2024 Chevrolet Colorado

Trail Boss versions sit about 1.6 inches higher than other versions and they come with knobby tires. Z71 models blend a bit of additional off-road ability with city-slicker styling. The ZR2, meanwhile, looks right out of an aftermarket catalog, especially cloaked in this year’s new AEV trim. That model has unique front-end styling with a steel lower bumper designed for a winch. A steel rear bumper fitted at the rear completes the look. Its 35-inch tires mean business, to say the least. They’re less than two feet shorter than a Chevy Malibu. 

The Colorado has a refined look inside, with nice integration of the big 11.3-inch touchscreen at the center of the dash. Turbine-style air vents give off a sporty flair. Chevy doesn’t offer many interior hues, though, so you’d better be happy with some version of black. Cloth comes standard, with synthetic and real leather seats on the options list. The black headliner makes this relatively tight cabin feel even more cramped, though. 

Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 models add low-range gearing for better rock-crawling and mud-plugging. The Trail Boss version features a 1.6-inch lift from the factory compared to WT, LT, and Z71 trims.  The Z71 model lacks the high-riding suspension, but it’s still plenty capable, especially with its limited-slip rear differential. 

The ZR2, meanwhile, is its own beast. It sits 10.7 inches off the ground and features Multimatic spool-valve shocks at all four corners plus locking differentials. ZR2 versions also add a Baja mode for high-speed off-road driving; other versions have Terrain and Off-Road drive modes plus hill-descent control. 

This year’s new Bison is the undisputed champ of this lineup, with a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon-rivaling suite of features including 35-inch mud tires, boron steel skid plates, and steel bumpers. It sits more than a foot away from rocks below. Speaking of those rocks, the available surround-view camera system points one of its eyes downward—and it even features a trick washer to keep the view relatively unobstructed. 

How fast is the Chevrolet Colorado?

It’s useful enough with the standard 2.7-liter turbo-4 rated at 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, which can scoot to 60 mph in the eight-second range per our estimates. That engine is restricted to just 3,500 pounds of towing capacity, however.

The step-up 310-hp tune pushes 430 lb-ft of torque to the wheels, for a 6.8-second run to 60 mph. It comes on the ZR2 and can be added to other trim levels by Chevy dealers. Either way, these trucks top out at 7,700 pounds of towing capacity, though high-riding ZR2s are rated a bit lower. Payload capacity varies by trim but tops out at 1,684 pounds.

The 8-speed automatic transmission fires off quick, predictable shifts. It’s not overly eager to upshift for fuel economy, something that should be quite obvious given this truck’s mediocre ratings using the EPA’s test.

Light, direct steering makes the Colorado feel relatively nimble. It’s no sports car, but trim levels without a lift—WT, LT, and Z71—can handle curvy roads just fine. The Trail Boss trim has lots of body lean, which is quelled somewhat in the ZR2 thanks to its sophisticated shocks.

The ride is a bit busy without anything in the bed, but it’s better damped than some of its stiff rivals. 

The rear seat is typical for a midsize truck—but that’s not a compliment. Limited leg room back there and narrow door openings mean less-than-compact SUV-level utility. The seatback is quite upright, too. Storage beneath the rear-seat bench is useful, though.  

Interior trim hardly impresses in base WT configuration, with plenty of black plastic to go around. Z71 and ZR2 versions swap in hints of soft-touch surfaces, which dress things up a bit. 

The 5-foot-2 bed includes tie downs, stake pockets, and lights, and the available damped tailgate is easy to operate. There are lots of trick touches here, like twin tire grooves in the front bed wall for motorcycles and a somewhat flimsy lockable storage unit in the tailgate. Chevy offers drop-in and spray-on bed lining options.

The 3-year/36,000-mile warranty is typical for a mainstream brand. 

The Colorado’s Google Built-In works really well. Simply press a voice button on the steering wheel and say “Hey Google,” followed by a command, and it works about like a smartphone. Its Google Maps (which require a connected smartphone’s data signal) work with tablet-grade ease. 

Which Chevrolet Colorado should I buy?

The mid-level LT that runs about $37,000 with four-wheel drive includes keyless access and starting, a locking tailgate, a front center console, more USB ports, alloy wheels, and carpeting, plus it’s the gateway to features such as a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a wireless charging pad, and heated front seats. Go easy on the options and Chevy will build you a pretty well-equipped model for around $42,000, but beware that the automaker charges extra for a trailer hitch and bed protection.

Those wanting to go off-road will either need to step up to the Trail Boss, which is outfitted about like an LT but with a 1.6-inch lift, or the slightly tonier Z71 with its LED headlights, 18-inch wheels wearing all-terrain tires, and cloth/synthetic leather seats. The Trail Boss runs about $38,500, while the cheapest Z71 is $41,795. Both of those models also have a 2-speed transfer case and a limited-slip rear differential. 

How much is a fully loaded Chevrolet Colorado?

At around $48,500, the ZR2 is a serious off-roader with a 2.8-inch suspension lift, Multimatic dampers, a frame stiffener, additional skid plates and rocker protection, and a bevy of comfort features. Expect the new ZR2 Bison to go for considerably more.