with about 140,000 miles on it. I regularly get 30 MPG loaded up (not towing) running between Atlanta, GA and Washington, DC. Other than consumables (oil, filters, tires, etc.) I did not have one component failure until about 120K miles, and those were NOx sensors. This has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned (over 40+ years). I did not like the price I paid ($40k+), but I am happy with the truck.

[@markgaudette9]

I wish I could say the same!!! I am only at 76k

[@matthewmartin7639]

I purchased a used 2016 Z71 Duramax. When I bought it, it had right at 160,000 miles. Picked it up at a steal for $24,000. Was still bone stock. Even had the factory plastic covering in the floor despite me being the third owner. Only issues I've had were the nox sensors (super easy) and a split in the intercooler pipe which caused me to have some DPF issues and had to do multiple forced Regens. Once I finally traced it down and installed a new pipe (10 minutes with a screw driver) it has been the best vehicle I've ever owned. I just hit 225,000 and still get 32-35 mpg (not towing) on the interstate. Just keep changing oil and fuel filters, add DEF when you are supposed to, and just keep up basic maintenance, it is just a hard worker.

[@DolphinDivingChamp]

as of late 2024 about to pick up a 2018 with 55k miles for $18k. (Would consider this a pretty good deal)

[@Twilight777Dancer]

I recently bought the GMC Canyon Duramax. My decision was based mostly on your reviews. I am very happy with my purchase. Thanks Much

[@deereman8237]

Mojo Stone How is your truck running a year later? Any problems?

[@benjaminhinkle9390]

Same here love my new Canyon Denali Duramax!!!

[@Tylerknoxville3]

I have the Colorado diesel, love the truck

[@truckinman86]

I have a 2017 duramax. It’s been a great truck so far. She’s almost at 100k mi. and still runs great. DEF has been easy for me too. There’s a DEF pump nearby so getting DEF is no more difficult than filling the diesel tank.

[@mimixownzall]

I wish cars would stick with the column shifter. A lot of wasted space in the console that can be used for other things - cup holders... storage... etc.

[@misterkgomes]

I agree. That was one of a major reason I didn't choose a Canyon

[@ArcolaBridge]

Bench seat with fold down console is the best!

[@alexgarcia3900]

I guess it looks cooler. Americans are very needy and manufacturers can give you everything I guess.

[@Metalbass1979]

I'd love to see you guys do some base model, bare bones, full size tests. The base, work models of the F150, Ram and Silverado would be quite interesting to see how well they handle the Ike. The company I work for has us use base models to tow trailers with. I'd love to see what you guys think of the low end spectrum of new trucks.

[@bobhope4288]

My company exclusively buys base model trucks too, so all my towing is in full size V6 trucks, the only option checked off is the long bed. It would be interesting to see how the various truck company's base trucks do.

[@Metalbass1979]

Bob Hope Yeah, maybe a white fleet model test run would be an interesting video that a lot of people would relate to. I'm normally a V8 Ford guy, but got the idea after I driving this Chevy that they made me take.....with a V6. It's not my Ford, but quite comfortable for a base model.

[@SurelyYewJest]

This has been a common request, however the manufacturers never make those trucks available because they want the press to see the cream of the crop. Thus you always see loaded trucks being reviewed, not the base W/T .

[@houseofdiesel]

Impossible test. GM and Ram destroy Ford with the basic test since Ford's best MPG economy is the 2.7 Eco-Joke, Ram's is the 3.0 EcoDiesel, and GM's is it's Denali power and economy out of a V8. They are all apples and oranges.

[@JonP_4-31inf]

House of Diesel are you slow? the eco diesel is not the base engine... it's a $3,800 option.... and the Denali.... also not a base model. hell I don't believe the 2.7 for Ford is a base model either. Yup you must be slow.

[@sg618342]

The resale value of diesel trucks is much higher than their gas versions. So when it comes to sell it, you will get most of the $3700 difference back. So now you just need to decide whether you like the way the diesel drives vs the gas version. The diesel normally gets better mpg than the EPA estimate but if you factor in that diesel fuel is more expensive than 87 octane gas and is a little more expensive to maintain, it becomes a tough choice :)

[@erikkovacs3097]

For the most part diesels are not more to maintain. If you compare same car same year.

[@bobalobalie]

+David Perea LOL! NO! A diesel and gas version of the same used truck with all the same options will garner only a $500 to $1000 difference in resale. The only ones that would garner a significantly higher resale are going to be the super duty trucks. But, you also pay a lot more initially for those diesels. With the increased cost of diesel, servicing, repairs, and the initial diesel engine cost. The MPG and resale savings will still usually end in a loss when using as a personal vehicle. 99% of people buy diesel POVs for show anyways. They would be better served economically with the tiniest engine offered.

[@Greendude33]

A lot of people want to see a base model WT Colorado get a Duramax engine option.

[@richarde1355]

Great video! Thanks! If a person calculated the cost per gallon, and included the cost of the Def in with the more expensive diesel cost per gallon, I would guess the cost per gallon would closer between these two, and perhaps pretty even…?

[@svpracer98]

I got the Canyon in SLE trim with the 3.6 and have been very happy with it so far. It spent most of Fall towing on a weekly basis and didn't break a sweat.

[@richarde1355]

How many miles on your rig? Still digging it?

[@svpracer98]

@@richarde1355 55k mi so far, just did an air-dam delete and Denali facia swap. Liked it enough to buy out the truck when my lease ended. There are some bells and whistles I wish I had, but nothing worth trying to do a trade in over.

[@Captain-Awesome]

Andrea, I am coming back to this video because of someone raving about thier Baby Duramax. It’s fun to see the differences in everyone. We have had a whirlwind of baby diesel scandals and one Cummins gate. You guys are the main research resource when needed. I just got a 2024 Ford F350 SRW 6.7HO Platnium Tremor in very big part to your Ike Gauntlet reviews. We need a TFL Origin Story from the whole team.

[@tinleo333]

i never had a truck because i am more of a car guy but i watch your videos because they are fun

[@novaman3509]

tinleo333 I'm a car guy, to. Yet I've owned 3 trucks and 1 car. Don't even care about trucks.

[@jared6361]

NovaMan 350 yeah trucks are meant for a very limited group of people. I don't get it when people get them just to drive around since they get shitty gas mileage

[@connerbutler1077]

Jareds Dragon the ram 1500 ecodiesel gets like 33 mpg the Colorado/canyon duramax gets like 30 mpg and the ram 2500 Cummins gets 24 mpg everyone of these trucks get better gas mileage than most cars and I doubt my civic gets more than 25 Mpg.

[@jared6361]

Dodge 318 Cummins idk about those numbers. They seem a bit high

[@jacksanders2636]

Those numbers are crazy high. Get real

[@holybatwingsbatman]

This is an outstanding comparison between gas and diesel engines. The diesel was roughly 9.4% slower up the hill but engine RPMs were half that of the gas engine. Those hard pulls up mountains under load are where engine wear is at it's peak, half the RPMs means less wear (everything else being equal of course), that will equate to a longer lasting engine for the diesel. So better MPGs and potentially longer lasting engine and maybe even better resale value.

[@felix8289]

Everything else isn't equal though. Diesel emissions are torture on modern diesels. It was true a decade and half ago, but modern diesel are so choked and high-strung even when they're not worked hard.

[@EGGINFOOLS]

Wendell Roy Well you really have to equate for the designed rpm range of the engine. If you think about it, the diesel was using half of its designed rpm range as well as the gas engine.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

I agree. It costs more to buy than the gas powered truck, but I think whether it's truly worth the price should be the buyer's decision to make, and not the marketing people.

[@magnacartasamadams8189]

@@felix8289 Ride that warranty out and cut all that stuff off Afterwards so it isn't choked up

[@Adventureswithme711]

I have the 2019 Chevy Colorado lt v6 very happy with it no complaints

[@Lakersfansince95]

How’s it holding up?

[@Adventureswithme711]

@@Lakersfansince95 mine has 23k transmission started slipping into second gear it only does it after it sits for a while I warm it up before I drive it .. took it to the dealer said they couldn't find anything wrong. I noticed this problem around 18k

[@Lakersfansince95]

@@Adventureswithme711 i gotcha. The reason i ask is because i’ve noticed that the transmissions in chevy, gmc, and ford vehicles are terrible! Staying away from the 8 speed forsure. The new 10 speed looks promising though

[@Adventureswithme711]

@@Lakersfansince95 yeah I'm actually thinking of trading it in a Tacoma can't go wrong with that

[@k.r.v.4219]

Is it possible that the Canyon is quieter because of the extra sound deadening measures taken in the Denali package? Not totally because of the engines? Hey Andre the Colorado steering wheel is leather covered also!

[@s.centralkeystone558]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@SineOccasu]

Perhaps, but that engine whine was very noticeably loud in the Chevy.

[@djayt1215]

Thats true, also diesel engines in general are heavily padded to reduce noise. However the lower RPMS will get rid of a lot of tranny whine

[@kevinvoyer5053]

Ok, here we are three years later and we are on our second Colorado, not for any other reason than we needed a CrewCab! So we traded the2016 Ext Cab Z71,4x4,V6, in on a 2019 CrewCab 4x4, V6, WT this time, because living in Sunny warm Florida, instead of cold an windy winters in mass., the heated seats of the Z71, that’s really the only functionality difference between the two, plus better headlights, I felt was not worth the extra 5k! But at least the WT is “loaded”, with Cruise Control, bright side window trim, 16” (best size off road) alloy wheels, factory tow package with trailer hitch and brake controller all wired up properly, along with the G80 Auto Locking rear differential, color matched bumpers and door handles, dark tinted windows, with a very good 7”touch screen with OnStar 4 G LTE WIFI , plus I haggled with the dealer to add on the performance skid plates package that comes on the ZR2, from the front bumper to the tans/transfer case and fuel tank. With an 84 month 100,000 miles Bumper to Bumper Warranty! All for just under 35k!! The biggest difference between the two, other than can size is the new truck has the 8 speed, that really helps when towing! I hardily ever use the Cruise Control when towing, or the Tow/Haul mode, because even with the new bigger travel trailer at up to just over 6,000 lbs, the trans temp, in 100 deg. Florida weather has never gone over 185 deg. So to maintain the self imposed speed limit of 65 mph, on the flats an mild grades all I need to go is feather the gas pedal that help to keep the trans from downshifting, by just giving enough throttle to maintain speed, unless it windy or uphill I can keep the rpm’s down below 2,000-2,500, at 65 mph in 6th or 7th gear! Only needing 5-3, on the steepest of grades, but I’ve never gone up anything like the Ike! The longest steepest Interstate grade so far was on RT 81 in VA, I can’t remember exactly where, but we were able to easily maintain 65 mph going up an over, in 4th gear at 3,000 rpm’s with the computer telling us the trans temp was 180 deg, in 75 deg weather, at 6 mpg! When going down grades I do use tow/haul, that helps keep the speeds low with a bit of grade braking, but at times I have to cheat and downshift manually. But overall great trucks! We wanted a Gladiator, but the same equipment other than WIFI Hot Spot 4 G LTE, that’s only available on over 55k Gladiators, they were still 10k more to get one with a hardtop.

[@healthballnut]

Great comparison. I still like the gas option better because it was so much faster up the hill. The 4 HD diesels I owned from 1995 to 2015 all out pulled any available gas engine in that era. I will pay extra for more power all day long but there is no way I would pay extra for a slower truck. Before soot filters and DEF systems became necessary to meet emission standards , you could make the argument that diesels were more reliable. IMHO, that is no longer true.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

If I had the choice, I'd take either of them with the 2.8 litre Duramax Diesel engine.

[@takiman1]

I´m european and in a truck I would never go for gas and always choose diesel. However we never really had any good gasoline options over here.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

If only more diesel powered trucks were available for USA buyers.

[@maddog8148]

WoW Mr Truck gave it 21 points!! You really like that truck!! 👍

[@vap0rtranz]

Hear that gasser scream! but that diesel so quiet. 4.9MPG vs 6.9! I grabbed a diesel Colorado when a lightly used one popped up. Used are basically same price as gassers now.

[@tomsriv]

Great review. It looks like it isn't worth it for the diesel if I'm only going to tow a few times a year. The headaches with def fluid, and fuel that is harder to find and sometimes more expensive makes it not worth it considering my daily commute is pretty short.

[@saskmuddinatv]

Having owned the diesel canyon for 2 years now i can say i dont recommend it. Its been in the shop for emissions issues every 3-5 months without fail. Everything emissions related has failed so far (def injector 2 times, def pump once, def heater once, def lines 3 times, the entire def system has frozen solid 2 times yet gm says its working as it should. 3 failure to do regens for unknown reasons dealer had to force it and found nothing wrong. 2 faulty map sensors as well). Definitely dont recommend it unless you plan on deleting the emissions system. When everything is working perfectly its an amazing truck and i genuinely love it. But with its constant issues i cant wait to sell it.

[@matthewp6272]

I've owned the Diesel Canyon (2020 All Terrain) for just over 2 years now as well, with about 30k miles now (owned since new). I did have one (potential) issue where a warning light came on with reference to emissions system, went into the shop, and they determined the warning light was erroneous and returned it. Have had no further issues since. I personally love the truck, and since I commute into the city frequently, it's the perfect size to still be practical.

[@saskmuddinatv]

@@matthewp6272 I bet you don't live somewhere that get actually cold. I think the extreme cold is what is causing so many emissions issues for me.

[@Propelled]

What isn’t said here is that the day to day driving is so much better with the 3.6 VVT. It is much faster and snappier to drive than the diesel. The maintenance cost on the diesel are elevated. I drove both, picked the gas Canyon All Terrain. Love the danged thing.

[@Kcducttaper1]

I don't understand why they both picked the diesel over the gasser. The gasser pulled the trailer better and most of the MPG increase on the diesel is offset by diesel fuel being more expensive than gas.

[@guyproulx1660]

Kcducttaper1 They picked the diesel to convince people to choose the diesel over the gas engine because sales on the diesel are so low that it won't be around for long if it doesn't start selling better

[@sic22l]

Diesel was quieter, better planted on the road and more economical.

[@RyaMarshall]

Kcducttaper1 Diesel is less than gas in LA

[@Kcducttaper1]

Really? Diesel used to be cheaper here in Kansas until about 10 years ago. Since then, it's almost always been a bit more than gas, but I've never really figured out why.

[@jessehernandez5043]

Mpg of diesel does not get offset by price. While towing, 6.9mpg in the diesel vs 4.9mpg in the gasser, over the course of 100 gallons of fuel. I would be able to travel 690miles in the diesel while you can only go 490miles in your gasser. Today in San Diego gas is $3.60 and diesel is $3.98. It only cost me $38 dollars more to buy 100 gallons, yet i traveled 200 more miles in my diesel

[@jcpliner]

i have a 19 v6 long bed crew cab and am very happy with it have done a bit of towing. around me diesel is about 50 cents higher than gas plus the exhaust fluid. i am not so sure the extra expense is worth it. and i got the feeling you guys were surprised by the gassers performance. maybe some pre-conceived notions?

[@joeraptor1]

How has your truck been doing? I've been thinking of trading in my 19 Sierra for a Canyon....some good deals going on. The Sierra has been disappointing and I'm finding it too big for city driving in terms of visibility.

[@CarbonGlassMan]

Thank the federal government's CAFE standards for destroying your engines with cylinder deactivation modes. Your truck costs more because it has that ability and the engine wears out faster because it has that cylinder deactivation mode.

[@PainlessBBQ]

Why don't you set both to cruise at 49mph up the IKE and see what the noise and mpg are then. I think the the results would be much closer

[@BNGamesYT]

My 2016 Colorado V6 is perfect as is, mostly because I don't really tow.

[@RyaMarshall]

same for my '16 Colorado Diesel

[@kb9oak749]

So is my 2016 Colorado Duramax, mostly cause I bought it used and let some other sucker eat the depreciation. I would never have paid what they are asking new, just crazy.

[@bryane2857]

Get rid of subjective score . That will give a true score. If you want another score to add make it the decimal sound for the scoring round

[@djayt1215]

I agree...or at least set parameters for subjective score...like comfort and steering feel.

[@skipper5951]

The exhaust brake is the real reason to buy the diesel, not the MPG. When you add it all up, the MPG doesn't make up for all the other costs. Not just because of the cost of maintenance, the diesel was much slower. If the gas engines had backed off, it would've returned better mileage, eating much of that MPG gain.

[@sic22l]

They also did a 100-mile run at steady speed and Duramax was the most economical as well.

[@mark7067]

+sic22l The diesel is supposed to destroy the gas truck when towing, not when cruising unladen.

[@sequoia464]

Do you have a link to the 100 mile run?

[@sic22l]

***** It does destroy. While normal towing, not on a steep grade performance test. with the same load in regular traffic you'd have to rev the hell out of the V6 as well while the Duramax would just drive like nothing happened thanks to the all the torque at low revs.

[@mark7067]

sic22l That shouldn't be true. I've towed 2300+kg with V6 trucks making less power and with fewer gears, and they did just fine, they'll even cruise in overdrive. And with the 8 speed, it should only help the Colorado V6 stay in its sweet spot.

[@wes326]

Due to the better fuel mileage diesels also have a lot greater range compared to the gas versions. Especially important in the West. In addition, climbing hills at 6000 rpm gets old fast.

[@God_is_Justice]

I bought a 2016 extended colorado 2WD last year and will be upgrading to 4x$ crew cab this weekend. Wish me luck!

[@SoundgardenMan]

It wasn't Bigfoot. It was Roman skipping naked through the forest.

[@sparky2171]

I just bought a 2018 Colorado ZR2 Diesel online! I’m away on a business trip so it’s waiting for me at the dealer when I get home!! I’m just gonna take an uber from the airport to the dealership! I’m so excited!!! Ahhh! Lets see how many hours I can hold out before tuning it! Thanks for the videos, i feel i have made the right choice.

[@bretmarstellar603]

Noticed about 5 seconds after Andre said he started the clock on the Colorado going up the hill (when he shows it to the camera) it was already at ~20 seconds. Did Andre start the clock at the bottom of the on-ramp by mistake when he started talking about it?

[@davidhoover2446]

Andre, your baby white board was incredible! But on a serious note, awesome job thank you for your videos guys!

[@TFLtruck]

+David Hoover Thanks! :)

[@AlexC-mt2vv]

At the price of the GMC I think it would make more sense to buy a half ton or maybe even 3/4 ton, expensive for how small it is

[@robgrune3284]

agree, especially since the engine and tranny are as yet unproven or durability and longevity.

[@houseofdiesel]

It's a Denali. Ram and Ford 1/2 ton Longhorn and King Ranches fetch $60k and the same trim level Denali, LH, and KR all catch $80k. You can get the base model Canyon Duramax for as low as $30-35k. Denali is the top of the line lux. TRD Taco's can fetch $40k with cloth interior.

[@houseofdiesel]

I'm running 35's for 15k and had zero problems. Any idea how long GM has been making the 6L50 and 2.8L LWN? Both have been in production for over 10 years. lol

[@dougjohnsonbushcraftandbjj5561]

Not everyone wants a big truck, they don't look as attractive. These are big enough

[@sschevmale24]

I had the silverado z71 crew. nice truck just to big and hated loose steering

[@gmshep717sdad]

It's great how those small trucks can pull those heavy trailers, but more importantly can they stop safely? You should include a braking test in your review. Being able to stop with a heavy load is just as important (or more) as pulling one.

[@guyproulx1660]

Where are the best 2 midsize trucks, the Tacoma and Frontier

[@badchad7612]

ISIS said the same thing.

[@Encourageable]

guy proulx LOL. Welcome to 2017!

[@cpatton-uo1il]

I really enjoy yals towing videos . Keep up the good work everyone.

[@NewtonWashinton]

47k for a mid size no way,... i went on the GMC site and the Chevy site and both want $8000.00 just for 4 wheel drive, crazy,.. not for me. I gave your review a thumbs up. Thanks

[@connerbutler1077]

Newton Washinton yes but a lot of trucks go for way less than msrp like at the end of a model year you can get $10,000 off a $45,000 truck.

[@NewtonWashinton]

Dodge 318 Cummins True, I do get the GM discount also, maybe at the sale time i will do that on a GMC full size.

[@connerbutler1077]

Newton Washinton ya I've seen new Chevy silverado 1500s 4x4 crew cab for $35,000 they look loaded.

[@NewtonWashinton]

Dodge 318 Cummins ok thanks, ya i would like a truck like that for 35k

[@Terminxman]

GMs MSRPs are insane. They sell shit all the time like $10k under sticker. When there are rebates and shit and when a new model year is on the lot it can be insane.

[@austinlibby7025]

According to GM, the 4 x 4 is supposed to handle 5000 towing pounds where the 3.6 L gas will do 7000 so I don’t know where you’re coming up with with a 5000 with a diesel that does 77,700 pound towing but not with a 4 x 4

[@jasonhannsz]

8:19 doh! Typo! Please hurry up and do the Silverado 3500 on the Ike. I'm a ford guy mainly because that's who signs my paychecks but I'd like to know how it stacked up against the ram and super duty.

[@houseofdiesel]

Have you seen the hornets nest they are under the hood over at Four Wheeler Mag? The stealerships are going to milk customer's dry!

[@rogerdavison7961]

To find out what gear u are in put the transmission in low mode

[@dsheney]

I would use a differant way of measuring fuel mpg instead of on board equitment

[@Mr_Chris77]

I don't believe it's worth the extra $3,800 for the diesel. It only bests the gas engine by 700 lbs towing and on this test, it was a 2 MPG advantage to the diesel. But, diesel costs more per gallon in most places and maintenance cost a bit more. Having diesel just to have one, OK, but I don't see the price gap being worth it.

[@unclecowboy2003]

I’d like to see you guys go up and down cabbage mountain in Washington state doing these tests on towing and then parleys canyon in Utah going out of Salt Lake City I believe that parleys canyon is 12% grade I might be wrong but it a hell of a hill for towing testing and approximately 20 miles of up hill grade from 3% to 12% at the summit and it would test the cooling system in late July or August its a killer

[@Jharp82]

The msrp on the Denali is in the same price as a base model 2017 Sierra 2500hd with the Diesel engine.

[@1sdrogers]

No it isn't. In Canada the Canyon Duramax Denali is $55k, the base Sierra 2500 Duramax is $74k.

[@JoseChung21]

Need to see an mpg loop for the 2017 F150s in 3.5 and 2.7. U guys are great.

[@RICKY760]

I am very happy with my 08 Colorado Z71. Nothing but positive things to say and I like the body style more than the new generation.

[@houseofdiesel]

I bought the GMC. The lines are way better than the Chevy's Camero hard lines.

[@dougjohnsonbushcraftandbjj5561]

Chevy > GMC.

[@033Fritz]

So you guys compared a base Colorado against a loaded canyon, with a diesel! They do have manual shift, and it should show what gear you’re in with the 8sp in between the tach & speedo on the info screen. Owned both, love both, purchased the V6.

[@Kvandy15]

@MrTruck you nailed it with those boots, Majestic.

[@MrTruckTV]

Thanks, I love the red white and blue

[@peterberglund5492]

Amen, I have a 2017 Z71 diesel with 144k miles. I pull a 26' toy hauler. The loaded wt is 6800#, I travel the Rocky Mountains all summer, fish bum. Avg fuel mileage from day 1, 24.8mpg, I tow a lot. Great truck

[@yadvindergakhal2512]

nice test! I will say it is a tough test but I wouldn't call it the toughest test! In canada, there are some 15% grades and there probably way more around the world

[@jamesbeaman6337]

Maybe so, but can you find test results someone has produced with multiple vehicles on those roads such as TFL Truck has done? If not, I wouldn't agree that it is a real test and I'm OK with them calling this the toughest test. I guess it's all in how you define a "test".

[@edwardmoody4253]

stinky diesel no way!!!

[@robertstewart1254]

With the different price points of gas and diesel fuel, MPG comparisons don't mean anything. I like to convert both to miles per dollar so that there is a common point of comparison. I used the current prices for midgrade gasoline and diesel (4.39 and 4.99 respectively in upstate NY). The average miles per dollar for the Colorado is 4.33 compared to the Canyon at 4.61 for a .28 mile per $ difference. With a $3,800 price difference, it would take a diesel Canyon just under 13,500 miles to pay for itself. For most people, that is about a year's driving. Of course, the more often you tow, the break even point would come sooner.

[@cjmhall]

It doesn't only come down to dollars and cents. I paid the extra because the diesel feels so much more relaxed when hauling or towing. Having a gas engine screaming at 6,000rpm when towing an RV through the mountains gets old very quickly.

[@kmo1200]

Dodge needs to give in and make a dakota worth competing with these two

[@jamescalvert240]

Right, Ford brough the Ranger back to the US to compete with the Colorado/Canyon and Tacoma

[@misterkgomes]

Yeah. Dodge could use the Cummins R2.8

[@Derpymech]

With the same eco diesel as the 1/2ton it would be king!

[@Derpymech]

Mister K Gomes actually lots of issues with that motor believe it or not

[@williamallen5369]

Yes, but with a v8, just like the original. I would love to have a midsize truck with a v8, but new, not 10 plus year old like what's only available now.

[@bgd73]

the midsize come a long way. My 1996 gmc xcab half ton, manual trans, 12 foot wheelbase.. 6200 GVWR. Good density in this newer stuff.

[@TommyStGeorge]

The Denali not only had the towing package that the Chevy lacked, BUT it also had an integrated brake controller. Not a good comparison downhill.

[@insomniacryan9916]

So they tested a vehicle in towing- exclusively- on the hardest towing test in the world, without the towing package? How does that make any sense?

[@cmusic52]

it still just blows my mind how little colorado can now tow a 6000 lb trailer just fine when that used to be solidly in the half ton towing range

[@jamesbeaman6337]

I agree. I think today's midsize trucks are the half tons from the 1990s and today's half tons are the 3/4 tons from the same time period.

[@Cobb]

You say the important number is the $3800 difference in engine pricing, but don't you have to have a higher trim to get the diesel option?

[@RyaMarshall]

Cobb no you don't.

[@craigpeardon9324]

I would like to see you test the diesel tuned by duramax tuning

[@TheDemonicGarage]

I'd like to see you all try this with a tuned diesel!!!

[@TheDemonicGarage]

@@jimalden9376 I think you have tune-up and tuned confused.

[@Artie196161]

DEF system , rear oil pump belt in engine , A little better gas mileage , Reliability ? I am on the fence still with these small diesels in trucks

[@cobracao1327]

Any clue what the transmission temps were on the test run? I've seen mine hit scary high temps, but i dont know what the baseline is (mine is heavily modified for off road). This is with or without 5k trailer.

[@classiclarry88]

I'm torn between a v6 2wd colorado and a v6 2wd silverado, very basic rigs. Occasionally going to tow a track day car to the circuit but within both vehicles' tolerances. Rest of the time just cruising through town to work.

[@johnhenry1395]

Hey can the Colorado/Canyon use a goose-neck (B&W type) set-up? I've got a 4K horse-trailer that I usually only haul one horse (900Lbs) with, so a total wt of about ~5k Lbs.....just not sure if these mid-size trucks are goose-neck capable?

[@jamescalvert240]

Of course the diesel will always be better than gas goin down hill cuz of the engine exhaust brake or jake brake. Tho you can or should beable to manually shift into a lower gear to hold you at a certain speed goin down wether its a gas or diesel

[@OverlandTT]

That 4 pot badger 2.8 is actually a revised old school Isuzu DMax engine that's been around years, surprised they put a crappy 4 cylinder for the European market in a truck that big.

[@kevinp5325]

The 2.8l "duramax" was derived from a VM Motori (italian) design. It has nothing to do with Isuzu other than it has a duramax badge on it.

[@mtnseth]

Why is the tow-haul/exhaust brake being used on the uphill section in the Canyon? The light is on on the display. Wouldn't that cut into your power by creating resistance in the system? I have the 2.8L in my 2016 Colorado, and I can imagine that scenario really suffocating the power on a climb. Downhill, the exhaust brake is my favorite feature of the truck.

[@Devcom88]

Are you guys going to be running the Tundra 5.7 and Tacoma V6 up the Gauntlet again this year for Gold Hitch?

[@ReidHenderson]

Chevrolet loves that 3.42 ratio even my 91 s10 4x4 with the 4.3 had those same ratios

[@lowsee88]

How about 2 horse gooseneck on the denali?

[@codymiller1994]

The fuel economy and braking of the diesel is really impressive! It did 41% better on the fuel economy portion. I think I'd personally rather arrive a bit slower with a more relaxing tow experience. I'm sure if you want more power, there's a tune you can get for the diesel.

[@RyaMarshall]

Cody Miller there totally is a tune available. by Duramax tune

[@sonictech1000]

Cody Miller I suspect if you went up the hill at the same speed in both trucks then the mpg would be very close.

[@RyaMarshall]

duramaxtuner.com/2-8lduramax/2-8l-duramax-colorado-canyon-spade.html

[@Gantzz321]

even if you are doing just normal driving the diesel is going to pay for itself with a extremely short time, AND the re-sell is always much much higher then a gas truck. So its a no brainer.

[@bobalobalie]

+Greg Ward *YOU'RE COMPLETELY WRONG!* The "baby" Duramax will cost you an extra $14,165 to get into from the base trim since it requires a bunch of other options to be tacked on for the "privilege" of adding the diesel engine. If you already wanted those other options it will cost you an extra $6,510. Considering gas mileage, it only being a $6,510 option for you, and the VERY VERY unlikely bonus of selling your truck for $3,255 more than a gas model. You would have to drive 217,144 miles to break even. In reality, the diesel will likely only get about $1,000 more than a gas model when you sell. So, you would ACTUALLY have to drive 367,578 miles to break even and that's not even accounting the increased cost of servicing a diesel engine. So yeah, it's NOT a "no brainer". Buying a diesel truck for personal use will almost always result in a loss. P.S. I used the 2016 average US price of regular unleaded and diesel, as well as the combined MPG of the Duramax and the gas 3.6L V6 to make my calculations.

[@wolforxx]

I'd love to see the colorado ZR2 diesel on the Ike gauntlet, I think the 3 inches of extra with will help.

[@mikec8123]

Do you have a side by side comparisons for all the midsize trucks?

[@Muddyspartan]

Why did the duramax get bonus points in mpg? Shouldn't it max out at 25? Either way, very impressive!

[@kb9oak749]

While towing uphill? Not sure if serious.

[@toya1914]

Seriously you have to explain the scoring in every video. We don't care. We will determine what we like on our own, other than that you guys have the best reviews and appreciate your work. The best thing Andre has ever said is "let's be quite for awhile". Should take he's own advice. Man he can talk.

[@deltabravo1257]

Kent, I'd like to hear your opinions of the seats. I've test driven multiple Colorados, and the left side of the driver's seat pushes up against my thigh. A lot of people on the Colorado/Canyon forums have complaints about the driver seat too. I'm 5'9" at 175 lbs, so I'm by no means overweight, but the seat is a deal breaker for me, that's how annoying it is.

[@MrTruckTV]

I'm 260 lbs and I guess my thigh sits on top of the seat bolster. They fit me fine and the arm rests in the door and center console are the right height for me

[@AddingLifeAdventure]

Question- Is the exhaust break the difference maker here? I thought the gas engine climb was a good time.

[@marcinolszewski3126]

I wonder about long time durability of that diesel. DPF , expensive injectors, and turbo.... Modern diesels get Very expensive with high milage. And for towing,for that money I would get full size.

[@guyproulx1660]

I wonder how many midsize diesels GM sold last year

[@Jcwphoto]

I love diesels. You need to take into consideration the higher cost of diesel and cost of def. That starts to negate the difference in mpg. Where I live diesel is about $1 more than gas.

[@sic22l]

You get diesel in higher trim and it has higher resale value.

[@zacharynolte6085]

The 2012 traverse with the v6 3.6 makes 288 HP and 277 Torque

[@bendersdad1929]

Will GM ever offer the Duramax in the ext. cab Colorado/Canyon?

[@bhshakari]

Is it really a fare and accurate comparison when the trucks have different engines sizes and horse power?

[@guzzimike1100]

That was kind of the point of this test. Same basic truck. Same rear gearing. Different engines/transmissions. Doing the same job. It showed that if towing in the mountains, the diesel can do a better overall job. The engine braking on the downhill sections, and the lower interior noise on the up hill sections sold me. I tow a lot, and high RPM screaming up hills gets old, as does constant braking on the downhills. The Colorado/Canyon can do the work of a 1500 series truck from the not too distant past. And, like I mentioned, the engine brake in the diesel is a great thing to have in the mountains. Smoking the brakes is no fun. BTDT,

[@richardplascencia1929]

how is it that the diesel with considerable more torque takes longer to go up the hill? Please explain.

[@ezeflierid]

Torque is not a measure of ability to do work (climb a hill or accelerate a heavy load), but horsepower is exactly that. The reason it's confusing is that engines that produce a lot of torque often have a wide (horse)power band, meaning they produce horsepower over a wide range of RPM. All else being equal, that would be good for accelerating a heavy load from a standing start. Especially in the case of an old pickup truck whose transmission doesn't have very many gears. But, modern trucks have transmissions with lots of gears, and the reason that's important is because it allows a comparatively high RPM gas engine to stay in its narrow power band all of the time, meaning the engine is able to do the work of accelerating a heavy load, or climb a long grade. In the old days with a 3-speed auto, if you had a high horsepower engine you would have to rev it to the moon, and then it would bog every time it shifted because the gears because the ratios were so far apart, taking the engine out of its power band - you never had the right gear. But the high torque engine would just chug away - nothing could stop a big block. Nowadays the gears are so close together that the high horsepower engine just keeps singing. If the hill gets too steep and you slow down, the next lower gear is just a few hundred RPM higher, not 1500 RPM like in the old days. The engine can always be in its power band. If a vehicle is setup to keep the engine in its power band, the higher horsepower engine will always go faster.

[@kevin9c1]

On the last vid when everyone was clamoring for a tow test to show how the diesel would out-perform the gas, I said, simple power to weight, gas will win. Well, even with 32% less horsepower, the gas engine STILL got to the top of the hill faster. That said, the diesel got 40% better fuel economy and that is no doubt a factor. But for pure acceleration, I don't know why people keep saying torque matters for towing - if your foot is on the floor, power to weight is all you need to know. At sea level or at typical altitudes, the gas engine would have really done a number on the diesel here.

[@skipper5951]

It does matter, because HP is just calculation of torque and rotating speed. The diesel might have have more peak torque and at a lower RPM, but it cannot turn as quickly. The gas engine makes almost 100lb-ft less, but it can give its torque at a much high rate. That's why the engine has a higher horsepower calculation.

[@kevin9c1]

Totally agree. Torque does matter, and high RPM torque allows more work to be done. For ease of understanding, I prefer to refer to this as "horsepower" because that's what it is, as you have mentioned. I am not saying there is no point to a diesel. But low RPM torque really just means low RPM horsepower. But a diesel will never produce MORE horsepower at the low end than at the top end - otherwise the peak would be at like 1800 rpm. A diesel, just like a gas engine, gets the most work done at its HP peak. If that is 3200 rpm on a diesel, then 3200 rpm is where the most work gets done, REGARDLESS of whatever crazy-looking peak torque number you may see at 2000, 1800 or lower. That low RPM torque, however, translates into low RPM horsepower, which is why turbodiesels drive "effortlessly." As a percentage of engine RPM operating range, diesels put out much closer to their peak HP over that range. But as I said previously, if it is a wide open throttle all out performance test, and both transmissions put the engine at or near peak HP rpm, the one with better power to weight is going to be faster. Every. Single. Time.

[@robgrune3284]

so what else is new? gas always accelerates quicker than diesel. but diesel is always better for towing. the effective exhaust brake could save your life some day.

[@Propelled]

kevin9c1 seems like being ten to eleven miles per hour slower on the climb would be a bummer.

[@CrCRicanMD]

Can you guys run a first gen tundra?

[@markkinghorn765]

Love your stuff. But seriously, why did not compare a Chevy gas to a Chevy diesel with similar trim?

[@TC-hs5wy]

If i only tow a few times a summer im thinking the v6 suits me better. Do you guys feel that the space and V6 power in the canyon is fine or Do you wish you had a sierra w 5.3 w less mpg?

[@brucefredrickson9677]

Ridgeline much more spacious inside...resale better too.

[@dlakerguy]

Solid trucks! That diesel might be better off with the 8-speed transmission in the future. Maybe it can hold a bit higher rpm on the hills and pick up the speed a bit. Other than that, they both seem great for what they're built for.

[@MichaelMiller-rg6or]

at 8:20 I would just like to point out a typo in the video. You have the GCWR of the Chevy Colorado as 12,00 (missing a "0")

[@roberteiler9702]

would you still recommend the GMC diesel if you dont plan on towing.

[@TFLtruck]

+Robert Eiler Yes, if you have the $ for the diesel option.

[@roberteiler9702]

Outstanding. Thanks it helps along with the video. Peace.

[@PWlangford1]

Hows the longevity of the diesel ? 🇨🇦

[@Terminxman]

I can't believe these trucks have a 3.42 rear ends. That's super high gearing. Hell my Tacoma has a 3.93 I believe with the auto and I'm still planning on going to a 4.30

[@edtin1834]

Ok, here it goes: $11 k more for 4 mpg better. At $3.00 per gallon, it would cost the Colorado $303 more after 10 K miles in gas cost. How many miles driven would it take to make the GMC to be more cost effective? Are chrome steps and phony wood grain that expensive, (if you make the assumption that they are worth anything)?

[@Omg_Noodles_PUBG]

What song is played at the 2 minute mark? I can't find it anywhere.

[@kcraftinsuranceagency4986]

Colorado is gorgeous and the Ike Gantlet is a perfect testing ground.

[@gtileo]

I bet if the duramax wasn't in tow haul mode and was in a higher gear it would have pulled better up the hill, it's possible if there was an 8 speed in that that it would have been able to maintain 60 up the hill. It's torque is lower down and drops off pretty hard after it peaks I should have paid the extra money for the duramax over the V6. The V6 makes a loud ugly annoying sound between 2000 and 3500 rpm and that's where it likes to run since it doesn't like to lug, an air intake makes the tone nicer but it's way to loud.

[@brad450]

TFL; Why does the Colorado and Canyon have these HUGE front ends compared to the International version of the same trucks?

[@guyproulx1660]

brad450 because this is Murica, they always have to have the biggest with a lot of HP with a shitload of useless bells and whistles, long term reliability and resale value is the last thing on their mind

[@bahamatodd]

Pretty much. Funny thing is the US truck looks tougher on the outside, but the inside is made more plush and comfortable, and the suspension is softened to give a better ride than the global truck. That's why the global truck has over 2000 lbs payload while in the US its usually around 1500 lbs or less.

[@guyproulx1660]

Todd Wilson The Tacoma looks and is much tougher than these twins in my opinion

[@bahamatodd]

Once again, the Tacoma is focused for the US market while the rest of the world gets the Hilux.

[@guyproulx1660]

Todd Wilson weren't we talking about U.S midsize trucks looks and which truck looks tougher? btw i already knew the rest of the world gets the Hilux

[@lakeschoolrestorationchann1567]

I love Diesel engines but assuming you only keep the truck 100k miles there is very little difference in savings going to the diesel. Diesel around here costs 45cents more a gallon, combined with the expensive oil changes, def fluid, and higher purchase price there really isn't any savings. Then if your out of warranty the cost to fix anything on the engine negates any increase in "resale value". The small truck diesels that are in this country seem to have more in common with a gas engine than a heavier duty industrial diesel. Aka I don't see most of them hitting big miles without major repairs. In the two trucks above I rather have the gas engine.