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- Highs Versatile for hauling people or cargo, peppy V-6 and torquey diesel engines, good road manners.
- Lows Weak base four-cylinder engine, cheap interior materials, expensive with options.
- Verdict The Colorado combines pickup capability and everyday practicality in a versatile mid-size package.
Overview
The Chevrolet Colorado cleverly fills the gap between full-size pickup capability and crossover practicality. It can tow up to 7700 pounds with its optional diesel engine—a class exclusive. The Colorado’s cabin is available with connectivity ports galore and the best infotainment system in its class. A powerful V-6 that’s seriously quick pairs with a robust eight-speed automatic. The Colorado is outclassed in a few areas by the Honda Ridgeline, one of our 10Best Trucks and SUVs for 2017, but it's better suited for rugged romps and offers more personalization.
What's New for 2017?
The Colorado is cosmetically unchanged from 2016, but its revised V-6 adds an extra 3 horsepower and 6 lb-ft of torque. The V-6 gets a new eight-speed automatic transmission and an optional trailer-brake controller. Other additions include new paint colors (Graphite Metallic and Cajun Red Metallic), optional heated front cloth seats, an AutoTrac transfer case on all-wheel-drive LT and Z71 models, and a Custom Special Edition for the WT model.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Base: $20,995
- WT: $24,225
- LT: $27,770
- Z71: $30,305
- ZR2: $40,995
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Colorado offers a powertrain for just about everyone. The base engine is a 200-hp 2.5-liter V-6, but we wouldn’t recommend it to our worst enemy; it's only intriguing quality is the availability of a six-speed manual transmission. Thankfully, the updated V-6 with its new eight-speed automatic transmission is an inexpensive upgrade. It feels lively in everyday driving despite its rough sound, while the automatic shifts predictably and helps manage engine noise on the highway. The punchy 181-hp 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel generates a hearty 369 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a six-speed automatic and provides plenty of towing power, excellent fuel efficiency, and responsive pedal feel. It’s a satisfying setup in normal driving, but the V-6 smokes the diesel in straight-line acceleration. The Colorado doesn’t drive like a sports car, of course, but the V-6 is wicked quick for a pickup, and it handles better than full-size alternatives. The Colorado’s balanced ride quality is compliant on the highway and manages bumpy back roads well.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Anyone familiar with the front seats of full-size pickups will feel right at home in the Colorado, which boasts the most spacious cockpit in its class. The Colorado’s supportive front seats and ideal driving position make it a comfortable commuter. But stuffing more than two people in the crew cab’s back seat will be tight, and the Colorado's plasticky interior materials are cheap. Still, when it comes to layout, the interior is very functional. And top trims can include such amenities as power heated front seats, automatic climate control, and leather trim. The Colorado doesn’t hold as many carry-ons as the Honda Ridgeline, but it’ll carry more in either of its two voluminous cargo beds. A variety of interior storage spaces include a deep center-console bin and a massive compartment under the crew cab’s rear seat.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Colorado has a wealth of connectivity options and an alluring infotainment system. It’s available with the segment’s only Wi-Fi hotspot and two intuitive and useful touchscreens. The base Colorado isn’t available with a touchscreen, but a new 7.0-inch MyLink system is optional on the WT trim. All other models have an 8.0-inch infotainment system that features attractive menus and responsive touch functions. Base models may miss out on useful equipment such as Bluetooth streaming, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, but that’s all standard starting with the LT.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Chevrolet Colorado’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
