At a Glance:
- MSRP: From $25,200
- Towing capacity: 3,500 to 7,000 lbs
- Horsepower: 181 to 308 hp
- Bed length: 61.2 to 74.4″
- MPG: Up to 19 city / 30 highway
- Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 2.8 L 4-cylinder diesel, 3.6 L V6
The Chevy Colorado is a versatile and attractive mid-size pickup with a reasonable sticker price, multiple engine options, and good handling characteristics. While the base model lacks for power, at some 4×4 model tiers the Colorado is also a capable and fun off-roader.
Interior
The Colorado interior is spartan and functional. It’s not the nicest cabin, and you can find better quality materials in some competitors, but it is comfortable and tough enough to take on the rigors of day to day work and errands. The minimalist front panel is aesthetically pleasing and has a 7-inch (in WT model 8-inch in others) infotainment system that offers all the tech functions modern buyers have come to expect from their trucks.
While the front row is spacious and comfortable, even in the crew cab model the 2nd row feels cramped compared to similar midsize pickups.
Exterior
The 2021 Colorado introduces an updated exterior with a new grille, front bumper and tailgate for all models. Chevy put much love into improving the exterior of its trucks and SUVs recently and the Colorado benefits from that effort.
The handsome Colorado has a slightly jacked up, sporty appearance that gets even sportier as you move up to the rugged ZR2 trim. That version has something called an “off-road appearance package” that, exactly as it sounds, indicates its capabilities in the dirt. The ZR2 has a stouter looking grill with tow hooks, fender moldings, a raised hood, and side bars.
Even the base model, however, has a sturdy appearance. Standard on all models are CornerStep rear bumpers, corner hand grips, and tie-downs aplenty.
Features
The Colorado is available in four models: WT; LT; Z71; ZR2. Starting at the base Work Truck (WT) model, features include:
- 17-in. Ultra Silver painted steel wheels
- Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with Duralife™ brake rotors
- Cab-mounted cargo area lamps
- CornerStep rear bumper
- Black beltline moldings, door handles, manual outside mirrors, and tailgate handle
- Halogen headlamps
- Daytime running lamps
- Six-speaker audio system
- Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with 7-in. color touchscreen
- Vinyl seat trim
- Four-way power driver’s seat
- Two-way manual front passenger’s seat
- Rear folding bench seat
Notable additions to the LT include an 8 inch advanced infotainment system, EZ lift and lower tailgate, and a 6 way power driver’s seat, while the Z71 tacks on an off road suspension package, automatic locking rear differential, all terrain tires and HD rear vision camera. At the top-end, the ZR2 model also includes upgraded off-road suspension, increased ground clearance, and GM’s Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) system, which increases suspension performance even in the most demanding driving and terrain conditions.
Besides the standard rear vision camera, all models have optional safety features such as front collision alert, lane departure warning, and rear park assist.
Tech options include Apple/Android/Alexa compatibility with wireless charging and WiFi hotspot.
Power & Handling
If you’re towing, an engine upgrade is practically mandatory as it potentially doubles the Colorado’s haul capacity. The base 2.5L 4-cylinder engine is somewhat lackluster in both acceleration and total horsepower, so we recommend most buyers choose either the V6 or the 2.8-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder. The latter delivers a max tow capacity of 7,700 lbs., as well as the best fuel economy in the group (30mpg/hwy).
Regardless of powertrain, the Colorado has smooth, balanced, handling that’s not exactly car-like, but does remind us of some mid-size SUVs. We say it stacks up well against primary competitors such as the Ford Ranger.
Final Thought
We advise skipping past the weaker tier 1 WT model and looking first at the LT, Z71, ZR2, depending on your budget. With the right engine, the Colorado is a scrappy and sporty winner in the mid-size truck world.
Want to learn more about the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
Contact local dealers to schedule a test drive.