Chevrolet Colorado Oil Capacity & Oil Type
TL;DR
Capacity ranges from about 4.7 L (5.0 qt) on the 2.5L four-cylinder to 5.7 L (6.0 qt) on the V6, Duramax diesel, and the newer 2.7L Turbo - always match the figure to your specific engine code, not just the model year.
Why one number will not fit every Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado has been built across three very different generations (2004-2012, 2015-2022, and 2023-present), and GM has offered at least seven distinct engines under that name. Oil capacity is set by the engine, not the truck, so a figure that is correct for one engine code can be wrong by a full quart for another - even within the same generation. The table below lists only the engine and capacity combinations that could be cross-checked against published GM oil capacity references or widely used lubricant lookup tools.
Capacity and viscosity by engine code
| Engine code / years | Capacity with filter (L / US qt) | Viscosity |
|---|---|---|
| 2.9L I4 (LLV), 2004-2012 | 4.7 L / 5.0 qt | 5W-30 |
| 3.5L I5 (L52), 2004-2006 | 5.7 L / 6.0 qt | 5W-30 |
| 3.7L I5 (LLR), 2007-2012 | 5.7 L / 6.0 qt | 5W-30 |
| 2.5L I4 (LCV), 2015-2022 | 4.7 L / 5.0 qt | 5W-20 (dexos1) |
| 3.6L V6 (LFX / LGZ), 2015-2022 | 5.7 L / 6.0 qt | 5W-30 (dexos1) |
| 2.8L I4 Duramax Diesel (LWN), 2016-2022 | 5.7 L / 6.0 qt | dexos2 5W-30 |
| 2.7L I4 Turbo (L3B / L2R), 2023-present | 5.7 L / 6.0 qt | dexos1 5W-30 |
The 5.3L V8 (first generation, GMT355)
Some 2004-2012 Colorados were also offered with GM's 5.3L V8 (engine code LH8). Reliable, service-grade sources for this specific truck application were not available at the time of writing, so no capacity is stated here - check your underhood emissions label or owner manual for that variant instead.
Why the same displacement can differ
Notice that the 3.6L V6 and the 2.7L Turbo both land on 5.7 L (6.0 qt) - that is a coincidence of these particular designs, not a rule. Do not assume a newer version of an engine with the same displacement number shares the older version capacity, and do not assume two different engines share a number just because they are both offered in a Colorado.
Always confirm on your own truck
The engine code and confirmed factory-fill numbers are always printed on or near the vehicle itself. Check, in order of reliability: the underhood emissions/oil label near the filler cap, the Owner Manual maintenance section for your exact model year and engine, and the driver door jamb placard (this mainly confirms tire and payload data, but some markets print fluid notes there too). If you tow, GM's trailering guide for your model year also restates the correct oil grade for heavy-duty use.
Summary
| 2.5L I4 (LCV) capacity | 4.7 L / 5.0 US qt, 5W-20 |
|---|---|
| 2.9L I4 (LLV) capacity | 4.7 L / 5.0 US qt, 5W-30 |
| 3.5L / 3.7L I5 capacity | 5.7 L / 6.0 US qt, 5W-30 |
| 3.6L V6 (LFX/LGZ) capacity | 5.7 L / 6.0 US qt, 5W-30 |
| 2.8L Duramax diesel (LWN) | 5.7 L / 6.0 US qt, dexos2 5W-30 |
| 2.7L Turbo (L3B/L2R, 2023+) | 5.7 L / 6.0 US qt, dexos1 5W-30 |
| Best source to confirm | Underhood emissions label + Owner Manual |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Chevrolet Colorado: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Is 5 quarts or 6 quarts correct for my Colorado?
Both are correct, just for different engines. The 2.5L four-cylinder (LCV, 2015-2022) and the older 2.9L four-cylinder (LLV, 2004-2012) take 5.0 quarts (4.7 L). The 3.5L and 3.7L inline-five, the 3.6L V6, the 2.8L Duramax diesel, and the 2023-present 2.7L Turbo all take 6.0 quarts (5.7 L). Match the figure to your engine code, printed on the underhood emissions label.
What oil viscosity does the 2.7L Turbo Colorado need?
GM TechLink service data for the 2023-present 2.7L Turbo (engine codes L3B and L2R) specifies dexos1 5W-30 with a 5.7 L (6.0 US quart) fill including the filter. Always confirm against the label on your own engine, since GM has used different viscosity grades on other engines it also badges as 2.7L in other GM models.
Does the Duramax 2.8L diesel need special oil?
Yes. The 2.8L Duramax (engine code LWN, 2016-2022) requires a dexos2-approved 5W-30 oil, not the dexos1 used in the gasoline engines. Capacity with a filter change is 5.7 L (6.0 US quarts). Using a non-dexos2 oil can affect emissions system durability and warranty coverage on this engine.
Where do I find my exact engine code?
Look at the underhood emissions/vehicle-certification label (usually on the underside of the hood or on the radiator support) - it lists the engine RPO code such as LCV, LGZ, LWN, or L3B. Your Owner Manual and any dealer service invoice will also reference this code, and it is the only reliable way to pick the correct oil capacity and viscosity for your specific truck.