2016 Colorado 4cyl 6 Speed Gear Question

[Dayooper14]

So far, sans the post over in Engines about PIP 5409A, truck is good. Got the base extended cab 2wd. Like the way it rides - if its the electronic steering that's making it so crisp - well done chevy - love it.

 

Question is this - what is/was the logic behind the 6 gears? I had two 4cyl 5spd rangers previously. Obviously you can't do much in 5th gear and passing on the e-way in a city requires 4th gear. As I'm driving this 6, what's the logic behind adding the 6th? Doesn't seem all that much added benefit and you're never in 5th without needing 6th soon. Not very knowledgeable, just asking to learn.

 

After 20yrs in a 5spd, it's taking some getting used to that down and right is a forward gear - about a week into driving it my subconscious is coming around that shifting over there is ok...

[GH1618]

I just bought a 2016 4-cyl Colorado with manual shift and I think the gears make perfect sense. Where I've driven, on country roads where the prevailing speed is 45 to 55 mph with frequent speed changes, it's 5th gear all the way. I haven't even used 6th yet. I'll use 6th when I'm on a highway where I can cruise at a constant 60 or more for awhile.

 

In town it's mostly 3rd and 4th. This is convenient because it's the center position, so the shifts don't work against the springs.

 

I also moved from a traditional 5-speed configuration, which I'm still using for awhile. The only adjustment is for the reverse gear, which takes some getting used to. Otherwise, it's the same because I am not using 6th.

[Yonah_Mtn]

Simply said it's all about fuel economy. The gear ratio that is closest to 1:1 is your last "power" gear. If the specs state 4th is closest to 1:1, then 5th and 6th are overdrive gears and save fuel without lugging the engine.