Vehicle Overview
The Colorado is Chevrolet’s entrant in the compact pickup truck segment, and it’s related to the GMC Canyon. Available in a choice of three cab styles with seating for up to six people, the Colorado offers four-cylinder, five-cylinder or V-8 power. For businesses and contractors looking for a customized, small work truck, the Colorado can be ordered in a chassis cab configuration that can be upfitted with panel van-style or “midbox” storage solutions. Competitors include the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma.
New for 2012
The Colorado receives minor changes for 2012 including revised rear head restraints. On 2LT models, front bucket seats replace a split-bench seat. An automatic locking rear differential is included on 2LT, 3LT and four-wheel-drive 1LT models.
Exterior
When the Colorado debuted for 2004, it carried over the front-end styling from that generation’s Chevy Silverado, including the familiar power bar grille and angular “bat wing” headlamps. It looked great on the Colorado then, but now the Silverado has been restyled, and the Colorado is looking a little long in the tooth. The Colorado has a little more muscle in its silhouette than some other compact trucks, which is great in four-wheel drive and/or Z71 trims. Lowered with the ZQ8 suspension, though, the Colorado may have a little more meat than some would like. Exterior features include:
- Bold wheel flares on Z71 models
- Z71 suspension offers higher stance
- Standard 16-inch wheels; 17- and 18-inch wheels available
Interior
Though covered in plastic, the Colorado’s interior features an effective gauge layout and easy-to-reach audio and climate controls. There are some nice chrome accents to spice up the cabin, but this is mostly a utility-friendly cab with adequate storage and reasonably spacious surroundings for a compact pickup. The seats are wide and comfortable, and the crew cab offers decent headroom and legroom for people of most heights. The extended cab’s second row is for children only. Interior features include:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Available leather upholstery
- Available sliding rear window
Under the Hood
Mechanical features include:
- 185-horsepower, 2.9-liter inline-four-cylinder with 190 pounds-feet of torque
- 242-hp, 3.7-liter inline-five-cylinder with 242 pounds-feet of torque
- 300-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 with 320 pounds-feet of torque
- Standard five-speed manual transmission; four-speed automatic optional
- Engines run on regular gas
Safety
Side curtain airbags, an electronic stability system and traction control are standard. Additional safety features include:
- Antilock brakes
- Crash sensor sends GPS signal
