Overview
Introduced in 2015, the current Chevrolet Colorado kicked off a wave of mid-size pickup truck popularity along with its platform mate, the GMC Canyon.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado is unchanged from the 2019 model.
Available Trims
Chevrolet offers the Colorado in WT, LT, Z71 and ZR2 trim levels. Engine choices are a 2.5L four-cylinder (200 hp/191 lb-ft of torque), a 3.6L V6 (308 hp/275 lb-ft) and a 2.8L diesel four-cylinder (181 hp/369 lb-ft). The base transmission is a six-speed automatic. V6 models get an eight-speed automatic that can be optioned with the smaller engines. The WT, LT and Z71 packages are rear-drivers to start and can be optioned to 4WD. The off-road oriented ZR2 comes standard with 4WD.
Standard Features
WT, which stands for "work truck," comes with 16-inch steel wheels, black outside door handles and body trim, cargo area lighting, a chrome rear bumper with corner steps, four-way driver seat adjustments, manual front passenger seat, 3.5-inch driver information display, a six-speaker stereo, 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, tilt (but not telescopic) steering, power door locks and windows and vinyl upholstery.
LT trims adds an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, 17-inch aluminum wheels, power-adjustable side mirrors, chrome exterior trim, a 4.2-inch driver information display, six-way power driver's seat, USB smartphone charging ports, cruise control, leather-trimmed steering wheel, tilt-and-telescopic steering column, keyless entry, cloth upholstery and satellite radio.
The Z71 package brings an automatic locking rear differential, recovery hooks, hill descent control, off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, heated side mirrors, fog lights, sliding rear window, four-way power front passenger seat, automatic climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, front seat lumbar adjustment, rear park assist, rear window defogger, remote engine start and wireless smartphone charging.
Finally, the ZR2 is an off-road specialist that gets a different rear axle ratio, standard V6 engine, driver-selectable locking front and rear differentials, standard trailering package, off-road appearance package, bedliner and leather upholstery.
Key Options
Options include a trio of appearance packages called the Custom Special Edition, Z71 Midnight Edition and Redline Special Edition. There are also two packages specific to the ZR2.
An LT Convenience Package adds a sliding rear window with defroster, fog lights, remote engine start and heated side mirrors.
The LT Luxury Package has heated front seats with lumbar, automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror and heated side mirrors.
An LT Safety Package includes forward collision alert, lane departure warning and rear park assist.
The WT Convenience Group brings cruise control, keyless entry and a theft-deterrent system.
Fuel Economy
Chevrolet's fuel consumption estimates for 2WD versions of the Colorado are 11.8/7.9 L/100 km (city/highway) with the diesel, 12.1/9.2 with the gas four-cylinder and 13.4/9.6 with the V6.
4WD trucks are rated 12.2/8.4 L/100 km with the diesel, 12.7/9.8 with the four-cylinder gasser and 14.0/9.9 for V6-powered models.
ZR2 models with the diesel and V6 come with estimates of 13.3/10.6 and 15.0/13.0 L/100 km, respectively.
Competition
The Colorado faces formidable competition from the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. Other mid-size trucks seeking buyers include the Nissan Frontier and the GMC Canyon, the latter of which is a mechanical clone of the Colorado. There's also the Honda Ridgeline, a lighter-duty pickup that's based on the Pilot mid-size crossover.