The answer varies by engine. Gasoline-powered Colorado models use Dexos1 Gen 2 synthetic oil, with the exact viscosity depending on the engine and climate. The diesel Duramax engine requires Dexos2 synthetic oil. Always check the owner’s manual or GM’s official service information for your specific engine and conditions.
To help you navigate, this article breaks down the oil requirements by engine option in the 2017 Colorado lineup, outlining the recommended oil specification and typical viscosity guidance. Use this as a starting point, but rely on official GM documentation for your exact vehicle.
Engine-by-engine oil requirements
2.5L inline-4 gasoline engine
For the 2.5L gasoline engine, use oil that meets Dexos1 Gen 2 specifications. The viscosity guidance varies by climate, but 0W-20 is commonly recommended, with 5W-30 sometimes allowed in certain conditions. See your manual for the exact requirement.
- Oil type: Dexos1 Gen 2 certified motor oil
- Viscosity guidance: typically 0W-20; 5W-30 may be acceptable in warmer climates per the manual
- Notes: Use synthetic oil meeting Dexos1 Gen 2 specifications; follow the factory interval guidance
The above points reflect GM’s general stance on the 2.5L gas engine in the 2017 Colorado. Always confirm the exact viscosity in your owner’s manual or via GM’s service information for your region.
3.6L V6 gasoline engine
The 3.6L V6 in the Colorado also requires Dexos1 Gen 2 oil. Like the 2.5L, the recommended viscosity is climate-dependent, with 0W-20 being a common standard. Check the manual for the precise specification for your vehicle.
- Oil type: Dexos1 Gen 2 certified motor oil
- Viscosity guidance: commonly 0W-20; verify in the owner’s manual for your conditions
- Notes: Synthetic oil meeting Dexos1 Gen 2 is required; adhere to GM’s maintenance intervals
These notes reflect GM’s guidance for the gasoline V6 option in the 2017 Colorado family. Always rely on the official manual to confirm the exact viscosity for your situation.
2.8L Duramax diesel engine
The Duramax diesel in the 2017 Colorado requires Dexos2 synthetic oil. The commonly specified viscosity for this engine is 5W-40, though some markets or service notes may allow alternative Dexos2-approved viscosities; consult your manual for the exact requirement.
- Oil type: Dexos2 certified synthetic motor oil
- Viscosity guidance: commonly 5W-40; verify exact spec in the manual
- Notes: Diesel engines have different maintenance intervals and oil-change needs; use Dexos2 per GM guidance
For the Duramax diesel, following the Dexos2 specification and the recommended viscosity is important for engine longevity and warranty compliance. Always verify the precise oil grade in your owner’s manual or GM official service data.
Summary
In short, choose Dexos-qualified oils specific to your engine: Dexos1 Gen 2 for the 2.5L and 3.6L gasoline engines, and Dexos2 for the 2.8L Duramax diesel. Viscosity guidance typically centers on 0W-20 for the gasoline engines and 5W-40 for the diesel, but exact requirements can vary by climate and vehicle configuration. Always confirm the exact oil specification and maintenance intervals in your 2017 Chevy Colorado’s owner’s manual or through GM’s official service information.