2018 Chevrolet Colorado

Overview

Call it a Swiss Army Truck. The Colorado can do everything from off-road exploring and hefty towing to managing school carpools. Chevrolet’s mid-size pickup is highly configurable and aptly skilled, with a trim for every occasion, plus the rugged-and-ready ZR2. It can tow a class-leading 7700 pounds with GM's exclusive diesel inline-four. The Colorado has two cab and cargo-bed styles that pair with several powertrain choices: a base 200-hp inline-four, a quick 308-hp V-6, and the fuel-efficient diesel. Its handsome looks and excellent infotainment system are undermined by a cheap-looking interior and limited active safety technology. Still, Colorado is a multipurpose pickup truck that is clever and capable.

What's New for 2018?

The Colorado sees minor changes for 2018 that include new features and a commemorative edition. Heated exterior mirrors and what General Motors calls Active Tow are now available. The towing system helps the driver align the pickup when reversing to assist in hooking up a trailer; it’s standard on the V-6 and diesel models but not available with the four-cylinder. To celebrate Chevrolet’s 100th anniversary, a Centennial Edition package is available on the extended- and crew-cab Z71 trim. It includes a color-keyed grille and rear bumper, heritage badging, a spray-in bedliner, chrome exterior bits, and unique 18-inch wheels. The special edition also has exclusive paint colors—Satin Steel Gray Metallic, Kinetic Blue, and Centennial Blue.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Colorado offers a powertrain for just about everyone: a base inline-four with a manual transmission, a speedy 308-hp V-6 with an eight-speed automatic, and the segment’s only diesel, a 2.8-liter inline-four that makes 181 hp and an impressive 369 lb-ft of torque. We wouldn’t recommend the base 200-hp 2.5-liter four to our worst enemy; the availability of a six-speed manual transmission is its only advantage. Thankfully, the all-new V-6 is an inexpensive upgrade. Its new eight-speed automatic shifts predictably and helps manage engine noise on the highway. The 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel 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 tops 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 most full-size alternatives. Its top-heavy demeanor makes it less swift down a twisty road than the lower, wider Honda Ridgeline, but the Chevy’s brakes are a major upgrade from the Honda’s. The Colorado’s balanced ride quality is compliant on the highway and manages bumpy back roads well. Its shocks excel on rough surfaces by isolating harshness. During our first drive of the ZR2, its special off-road shocks proved even more capable on rocky trails and unexpectedly composed on the pavement, although the steering is lighter than we’d prefer.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Those 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. Stuffing more than two people in the crew cab’s back seat will be tough, however, and its interior materials seem as if they’re straight out of a '94 Chevy S10—that is to say, cheap. Apart from plastics that appear to be sourced from Fisher-Price, the Colorado’s interior is very functional. Clearly marked controls and rubberized knobs look more at home here than in its fancier cousin, the GMC Canyon. The Colorado’s supportive front seats and ideal seating position make it a comfortable commuter. Whereas the Canyon’s top-level Denali trim denotes luxury, the Colorado’s Z71 equivalent represents ruggedness. This includes an exclusive black cloth and leather-accented interior that’s durable and easy to clean. The Colorado extended-cab model is only available with the longer 6'2" cargo bed. It’s optional on the crew cab, which otherwise has the 5'2" box. The Colorado doesn’t hold as many carry-ons as the Honda Ridgeline, but it’ll carry more stuff in either of its two voluminous cargo beds. A variety of interior storage spaces are highlighted by a deep center console bin and a massive compartment under the crew cab’s rear seat.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Bask in Colorado’s connectivity options and the eye-catching graphics of its infotainment system. It’s available with the segment’s only 4G LTE 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. The only way Chevy could improve the MyLink interaction experience would be by incorporating telepathy. Base models may miss out on useful equipment such as Bluetooth streaming, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, but that’s all standard starting on the LT.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

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.