For diesel truck enthusiasts craving torque in mid-size packages, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon with 2.8L I4 Duramax LWN diesel engines offered rare and compelling options. These mid-size diesel trucks filled a peculiar niche, as GM was the only manufacturer offering such trucks during that time. The inline-four turbo-diesel was available in the Colorado and Canyon from model-year 2016 through 2022, marking a respectable seven-year run in GM’s mid-size truck segment before its discontinuation.

LWN Duramax Diesel: History and Applications

General Motors introduced the 2.8L Duramax LWN diesel engine in the U.S. market in 2016 for the second-generation Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. Derived from GM’s global “Family B” engine architecture, the LWN was built by GM’s powertrain facility in Thailand and later shipped to the U.S. for final assembly in the trucks. The LWN was based on the VM Motori-designed 2.8L found in overseas vehicles but modified to meet stricter U.S. emissions standards and to offer better NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) performance.

The LWN wasn’t exclusive to the Colorado and Canyon, as it was found in the Chevy Express and GMC Savana vans. It also found a home in global Chevrolet platforms and other international-market trucks and SUVs.

Power and Capability

Despite its small size, the 2.8L Duramax packed a punch. It made 181 hp at 3,400 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm, taking its place as the lowest-horsepower, highest-torque engine offering. The grey cast iron block had cast aluminum cylinder heads. It was backed by a Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission. It came with a 21-gallon fuel tank.

Max towing for the diesel Colorado/Canyon came in at 7,700 pounds (extended cab, six-foot two-inch bed, when properly equipped with the tow package); this was the max towing figure for the Colorado/Canyon. Max payload came in around 1,400–1,500 pounds, depending on configuration.

Fuel economy was another strong suit, with EPA ratings hitting up to 30 mpg (highway) and 20 mpg (city) for two-wheel-drive versions, making it one of the most fuel-efficient pickups on the market during its run.

The diesel 2.8L offered exceptional towing for the mid-size class, diesel longevity and reliability, fuel efficiency unmatched in mid-size pickups, and smooth power delivery. Offered in the ZR2 trim, it was particularly appealing to overlanders, long-haul adventurers, and those looking to tow toys or trailers without jumping into full-size rigs.

Death of the Diesel Midsize

Despite a loyal fanbase, GM pulled the plug on the LWN diesel mid-size after the 2022 model year for several reasons. It was too expensive, both for GM and consumers. For GM, ever-tightening emissions regulations made it expensive to keep the engine compliant in the U.S. market. For consumers, the diesel option added a significant premium over gas-powered models. These expenses, combined with a low take rate and a market that was shifting toward turbocharged gas engines and hybrid powertrains, sealed the little Duramax’s fate.

The all-new 2023 Colorado and Canyon ditched the diesel option entirely in favor of a 2.7L turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine, available in multiple output levels. The high-output version makes 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, actually out-torquing the old diesel while delivering strong performance, improved emissions, and a lower cost of ownership—at least on paper.