2021 Chevrolet Colorado Buyer’s Guide

Nearly 21% of vehicles in operation include pickup trucks. Are you wondering if the new Chevrolet Colorado is worth a call to the dealership for your next truck?

If so, you’re probably wondering about the Chevy Colorado’s horsepower, off-road capabilities, towing and crew cab features, safety features, fuel economy, and more.

Luckily, this article walks you through the ins and outs of the 2021 Chevy Colorado so you’re prepared before making your next vehicle purchase. Keep reading to learn more about this midsize pickup truck.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado at a Glance

The Chevy Colorado is a mid-size pickup truck that comes with rear or four-wheel drive options. It can also seat up to five passengers. Its extended-cab form boasts a 6’2″ bed, or you can purchase it with a 5’2″ crew cab short bed.

Other specs include one of three engine sizes: 200-HP gasoline 2.5L four-cylinder, 308-HP gasoline 3.6L V-6, and the 181-HP turbodiesel 2.8L four-cylinder.

If you select the base gas turbodiesel engine or four-cylinder, you’ll find them paired up with a six-speed automatic transmission. The V-6 teams up nicely with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Anyone seeking a mid-size pickup perfect for off-roading with the right terrain tires should consider the ZR2 and ZR2 Bison models. They boast advanced suspension complete with heavy-lift, and offer wider track widths, along with front and rear locking differentials. They also offer an aggressive exterior guaranteed to turn heads whenever you stop to tailgate.

This pickup competes with the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, and Nissan Frontier, to name a few. In addition, its maximum payload capacity is 1,550 pounds and boasts a wider, more open grille along with a steel, one-piece rear bumper.

Pros

• Handles and rides exceptionally well
• Generous payload and towing capabilities
• You can off-road with the ZR2
• Base engine is highly practical
• Robust V6 engine
• Versatile diesel-powered engine
• Fun to drive on the street
• Apple Carplay
• Android Auto connectivity
• Lane departure warning
• Extended cab
• Bose sound system
• Infotainment system
• Forward collision alert
• Skid plates
• Traction Control
• Affordable alternative to the Silverado 1500
• Bumper-to-bumper limited warranty
• Cruise control on limited trims
• OnStar on limited trims
• Optional Wi-Fi/hotspot

Cons

• Eight-speed automatic may be uncooperative
• Cheaper interior than its counterparts
• Active safety features are minimal
• Issues with the service brakes
• Issues with the electrical system
• Problems with its structure

2021 Chevrolet Colorado Trims and Pricing

When selecting the ideal Chevy Colorado, it’s best to begin by comparing trims. Here’s a breakdown of what each trim offers, along with MSRP pricing.

2WD LT (3 Styles)

2WD Crew Cab 128″

• Inventory Price: Starting at $29,700
• MPG: 22 combined MPG
• Engine: 181.0-hp, 2.8-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Diesel Fuel)
• Transmission: 6-Speed A/T
• Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive

LT2WD Crew Cab 141″

• Inventory Price: Starting at $31,900
• MPG: 21 combined MPG
• Engine: 308.0-hp, 3.6-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
• Transmission: Transmission Overdrive Switch
• Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive

LT2WD Ext Cab 128″ LT

• Inventory Price: Starting at $27,700
• MPG: 22 combined MPG
• Engine: 200.0-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
• Transmission: 6-Speed A/T
• Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive

2WD Work Truck (3 Styles)

Ext Cab 2WD 128″ Work Truck

• Inventory Price: Starting at $25,200
• MPG: 22 combined MPG
• Engine: 200.0-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
• Transmission: 6-Speed A/T
• Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive

Crew Cab 2WD 141″ Work Truck

• Inventory Price: Starting at $29,400
• MPG: 21 combined MPG
• Engine: 308.0-hp, 3.6-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
• Transmission: Transmission Overdrive Switch
• Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive

Crew Cab 2WD 128″ Work Truck

• Inventory Price: Starting at $27,100
• MPG: 22 combined MPG
• Engine: 200.0-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
• Transmission: 6-Speed A/T
• Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive

2WD Z71 (1 style)

2WD Crew Cab 128″ Z71

• Inventory Price: Starting at $34,800
• MPG: 21 combined MPG
• Engine: 308.0-hp, 3.6-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
• Transmission: Transmission Overdrive Switch
• Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive

4WD LT (3 Styles)

Crew Cab 4WD 128″ LT

• Inventory Price: Starting at $34,400
• MPG: 19 combined MPG
• Engine: 181.0-hp, 2.8-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Diesel Fuel)
• Transmission: 6-Speed A/T
• Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive

Crew Cab 4WD 141″ LT

• Inventory Price: Starting at $35,300
• MPG: 19 combined MPG
• Engine: 181.0-hp, 2.8-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Diesel Fuel)
• Transmission: 6-Speed A/T
• Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive

Ext Cab 4WD 128″ LT

• Inventory Price: Starting at $31,400
• MPG: 21 combined MPG
• Engine: 200.0-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
• Transmission: 6-Speed A/T
• Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive

4WD Work Truck (3 Styles)

Ext Cab 4WD 128″ Work Truck

• Inventory Price: Starting at $29,100
• MPG: 21 combined MPG
• Engine: 181.0-hp, 2.8-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Diesel Fuel)
• Transmission: 6-Speed A/T
• Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive

Crew Cab 4WD 141″ Work Truck

• Inventory Price: Starting at $33,000
• MPG: 19 combined MPG
• Engine: 181.0-hp, 2.8-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Diesel Fuel)
• Transmission: 6-Speed A/T
• Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive

Crew Cab 4WD 128″ Work Truck

• Inventory Price: Starting at $32,100
• MPG: 19 combined MPG
• Engine: 181.0-hp, 2.8-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Diesel Fuel)
• Transmission: 6-Speed A/T
• Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive

4WD Z71 (3 Styles)

Ext Cab 4WD 128″ Z71

• Inventory Price: Starting at $36,500
• MPG: 19 combined MPG
• Engine: 308.0-hp, 3.6-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
• Transmission: Transmission Overdrive Switch
• Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive

Crew Cab 4WD 141″ Z71

• Inventory Price: Starting at $38,600
• MPG: 19 combined MPG
• Engine: 181.0-hp, 2.8-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Diesel Fuel)
• Transmission: 6-Speed A/T
• Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive

Crew Cab 4WD 128″ Z71

• Inventory Price: Starting at $38,000
• MPG: 19 combined MPG
• Engine: 181.0-hp, 2.8-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Diesel Fuel)
• Transmission: 6-Speed A/T
• Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive

4WD ZR2 (2 Styles)

Crew Cab 4WD 128″ ZR2

• Inventory Price: Starting at $44,200
• MPG: 17 combined MPG
• Engine: 181.0-hp, 2.8-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Diesel Fuel)
• Transmission: 6-Speed A/T
• Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive

Ext Cab 4WD 128″ ZR2

• Inventory Price: Starting at $42,600
• MPG: 17 combined MPG
• Engine: 181.0-hp, 2.8-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Diesel Fuel)
• Transmission: 6-Speed A/T
• Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive

With so many Colorado trim levels available from Chevy, you’re sure to find one that fits your budget.

Exterior Dimensions

When considering the best pickup truck for your needs, it’s best to take a look at common exterior dimensions. Here’s a breakdown of one of Chevy Colorado’s most popular models.

4×2 Work Truck 4dr Crew Cab 5 ft. SB

• Length: 212.7in
• Height: 70.7in
• Width: 83.9in
• Wheelbase: 128.3in
• Ground clearance: 8.3in

As you can see, the Chevy Colorado offers competitive exterior dimensions, making it a great contender when looking for a midsize pickup truck.

Styling

When shopping for a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado, you’ll find that this midsize pickup boasts an extended cab or a crew cab body style. You can choose from two different bed lengths, as well.

These are short and long bed lengths, along with four available trim levels. These include the Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck (WT), the Chevrolet Colorado LT, the Chevrolet Colorado Z71, and the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2.

Interior Dimensions

Interior dimensions help you navigate if the 2021 Chevy Colorado is a good fit for your needs. Here is a list of interior dimensions as you shop for your next pickup truck.

4×2 Work Truck 4dr Crew Cab 5 ft. SB

• Head Room Front: 41.4in
• Head Room Rear: 38.3in
• Hip Room Front: 55.0in
• Hip Room Rear: 53.3in
• Shoulder Room Front: 57.5in
• Shoulder Room Rear: 56.2in
• Leg Room Front: 45.0in
• Leg Room Rear: 35.8in

Aside from exterior and interior dimensions, you also need to safety features, consider cargo space, comfort, quality, and entertainment, to name a few.

Quality and Comfort

Although some competitive midsize pickup trucks have a bumpy, choppy ride, the Chevy Colorado offers a smooth ride. This is true for the models that come with a more rugged suspension.

You’ll also find that the Chevy Colorado has good handling and braking and works well as a daily driver.

Cargo Space

If you’re looking for additional cargo space, then the Chevy Colorado with the extended cab is ideal for you and your needs. Its cargo volume is up to 49.9 cubic feet.

Should you opt for the Chevy Colorado’s crew cab instead, its dimensions for cargo volume are up to 41.3 cubic feet.

Entertainment

Next, you’ll need to consider what the 2021 Chevy Colorado can offer you in terms of entertainment, and this midsize pickup doesn’t disappoint. You’ll find plenty of cutting-edge technology, including a cockpit with a touchscreen, and a 7 or 8-inch display, depending on the trim, both with high-definition video.

You’ll also find Bluetooth connectivity, Apple Carplay accessibility as well as Android Auto, all with Chevy’s Infotainment 3 Premium system at the helm. This infotainment system allows you plenty of on-road entertainment while offering navigation, communication options, and vehicle control.

There’s also a Bose audio system with exceptional sound quality, and you can even have Alexa built into your system for the first time ever. Alexa enhances your voice commands and gives you more control of your vehicle.

Chevy Colorado’s cockpit has a 3.5-inch cluster display instrument that’s upgraded to 4.2 inches for specific trims. You’ll also find USB ports, an SD card reader, and an auxiliary jack input for the best multimedia integration.

A heated steering wheel and seats provide optimal comfort while driving.

Features and Specs

Features and specs are just as important as entertainment. Let’s take a look at what the Chevy Colorado has to offer.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD Work Truck

• Engine: 4-Cyl 2.5 Liter or V6 3.6 Liter
• Transmission: Hydra-Matic 6 Speed Automatic with Manual Mode Select (6L50)
• Brakes: 4 Wheel Disc w/ABS
• Brake Assist System
• Electronic Brake Distribution
• Air Conditioning: Climate Control
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Apps Control
• Bluetooth®
• Connection To External Entertainment Devices
• Entry System, Illuminated
• Keyless Entry Keypad
• Media Control with Touch Screen
• Multi-Function Display Screen, 7.0-Inch
• Power Locks
• Power Outlet, 12v: Rear(1), Front(1)
• Power Windows
• Smart Card/Key
• Text To Speech / Speech To Text
• Trip Computer
• Voice Activating System, with Phone
• Drive: Rear-Wheel Drive

It’s obvious that the 2021 Chevy Colorado packs quite a punch for its price point.

Best Trim Option for the 2021 Chevy Colorado

Chevy Colorado’s top trim level is the ZR2, which offers you the best Chevy has to offer this model. You’ll find exceptional luxury and performance, complete with Multimatic shocks, a 2.8L turbodiesel engine for optimal performance, and front and rear electronic locking differentials.

Engine and Performance

Each trim level has various performance standards. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.

ZR2

• 3.6L V6 (Standard) 2.8L Duramax Turbodiesel 4-cylinder (Available)
• 308 Horsepower (V6)
• 181 Horsepower (Diesel)
• 98mph (Limited)
• 6.8 Seconds (V6, Estimated) – 9.1 Seconds (Diesel, Estimated)

Z71

• 3.6L V6308 Horsepower
• 98mph (Limited)
• 7.0 Seconds (V6, Estimated)

LT

• 2.5L 4-cylinder (Standard) – 3.6L V6 (Available) – 2.8L Duramax Turbodiesel 4-cylinder (Available)
• 200 Horsepower (4cyl.) – 308 Horsepower (V6) – 181 Horsepower (Diesel)
• 98mph (Limited)
• 6.8 Seconds (V6, Estimated) – 9.1 Seconds (Diesel, Estimated) – 9.6 Seconds (4cyl, Estimated)

WT

• 2.5L 4-cylinder
• 200 Horsepower
• 98mph (Limited)
• 9.6 Seconds (Estimated)

The Chevy Colorado featuring the 3.6L V6 engine comes with 308 horsepower. This type of power output provides drivers with a comfortable ride no matter where they venture off to. You’ll get the power of a large pickup, but with a midsize vehicle.

Even better, the Chevy Colorado tops out at 135 miles per hour, so you’ll find power and capability combined into one. The result is a pickup truck with sturdy handling and a smooth, comfortable ride.

Since the Chevy Colorado has a midsize body, you can easily accelerate the 2021 model from 0-60 miles per house in just 6.1 seconds. Its 8-speed transmission gives you complete control of the Chevy Colorado no matter where an adventure takes you.

Fuel Economy

If you’re focused on fuel economy and gas mileage, then the 2021 Chevy Colorado is for you. It’s highly fuel-efficient but still packs a powerful punch beneath the hood. It’s ideal for hauling equipment while still delivering exceptional gas mileage.

Chevy Colorado’s powerful 2.8L diesel engine provides you with 181 horsepower and is an excellent contender with other powerful yet fuel-efficient pickup trucks.

When driving in the city, you’ll find that its four-wheel drive delivers 19 miles per gallon and an impressive EPA-estimated 24 miles per gallon on the highway. Two-wheel models can get 19 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg hwy.

The EPA has named the Chevy Colorado as a fuel economy leader, making it ideal for anyone looking to save money on gas while preserving the integrity of the environment.

Safety

When purchasing any vehicle, safety features need to be taken into consideration. Here’s how the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado stacks up.

NHTSA Safety Ratings

• Overall Rating: 4/5
• Frontal Crash: 4/5
• Side Crash: 5/5
• Rollover: 3/5

IIHS Safety Ratings

• Moderate Overlap Front Test: Good
• Side Impact Test: Good
• Rear Crash Protection: Good
• Roof Strength Test: Good
• Small Overlap Front Driver Test: Good
• Small Overlap Front Passenger Test: Marginal
• Headlights: Poor
• Front Crash Prevention: Basic

The IIHS provided the Chevy Colorado with the lowest possible rating for headlights (“Poor” rating) due to how well its headlights can illuminate the road. The IIHS uses a different type of scale for grading items such as collision avoidance features.

For front crash prevention, the Chevy Colorado earned the lowest rating possible (“Basic” rating).

Safety Features

When purchasing any vehicle, safety features need to be taken into consideration. Here’s how the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado compares.

• Anti-lock brakes: ABS brakes are meant to automatically sense when tires stop rotating under extreme braking; ABS modulates the brake pressure, allowing the tire to rotate, increasing the vehicle’s ability to brake and turn simultaneously
• Stability control: Stability control can automatically sense when the handling limits of a vehicle are exceeded; as such, it reduces engine power and may apply select brakes, working to prevent the driver from losing control of their vehicle
• Front-impact airbags: Front-impact airbags are for the driver and passenger; they’ve been designed to protect the head in the event of a frontal crash
• Side impact airbags: Side impact airbags are for the front seats and are designed to protect the torse should there be a side impact collision
• Overhead airbags: Overhead airbags are designed to protect the head should there be a rollover or a side collision
• Pretensioners: Seatbelt pretensioners are designed to automatically tighten seatbelts, placing the occupants in the best seating position should there be a collision
• Security system: The Chevy Colorado comes with a vehicle ignition disabling device, preventing the engine from starting should anything but the original manufacturer key be used

Next, let’s compare the Chevy Colorado to some of its competitors.

Chevrolet Colorado vs. Its Competitors

Chevy Colorado has several pickup trucks to contend with. For starters, the Ford Ranger is one of its biggest competitors. Let’s tasks a look at how they compare.

Chevrolet Colorado vs. Ford Ranger

While the Ford Ranger lies slightly ahead of the Chevy Colorado in overall rankings, the Colorado has better towing capabilities and has special trims dedicated to off-roading. On the other hand, the Ranger’s maximum payload is higher and its trim levels make it capable of off-roading.

Where engine options are concerned, the Ranger has only one option- a turbo-four. This engine lies between the Colorado’s V6 and diesel engine in regard to output.

If you’re looking for a vehicle with a better standard infotainment system, the Chevy Colorado wins out against the Ford Rager. However, the Ranger has an available SYNC 3 system that works great, and Ford offers more advanced safety features overall.

Chevrolet Colorado vs. Chevrolet Silverado

The Chevy Colorado is considerably larger than the Chevrolet Silverado, classified as a full-size pickup truck. It has a longer bed and hauls and tows much more than the Colorado can.

Its interior is also larger and roomier, and the Crew Cab’s rear seats accommodate adults with ease. They both have similar features, but the Silverado boasts more aids for driver assistance.

However, the Silverado’s advantages over the Colorado come with a price. For example, the Silverado’s base model ps prices a few thousand dollars less than the Colorado’s base price. And, although the Silverado offers more room, it’s not without its drawbacks as it struggles to fit in tight spaces.

While the Silverado might be a better truck overall, its bells and whistles might not be what you need.

FAQ’s

As you look to purchase your next pickup truck, you probably have questions about the Chevy Colorado. Here are some frequently asked questions to consider.

Purchase a 2021 Chevy Colorado Today

No matter what trim level you purchase, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado makes an ideal midsize pickup. You’ll find that this vehicle comes with plenty of add-on features and has trim levels ideal for off-roading. When properly maintained, you’ll enjoy your Chevy Colorado for years to come.

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Check out our list of used trucks today, or contact us for more information about the best vehicle for your needs. No matter what you’re searching for, we’ve got what you’re in the market for.