A first look at the refreshed Chevrolet Colorado.
For some time now, we have been expecting GM to update the Chevrolet Colorado, the midsize truck line it relaunched in 2015 along with the GMC Canyon. The automaker hasn’t disappointed us as this week it revealed a fresh look for the 2021 Colorado, which will go on sale next year. A Canyon update will follow, although that news is pending.
The coming changes depend on the trim level, with the WT, LT and Z71 receiving modified center bars, lower fascias, and front skid plates. Further, the WT and LT trims gain all-new gold Chevy bow tie logos, while the Z71 receives a black bow tie logo.
Some of the most significant differentiation covers the range-topping performance ZR2 model as it will receive an all-new, lettered, flow-through “Chevrolet” front fascia. The look is unique to this trim. Chevrolet says the “ZR2’s new front end provides drivers with improved visibility and looks even more aggressive, which adds to its dynamic, “segment of one” appearance.”
Every Colorado trim will feature a revised “bow tie” emblem along with a tailgate embossed with “Chevrolet” lettering that replaces the current bow tie. Chevrolet will showcase the new model at this year’s SEMA show.
Additional Changes Pending?
With no mention of interior changes, this leaves us wondering if there is more news to follow.
Available in extended and crew cab configurations, the Colorado has seen modest changes since its return after a brief hiatus. In 2018, Chevrolet ditched the original 4.2-inch display screen for a 7-inch touch-screen interface. They also made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration standard equipment.
Beginning in 2019, Chevrolet rolled out updated infotainment software and added more USB ports front and rear. For 2020, the most significant change includes a newly available locking tailgate.
Three Powertrain Combinations
Auto Trends expects the current powertrain arrangements to carry over. Both the standard 2.5-liter gas and the 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engines are likely to stay matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. An eight-speed automatic works with the available 3.6-liter V6 engine.
The current Colorado has a trailering capacity ranging from 3,500 to 7,700 pounds. Its upper end tops the competition, which includes the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, and the Jeep Gladiator.
2020 Chevrolet Colorado
If you can’t wait for the refreshed Colorado, the 2020 edition is available. This model comes in WT (work truck), LT, Z71, and ZR2 trims. The extended cab model has a 6-foot-2-inch bed, while the crew cab supplies you with a choice of 5-foot-2-inch and 6-foot-2-inch beds. The longer bed is designed to haul 8-foot-long-items with the tailgate down.
Prices range from about $22,000 to just over $53,000, depending on how it is equipped. Chevrolet keeps in place specials that will save you thousands of dollars off the sticker price on well-equipped models.
To date, Chevrolet has sold 520,000 of its current-generation Colorado pickup truck. In current sales, the Colorado sits a distant second to Toyota, but is well ahead of Nissan. However, the Ford Ranger is gaining fast, while the Jeep Gladiator continues to enjoy increased demand. Not bad for a segment that seemed as if it was dying a decade ago.
2020 Chevrolet Colorado Specifications
| Chevrolet | 2020 Colorado |
|---|---|
| Segment | Midsize Pickup Truck |
| Price Range | $21,300 to $47,495 |
| Destination Charge | $1,095 |
| Engine No. 1 | 2.5-liter, I4 |
| Horsepower | 200 @ 6,300 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 191 @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Engine No. 2 | 3.6-liter, V6 |
| Horsepower | 308 @ 6,800 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 275 @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Engine No. 3 | 2.8-liter, turbo-diesel I4 |
| Horsepower | 186 @ 3,400 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 369 @ 2,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Seating | 5 |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 3,936 to 4,641 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 128.3 or 140.5 |
| Length (inches) | 212.7 or 224.9 |
| Width (inches) | 74.3 |
| Height (inches) | 70.3 to 70.7 |
| Headroom (f,r…inches) | 41.4, 38.3 |
| Leg room (f,r…inches) | 45.0, 35.8 |
| Shoulder room (f,r…inches) | 57.5, 56.2 |
| Hip room (f,r…inches) | 55.0, 53.3 |
| Storage (cubic feet) | 5-foot-2-inch or 6-foot-2-inch box |
| Gross vehicle weight (pounds) | 5,400 to 6,100 |
| Towing (pounds) | 3,500 to 7,700 |
| Payload (pounds) | 1,342 to 1,569 |
| Fuel | Regular or diesel |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 21 |
| EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) | 20/26/22 (I4); 20/30/23 (diesel) |
| Manufacturing Plant | Wentzville, Missouri |
Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.
See Also — The 2017 Honda Ridgeline by the Numbers
Photos copyright GM Corp.