First introduced back in 2004 as the replacement for the S10, the current Colorado represents Chevrolet's entrant into the mid-size pickup truck segment. It recently received a new engine along with a number of cosmetic updates.
The Colorado was co-developed with Isuzu and is produced in Rayong, Thailand and Shreveport, Louisiana. The model is now sold worldwide, but with different engine options depending on the region.
Powertrain Lineup
For the current model year, Chevrolet updated the Colorado's engine offerings, which marks the second time the automaker has done so since launch. This time, the 5.3-liter V8 from the full-size truck was crammed into the engine bay.
Base model trucks still come standard with a 2.9-liter Vortec four-cylinder, featuring Variable Valve Timing (VVT). Output is rated at 185 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual is the default transmission (except for crew cab models, where it is not available), while a four-speed automatic can be had as an option. Fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway for the 2.9-liter with either transmission.
The next engine for the Colorado is a 3.7-liter five-cylinder -- that also features VVT -- and is rated at 242 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque. This I5 comes with a standard four-speed automatic and returns 17/23 mpg.
For those seeking big power in a small package, Chevy has the answer: a Vortec 5.3-liter V8 rated at 300 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Again, the four-speed automatic is standard, and fuel economy comes in at 14/20 mpg.
Colorado's four-wheel-drive system uses a dash-mounted electronic "shift-on-the-fly" system that allow the driver to move from rear- to four-wheel drive at any speed when road conditions demand a change.
A locking rear differential is also available on 2WD models and 4WD models. Additionally, three rear-end gear ratios are available for V-8 models: 3.42:1, 3.73:1 and 4.10:1; four- and five-cylinder models have a standard 3.73 rear axle.
Trims, Options
Body styles range from regular cab to crew cab, with four different trim levels available beginning with work Truck, followed by 1LT, 2LT and 3LT.
For those looking for something different, Chevy also offers the ZQ8 package, which is essentially a replacement for the "Xtreme" package once found on the S-10.
The ZQ8 sport suspension gives the Colorado sports car-like handling attributes, as well as the lowered appearance of tuner vehicles. The package includes specific steering and track-tuned suspension enhancements that stiffen the suspension by about 30 percent. The steering system receives a high-performance cooler and underhood temperatures and airflow are controlled with a unique sealing system.
Additionally, the ride height is lower than the standard Z85 suspension by approximately one inch (25 mm) – and ZQ8-equipped trucks ride on unique 18 x 8-inch aluminum wheels and low-profile sport tires.
Other changes are aimed at cosmetic appeal and include: color-keyed front and rear bumpers, fascia grille and grille bar are part of the ZQ8’s appearance, with the grille accented with a chrome surround.
Inside, the ZQ8 features unique seats not offered in other Colorado models, trimmed in Ebony cloth.
Key Competitors
With the death of the Colorado's domestic rivals, the Ford Ranger and Ram Dakota, competition to the bow-tie brand's compact pickup comes from the Nissan Frontier, the best-selling Toyota Tacoma and the Colorado's own mechanical twin, the GMC Canyon.