2019 Chevy Colorado Buyer’s Guide

2019 Chevy Colorado Overview

Although full-size trucks continue to dominate in terms of sales, the mid-size pickup market has begun to emerge. However, the catch has been that some compact trucks are fierce workhorses or comfy cruisers, but nothing in between. This is where Chevy’s compact pickup comes into play.

The 2019 Chevy Colorado can do anything from off-roading and heavy hauling to conducting school carpools. The optional diesel four-cylinder engine can tow a class-leading 7700 pounds, making it the only vehicle in the class to offer a turbo diesel. At the same time, its ride is more comfortable than most, and steering is easy. There are three lively, polished engines to choose from, allowing you to find the ideal balance of power and fuel economy for your needs.

Colorado begins as one of the most affordable small trucks on the market. The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado is likewise extensively customizable, with five trim levels, three body combinations, three engines, three gearboxes, two drivetrains, and a slew of accessories. Plus, the tough and off-road capable ZR2 transforms Colorado into an out-of-the-box adventure vehicle with sturdy shocks and limited slip differentials.

2019 Chevrolet Colorado Pricing and Trims

Chevrolet Colorado mid-size pickup is available in five trim levels: basic, WT, LT, Z71, and ZR2. There are three cab layouts and two-bed lengths to choose from. The Extended Cab features a long box 6-foot-2-inch bed, while the Crew Cab has either a long box or a short box 5-foot-2-inch bed. The Colorado and GMC Canyon share the chassis, body styles, powertrains, and other features. However, the Canyon is less configurable than Colorado.

Features and what’s the best Trim Option on the 2019 Chevy Colorado?

Base

The Chevrolet Colorado Base model covers the truck fundamentals without many frills, yet it still comes with a good amount of equipment. It is only available as an extended cab, with a 2.5-litre I-4 engine and a six-speed manual transmission.

It comes equipped with a four-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, vinyl upholstery, a CornerStep rear bumper, a rearview camera, air conditioning, two USB ports, power windows, and the Teen Driver safety system. Additionally, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth is standard.

WT

The Work Truck (WT) model doesn’t provide many differences over the base model. However, it does come in crew-cab and extended-cab body types. It has additional features, including fold-up rear jump seats (only available on extended-cab versions), carpeting, cloth upholstery, and floor mats.

From the Chevrolet Colorado WT level and higher, Colorado’s two optional engine choices open up—a 3.6-litre V6 matched to an eight-speed automatic gearbox or a turbocharged four-cylinder 2.8-litre diesel engine coupled to a 6-speed automatic.

Although there are few options in the WT, the list does include aesthetic additions like painted bumpers and alloy wheels. One intriguing feature is that, in some configurations, the WT’s bed may be removed for customers who wish to build their compartments at the rear, such as a utility setup or a refrigerator box.

Notable options for the WT include cruise control, turn-by-turn navigation, remote keyless entry, an EZ-Lift tailgate, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, and OnStar telematics.

LT (our best pick)

We prefer the Chevrolet Colorado LT trim, which includes various interior enhancements and is available with every engine and cab configuration. The Chevy Colorado LT with the 3.6-litre V-6, crew cab, standard box, and all-wheel drive gets our vote. It has a five-seat cabin, all-weather capabilities, and exceptional acceleration and towing performance.

The LT comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, remote keyless entry, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, an 8-inch touch screen, HD Radio, HD rearview camera, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and satellite radio. 

The LT adds an optional seven-speaker premium Bose audio system, heated leather seats, automatic climate control, a moonroof, heated exterior mirrors, and forward collision and lane departure warning.

Z71

The more costly Chevrolet Colorado Z71 adds some additional luxury features as well as humble off-road capability. It is designed for more casual off-roaders and adds aesthetic flare to the LT level, as well as a firmer suspension, all-terrain tires, hill descent control, and a limited-slip rear differential. Standard features include heated front seats, wireless device charging, the EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate, a heated steering wheel, automatic temperature control, a manual sliding rear window, remote start, and rear parking sensors.

ZR2

The Z71 is still more geared toward street use, even with the suspension designed for off-road driving. The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 package is the most competent option for the most ardent explorers, offering a significant suspension lift and wider track, substantial off-road tires, and aesthetic elements like a chopped front bumper and integrated light bar.

Additionally, it has a spray-in bed liner, a trailering package, trailing assist guidelines, driver-selectable full-locking front and rear differentials, off-road rocker protection, a transfer case shield, and an additional Tow/Haul driving mode.

Exterior 

Dimensions

Styling

There is little doubt as to why customers of Colorado adore its appearance. The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado is one of the best-looking pickups, with robust but curvaceous looks. Whether you’re off-roading filthy or hauling something, it looks elegant and classy while being big enough to convey strength.

While the Base and Work Truck trims lack glamour and toughness, the LT, Z71, and ZR2 trims each feature a distinct visual appeal. The Colorado ZR2 has a lifted suspension and a taller bumper, which helps enhance the approach angle when off-roading. The truck’s wide tracks, fender flares, and enormous knobby tires provide it with a significant presence to match its serious capability.

Interior

Dimensions

Ergonomics

Most controls are high up and within reach on the symmetrical dashboard, and there’s lots of well-labelled and generously proportioned switchgear. Even while wearing thick gloves, the huge toggles on the central console may be controlled.

Ingress and Egress

This vehicle is relatively tall, and stairs are available as an optional addition. The large front door opening is helpful, and the step-up is not that high for average-height folks. The rear door is considerably smaller and has a somewhat shorter opening, making getting into and out of the rear somewhat tricky.

Driving position & Visibility

Colorado’s driving stance is perfect for a truck: tall, authoritative, yet comfortable. There is also a wide range of adjustability in the seat and the steering column to accommodate various sorts of drivers.

Although forward vision is normally decent, the high roof pillars and broad-shouldered hood might present issues, especially when reversing out of an angled driveway. The side mirrors are of adequate size and come in handy when changing lanes. In general, you will feel at ease driving in Colorado.

Space and Comfort

Colorado has two seats in its base trim, but if you upgrade, you’ll find Extended Cab versions that seat four people and Crew Cab variants that seat up to five people. The front seats are roomy and comfy, but like many smaller pickup trucks, the back seats are cramped and offer little support.

Quality

Though there are mostly hard plastics all around, the cabin is solidly put together and appears much more sophisticated than the Frontier or even the Ranger.

Storage spaces

A large compartment under the crew cab’s back seat and a deep centre console bin stand out among the choice of interior storage areas.

Entertainment

Enjoy the connectivity choices and striking infotainment system visuals of Colorado. It maintains its position as one of the segment’s best infotainment systems thanks to its 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, two new intuitive touchscreens for 2019, and the addition of Chevrolet Infotainment System 3. It has integrated audio and temperature controls, smartphone integration technologies, and simple touchscreen controls.

Android Auto and Apple Car Play are both standard in basic Colorado, along with the 7.0-inch MyLink system. An 8.0-inch infotainment system with appealing menus and quick touch controls is an addition to the LT. It also includes navigation and Bose audio as options.

Engine and performance

Chevy surprised everyone when it brought back Colorado a few years ago. It wasn’t simply that it rejoined a market niche that many thought was dead, but also how well its engineers have executed. The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado appears to have something for everyone, from economy and capacity to raw power and torque, thanks to its diverse engine lineup.

2.5-liter inline-4

• Power: 200 hp @6,300 rpm
• Torque: 191 lb-ft @4,400 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive / Four-Wheel Drive

Except for the ZR2, extended cab versions are equipped with a 2.5-litre inline-4 engine that is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. If you mostly use your vehicle for commuting or light carrying, this is most likely the ideal engine. It’s quite strong for regular use and has one of the best fuel efficiency ratings in the class.

3.6-liter V6

• Power: 308 hp @6,800 rpm
• Torque: 275 lb-ft @4,000 rpm
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive / Four-Wheel Drive

The V-6 engine is far more powerful and comes standard on all crew cab vehicles. This powerful option produces 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque and is only available with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine is energetic and provides smooth, gratifying power. It has strong acceleration and a surprisingly large towing capacity.

When Car and Driver tested the Colorado LT crew cab with the V-6, it registered an excellent 6.1-second 0-60 mph timing.

2.8-liter turbodiesel inline-4

• Power: 186 hp @3,400 rpm
• Torque: 369 lb-ft @2,000 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission
• Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive / Four-Wheel Drive

The Chevrolet Colorado (and its twin, the GMC Canyon) are the only mid-size trucks with a diesel engine, and it is exceptional. It is available as an option on everything but the basic trim and produces a whopping 369 lb-ft of torque. It is smooth and powerful, providing a first-rate driving experience and outstanding fuel economy.

Driving slowly down the coast, the engine seldom exceeds 2000 rpm, and the gearbox is just as composed as it is when coupled to a gas engine. It’s so quiet and refined that unless the driver is looking at the instrument cluster or obsessing on final acceleration figures, there’s very little to tell that this Colorado is running on diesel fuel.

Nonetheless, when you put yourself in a hurry, there’s just enough diesel soundtrack to remind you that your car has an engine you can’t get in a Toyota. 

Ride and handling

Compared to other vehicles in its class, this Chevy truck is a more comfortable everyday driver. It provides a smooth, balanced ride that is enjoyable on and off the road. It is simple to manoeuvre around town thanks to its calm handling and precise steering. On the highway, it feels composed as well. You’d be happy to take Colorado on a big road trip or drive it every day.

Towing Capacity

Mid-size pickups aren’t usually people’s first option for towing, but Colorado is perhaps the best in the market. It can pull 7,000 pounds with the V6 engine, and the turbo diesel engine further increases it to 7,700 pounds while also using significantly less fuel. This is one of the class’s greatest maximum towing capacities. 

Hauling

The 4WD crew-cab short-bed Colorado has a significantly higher payload capacity than the Tacoma and also outperforms the Ridgeline and Ranger. Tall sidewalls of the bed prevent reach-in access. It’s also made of basic steel and requires an additional charge for a textured bed liner. There are just four set tie-down loops, but you may add extra accessories. The typical corner bed access stairs fitted into the corners of the rear bumper are the greatest part.

Off-road

The Colorado Z71, with its slightly higher suspension, special dampers, and limited-slip rear differential, should appeal to most off-road enthusiasts. However, the ZR2 is best reserved for the extreme trail-riding fanatic.

The ZR2 has a modified suspension with custom dampers, larger all-terrain tires, fender flares, unique bodywork for increased approach and departure angles, a front and rear differential, and a spray-in bed liner.

Fuel efficiency

EPA-Estimated MPG figures (City/Highway)

Following are the EPA-Estimated fuel-efficiency figures for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado:

Models with the standard four-cylinder engine receive outstanding fuel efficiency for a compact pickup truck, and those with the optional turbodiesel engine score even better.

Safety

NHTSA Safety Ratings

IIHS Safety Ratings

Safety Features

GM deserves credit for making its Teen Driver system standard on all Colorados; it allows parents to track the truck’s speed and location while also muting the radio until all occupants have tightened their seatbelts. Further standard safety features include front, curtain, bolster, and rear curtain airbags, as well as a rearview camera.

However, in an unusual move, Colorado’s two driver-assist features—lane-departure warning and forward-collision warning—are only available as options on LT versions and not at all on the more expensive Z71.

Reliability

J.D. Power has rated the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado with a predicted reliability score of 78 out of 100. A J.D. Power projected dependability score of 70-80 is regarded as Average.

How the 2019 Colorado Compares Against Key Rivals

2019 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2019 Toyota Tacoma

Even though the Toyota truck has a higher safety rating and a higher anticipated dependability rating, the Chevy still offers significant benefits. It offers a higher towing capability, a cheaper price range, better fuel efficiency, and a more comfortable ride. The Chevrolet Colorado is also the only vehicle available with a diesel engine.

2019 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2019 GMC Canyon

Because the 2019 GMC Canyon is constructed on the same chassis as Colorado, the two vehicles are remarkably similar. The distinctions are subtle: Colorado has a lower average price, while the GMC has a more sophisticated interior. Another point to consider is that the GMC is less configurable than Colorado.

Conclusion Review (with Pros and Cons)

Pros

• A wide range of possibilities
• Solid Performing V6
• Surprisingly refined and fuel-efficient diesel
• Class-leading maximum towing capacity
• Plush ride and easy drivability
• Manoeuvrable size, as well as poised handling
• Attractive starting price
• Good Front-seat headroom
• Vast multimedia and connectivity options
• Simple, user-friendly cabin controls
• ZR2’s off-road ability

Cons

• Top models get expensive 
• Some budget materials
• The cramped backseat in an extended cab
• Automatic emergency braking is missing
• Top-tier Z71 lacks driver-assist technology

Verdict

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado is a jack-of-all-trades in the mid-size pickup segment: a smartly-sized vehicle with economical and strong engine options, a comfortable everyday driver, and an off-road champion. The 2019 Colorado lineup caters to a wide range of requirements, and that’s why even Edmunds picked it among the Best Off-Road Trucks.

FAQ’s