How many of you who are criticizing the new Colorado/Canyon have ever driven one or own one? I have put over 40,000 miles on my 2017 Canyon 3.6 2WD Crew Cab and love it. Anyone who says the 3.6 is anemic hasn't spent any time with it. Is it a torque monster? No. But it is very sprightly in a mid-size truck. 0-60 times are in the six second range. And I get an average of 25-26 mpg when not towing. I don't tow anything heavy, nothing over 3.000 pounds. If I planned on towing 6 or 7,000 pounds I would have bought a Silverado/Sierra. If you want torque and plan to tow heavy loads with the Colorado/Canyon get the baby Duramax.
I did have the torque converter shudder but the recent TSB changing the ATF to the black label Mobil 1 LV fluid has solved the problem.
As far as the timing chain problems with the earlier 3.6, this engine has been redesigned with fewer and shorter timing chains. I am confident that with 5,000 mile oil changes that timing chain wear will not be a problem. This engine also has a built in oil separator similar to a catch can to prevent PCV fumes from building up residue on the back of the valves that other DI engines have problems with. It appears GM learned their lessons from earlier engines when designing this LGX/LGZ engine: "Camshaft drive: all-new, with a simpler design featuring two chains and six sprockets vs. the previous three chains and nine sprockets, with lower chain loads, which enhances durability. ".
http://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/gm-engines/lgx/
The truck rides and handles better than the Tacoma or Frontier. I haven't driven the Ranger but test reports don't give it good marks for ride quality.
The size of this truck is just what I wanted. It fits in my garage and is easier to park than the overgrown full size trucks of today. I parked my truck next to a 1998 F150 and they are roughly the same size. The brodozers being made today are much bigger and most people who drive them never use or need the capacity of such a large truck.
Granted that with the deep discounts offered on the full size trucks, pound for pound they are a better value than the midsize trucks. But I am very happy with my choice.
