1 / 4Illustrative AI renders — not manufacturer photographs.
Chevrolet Colorado
Midsize muscle built for the trail
Chevrolet Colorado review
The Chevrolet Colorado was fully redesigned for 2023, ditching its old V6 for a single turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder offered in three power levels. It is a midsize pickup pitched between the compact trucks and full-size half-tons, with a clear off-road bent in its ZR2 and Trail Boss trims. Crew-cab body styles, a roomy cabin, and a large standard touchscreen make it a credible daily driver as well as a weekend hauler.
On the road the Colorado feels stronger than its four-cylinder badge suggests. The top turbo tune delivers 310 horsepower and a hearty 430 lb-ft of torque low in the rev range, so merging and towing feel relaxed. The eight-speed automatic is the only transmission, shifting smoothly in normal driving though it can hunt a little when the load is heavy. Properly equipped, the Colorado tows up to roughly 7,700 pounds, which is competitive for the midsize class.
The redesigned cabin is a clear step up from the previous generation. A standard 11.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto anchors the dashboard, and material quality is solid for the segment. Rear-seat space in the crew cab is usable for adults, and the driving position is commanding. Ride quality is firm but settled, and off-road trims like the ZR2 add wider tracks, locking differentials and trick dampers that make them genuinely capable in the rough.
There are compromises. Fuel economy hovers around 20 mpg combined, which is only average given the small displacement engine. There is no diesel, no hybrid and no extended-range option, so buyers wanting maximum efficiency must look elsewhere. The single-cab and long-bed configurations are limited compared with some rivals, and option packages can push the price of loaded trims well past $50,000.
For most buyers the mid-grade Z71 hits the sweet spot, blending the higher-output engine, four-wheel drive and a well-equipped interior without the hardcore ZR2 price. The Colorado rewards drivers who value torque, towing and off-road readiness over outright efficiency.
Pros & cons
What we like
- Strong low-end turbo torque
- Modern 11.3-inch touchscreen
- Capable ZR2 off-road trim
- Competitive towing capacity
- Roomy, well-built crew cab
What could be better
- Only average fuel economy
- No diesel or hybrid option
- Loaded trims get expensive
- Single transmission choice
Chevrolet Colorado price & variants
| Variant | Fuel / Transmission | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| WT (Work Truck) Best value | GasolineAutomatic | $31,000 |
| LT | GasolineAutomatic | $35,500 |
| Trail Boss | GasolineAutomatic | $39,500 |
| Z71 | GasolineAutomatic | $41,500 |
| ZR2 | GasolineAutomatic | $49,000 |
Key specifications
Model Overview
Engine & Transmission
Dimensions & Capacity
Fuel & Performance
Comfort & Convenience
Safety
Chevrolet Colorado colours
Summit WhiteExpert rating breakdown
Owner reviews
Plenty of grunt for towing
I tow a 5,000-pound trailer most weekends and the turbo four never feels strained. The torque comes on early and the eight-speed is smooth. Mileage drops a lot when towing, but unloaded I see around 21 mpg on the highway.
Great daily, thirsty engine
The cabin feels modern and the big screen is easy to use with wireless CarPlay. My only gripe is fuel economy around town, which is nothing special for a four-cylinder. Otherwise it is comfortable and easy to park for a truck this size.
ZR2 is the real deal off-road
Took my ZR2 through some serious trails and the lockers and dampers handled everything I threw at them. It rides firm on pavement but that is the tradeoff. Build quality has held up well with no rattles so far.
Alternatives to the Chevrolet Colorado
Ford Maverick
4.4$28,500 – $42,000Starting MSRP
Toyota Tacoma
4.4$32,000 – $56,000Starting MSRP
Tesla Cybertruck
4.1$69,990 – $99,990Starting MSRP
Nissan Frontier
4.0$31,000 – $43,000Starting MSRP
Chevrolet Colorado — frequently asked questions
Is the Chevrolet Colorado a good truck?
Yes. The redesigned Colorado offers strong turbo torque, a modern interior with a large touchscreen, competitive towing and capable off-road trims, making it one of the better all-around midsize pickups.
How much can the Colorado tow?
Properly equipped, the Colorado can tow up to about 7,700 pounds, which is near the top of the midsize truck class.
What engine does the Colorado use?
Every Colorado uses a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, offered in three outputs ranging from 237 hp up to 310 hp with 430 lb-ft of torque on the top tune.
Does the Colorado offer four-wheel drive?
Yes. Rear-wheel drive is standard on lower trims, and four-wheel drive is available across the range and standard on off-road trims like the Z71 and ZR2.
What is the Colorado's fuel economy?
EPA estimates land around 20 mpg combined depending on configuration, which is roughly average for the segment given the small turbo engine.
Which Colorado trim offers the best value?
The mid-level Z71 is the sweet spot, combining the higher-output engine, four-wheel drive and a well-equipped cabin without the premium price of the ZR2.
Image is an AI-generated illustration. Specifications and prices are indicative and may vary by variant and city — please confirm with an authorized dealer. Last updated 2026-06-25.