Everyone’s comments above provide insight and valid points. Most people are probably better off with the gasoline engine.
I drove both, researched both and ended up choosing the diesel - enjoying every minute of ownership in 2 yrs and counting.
Upon taking possession I decided to change a few of my routes to ensure enough miles per trip to reach optimum operating temperature for the engine and transmission (which is also important for gas engines).
But, I am able to fit that in w/out inconvenience and others may not be able to.
I also have no issue regarding DEF, has not been any problem in 2 yrs +.
There is an expression, that ‘time is money’. IF that is true, then there is a monetary value assigned to the number of stops a vehicle has to make to fill up and cover ‘x’ miles.
Time yourself on how long it takes to pull off the road [being honest, that is where the clock starts], into the station, pick a pump, stop, turn off, get out, use your credit card, fill up, get in, start up, pull out and back onto the road.
Designate a monetary numerical value to your time (however you see fit) and add that value to your fuel efficiency and it might yield a different, even better perspective on the diesel’s economy. Perhaps that is splitting hairs, but it is time and over the lifetime of the engine/truck it is more engine cycles.
I still believe the gas engine is probably better for most people, and while I have several gas vehicles, including 2 gas pickups, my preferred ’go to’ vehicle is my diesel Colorado. I thoroughly enjoy it and am completely satisfied with it.