2016 Chevy Colorado Diesel Pickup Priced At $31,700; Fuel Efficiency To Come Later

Starting this fall, the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado mid-size pickup truck will be available with the diesel engine option that was announced a year ago when the truck first launched.

When it does, the diesel version will carry a price premium of $3,730 over comparable models equipped with the 3.6-liter gasoline V-6.

The diesel engine will also be offered on the Colorado's GMC Canyon twin, at an identical premium over the V-6.

DON'T MISS: 2016 Chevy Colorado Diesel: Specs And ZR2 Off-Road Concept From 2014 LA Auto Show (Nov 2014)

A 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder will continue as the base engine.

Diesels will only be offered in the mid-level LT and top Z71 trim levels, with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

The diesel produces 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, and is available only with a six-speed automatic transmission.

General Motors has not yet discussed full fuel-economy ratings, but said that its efficiency will exceed both of the gasoline models.

However, it did note that the Colorado diesel will tow up to 7,700 pounds with rear-wheel drive, and 7,600 pounds with four-wheel drive--up from the maximum 7,000 pounds of the 3.6-liter V-6.

All diesel Colorado models come with a towing package--including an integrated trailer-brake controller--standard.

ALSO SEE: 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon Four-Cylinder Gas Mileage: 21 Or 22 MPG Combined (Sep 2014)