Chevy’s midsize pickup has grown more prominent over the years, to the point where it almost resembles a full-size pickup of just a decade ago. Always versatile, the Colorado offers a choice of cabs and bed lengths, with various engine choices over the years, including a diesel. Chevy also offers the Colorado a wide range of pricing and equipment, allowing it to be anything from a simple rear-wheel-drive (RWD) work truck to a rugged and capable 4x4 off-roader.
Chevrolet Colorado Generations
Chevrolet Colorado (3rd Generation: 2023 - Current)
Key Improvements: The third-generation Colorado is by far the best of the lot. Unlike previous Colorado models, this one isn’t based on trucks designed overseas. It shares much of its architecture and engines with the full-size Silverado. Chevy only offers the Colorado as a Crew Cab with a short bed. Power comes courtesy of three turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, with output ranging from 237 to 310 horsepower. Torque figures come in at 259, 390, and 430 lb-ft, respectively. Max trailering for the Colorado is rated at 3,500 pounds with the standard engine and 7,700 with the Turbo Plus upgrades. The Colorado is a modern truck, offering such high-tech goodness as a digital instrument cluster, an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims get larger screens and even more features. Automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beam headlights come standard, with optional safety upgrades like adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic detection and braking. At the higher end of the trim range are the off-road capable Z71 and ZR2, which feature greater ground clearance, an off-road suspension, off-road tires, and a more sophisticated 4-wheel drive (4WD) system.
Model Updates: For 2024, the ZR2 Bison joins the lineup. It brings 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, power-locking front and rear differentials, boron-steel skid plates, a high-output turbocharged engine, and 12.2-inch ground clearance.
Chevrolet Colorado (2nd Generation: 2015 - 2022)
Key Improvements: The second-generation Colorado improves on an already solid platform, growing in size and capability. Configurations include an Extended Cab and a Crew Cab with two bed lengths but no Regular Cab. The previous generation’s 5-cylinder and V8 engine options are dropped, replaced by a choice between a 200-hp 4-cylinder, 305-hp V6, and, after 2016, an 181-hp 4-cylinder diesel. Max towing tops out at 7,000 pounds, and the automatic transmission goes from four to six speeds. Advanced driver-assist systems arrive for the first time, including available forward collision alert and lane departure warning. New features like a touchscreen MyLink infotainment system with access to SiriusXM, OnStar, navigation come onboard, and, after 2016, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are more trims than on the first generation and more off-road-oriented upgrades. Along with the base, WT, LT, and Z71, the off-road-ready ZR2 arrives for 2017. It features two additional inches of ground clearance, 31-inch off-road tires, Multimatic adaptive shock absorbers, locking front and rear differentials, additional skid plate and rocker protection, and better approach and departure angles.
Model Updates: For 2016, Chevy offers a Duramax diesel engine, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. 2017 sees cylinder deactivation technology added to the V6, a new 8-speed automatic transmission, and the addition of the ZR2 trim. For 2018, a new Active Tow system helps align the trailer with the truck. 2020 brings some shifting in the trim and equipment packages. The LT trim gains the EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, and tire-fill alert is made standard across the lineup. 2021 sees a modest front-end freshening and the loss of the base trim. For 2022, the Trail Boss package can beef up LT and Z71 models with 4-wheel drive.
Chevrolet Colorado (1st Generation: 2003 - 2012)
The first-gen Colorado is a world truck, part of a collaboration between GM and Isuzu, but uses domestic engines and transmissions. They include a 175-horsepower 4-cylinder and 220-horsepower 5-cylinder engine paired to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Cab sizes include Regular, Extended, and Crew, with five- and six-foot beds. Three trims (base, LS, and LT) offer several upgrades and packages. The Z71 Off-Road Package provides added ground clearance, a locking rear differential, and off-road suspension, while the Xtreme Edition adds a more sporting attitude with a lowered ride height and sport-tuned suspension.
Model Updates: 2007 brings more powerful 185-hp 4-cylinder and 242-hp 5-cylinder engines. In 2009, Chevy offers a V8 engine and standard electronic stability control. Bluetooth is offered for the first time. 2010 sees head curtain airbags made standard. 2012 marks the last year for the OG Colorado, which takes a 3-year break before the second-gen Colorado debuts.
Chevrolet Colorado Buying Tips
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