For the latest Chevrolet Colorado pricing and information:
www.kbb.com/chevrolet/colorado/
The most highly customizable of the midsize truck bunch, you can get a Colorado with the standard extended cab and both a short (5’2” Bed) or long box (6’2” Bed) and an crew cab with both short and long box options. Other midsize trucks only offer a short bed option with the extra passenger row in the cab.
Base model Colorado’s feature a 2.5-liter 4-clyinder engine (200hp/191 lb ft torque), but an awesome 3.6-liter V6 (308hp/275 lb ft torque) that sounds just like a muscle car can also quench your desire.
The Colorado takes bragging rights as the only midsize truck offering a diesel. At least at the making of this video, the Gladiator’s is coming. The Colorado works a 2.8-liter Duramax 4-cylinder turbodiesel (181hp/369 lb ft torque).
Thanks to that power plant, the Colorado currently boasts best in class towing at 7,700 pounds. And a 1,578-pound payload capacity with the V6. I’m not keeping count, but already that’s a lot of different ways you can order your Colorado.
Mated to those engines is either a 6-speed automatic transmission you get with the 2.5L and the turbo diesel and an 8-speed on the V6.
The eight-speed here on the V6 does a nice job of picking the right gear when you want it and helps deliver power smoothly, and efficiently especially when you’re in need of a little bump. Though its max torque comes at the high end of the rev range.
The front suspension is independent with coil overs and the rear has a solid axle with two-stage multi-leaf springs.
A beefier G80 automatic-locking axle comes standard on the off-road Z71 and ZR2 trims, but is an option on both WT and LT trim levels.
Now, I know this is the that beefed up suspension and upgraded Multimatic shocks make it super comfy, but even in the base models, I really like the ride quality in the Colorado.
It’s firm and comfortable, not floaty or trucky, but it’s not too harsh either. And I really praise the steering in the Colorado. It’s got good weight, not too light. There are no dead spots to speak of and isn’t overly sensitive.
It’s also highly maneuverable. You should see the parking space I have to squeeze this into at home. And the Colorado does it easily. Overall, driving the Colorado is a great experience.
As far as off-road chops go, a two-speed transfer case with driver-selected front-and rear-locking differentials make easy work of tough terrain in this ZR2.
If you want something even more aggressive, check out the Colorado ZR2 Bison was designed with AEV and got steel skid plats, a spot for a front winch and more recovery points in the rear.
The Colorado base model isn’t the lowest priced ($22,395 including destination) of the competitive set, which includes the Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Gladiator, Honda Ridgeline, Ford Ranger and Nissan Frontier.
The higher Colorado LT trim adds a body-colored rear bumper, Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 Plus system and a six-way power adjusted front seat for $28,795. Climb up the trim ladder to the Z71 with an off-road suspension, automatic rear-locking differential and EZ Lift & Lower tailgate and you’re looking at $36,995. This ZR2 trim starts at $42,890.
The safety department is one where the Colorado needs some improvement.
If you’re hoping to get the latest crash-avoiding stuff like forward collision alerts and lane departure warnings you have to upgrade to the LT and ZR1 off-road trims only, and even then, it’s an additional almost $700 package.
The interior of the Colorado feels really well laid out, even if it’s not fancy. Chevy doesn’t use a ton of premium materials in here compared to some of the others in the segment, even on the upgraded trim levels. But buyers do get a 7-inch touchscreen standard on the work truck. This is the upgraded 8-inch touchscreen. There’s a decent ratio with physical buttons, which I like.
The cupholders are the baby versions, so no Big Gulps of coffee, Tim. Sorry. Storage is adequate, you’ve got cubbies here, and here, and two USB ports come standard on the base Work Truck with four on the LT, Z71 and ZR2 trim levels. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility comes standard across all trim levels.
Other optional amenities including wireless charging, Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, Bluetooth audio streaming for up to two devices as well as XM satellite radio and other downloadable apps enhance the in-cabin experience.
I really dig the looks of this truck. And again, yes, this is the beefed up ZR2, but it’s not just this peacocking edition that I like. The exterior looks strong and tough, but not overwrought.
As for fuel economy the numbers are the best of the midsize truck bunch. (
2.5L I-4 (2WD) 20 city/26 hwy; (4WD) 19 city/24 hwy
3.6L V-6 (2WD 18 city/25 hwy) (4WD 17 city/24 hwy) (ZR2 16 city/18 hwy)
2.8L Turbo-Diesel (2WD 20 city/30 hwy) (4WD 19 city/28 hwy) ZR2 18 city/22 hwy)