General Motors is the first of the Big Three to return to the midsize pickup truck market with the Chevrolet Colorado.
For the last few years, if you were looking for a compact or mid-size pickup, there was little choice. After the domestic manufacturers left the market, customers had to decide between the Toyota Tacoma or Nissan Frontier.
The introduction of the all-new Colorado in 2015 – along with its sister model, the GMC Canyon – added another viable option in the market place. For 2016, a new four-cylinder Duramax diesel engine became available, as well as a new technology like Apple CarPlay.
With Chevrolet making such a strong comeback, Toyota and Nissan will need to kick it up a notch in order to retain their market share.
Design
Although primarily designed for people who want to do traditional truck activities like towing and hauling, Chevrolet also wanted to ensure that the Colorado can handle everyday city life like parking.
Seeking to separate itself from the rest of Chevy’s truck lineup, the Colorado has a sportier look. GM focused on aerodynamics and gave it active grille shutters, a tailgate spoiler, and a removable front air dam.
To help keep weight down, the Colorado uses lightweight materials including a segment-first aluminium hood.
While there’s no arguing that the Colorado is a middleweight, it is still built like a heavyweight. Like the Silverado, the Colorado has a fully boxed perimeter frame, which provides the strength to support its capabilities, as well as a comfortable ride.
Customers have the choice between on Extended Cab model with a six-foot-two-inch bed, a Crew Cab with a five-two bed, or a Crew Cab with a six-two bed. The six-two bed allows one to haul eight-foot-long items with the tailgate down.
Speaking about the tailgate, Chevrolet’s EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate is simple to lift with one hand and it lowers in a controlled and quiet manner. The standard CornerStep rear bumper makes climbing into the bed easy and the available factory-installed spray-in bedliner adds further refinement.
Boasting plenty of versatility, the Colorado comes with a two-tier bed and 13 tie-down locations with available movable cargo tie-down rings.
The Colorado is also available with a whole host of work and lifestyle accessories. These include a bed-mounted sports bar which gives it a rugged off-road appearance.
Performance
The base engine is a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder; with 200 horsepower and 191 foot-pounds of torque it is surprisingly strong and anyone with this motor will be happy with its all-around performance.
Standard on LT and Z71 models is a 3.6-litre V-6. Its 305 h.p. is clearly much stronger, and its 269 foot-pounds of torque is quite impressive indeed.
However, the premium engine is a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel inline-four. This motor boasts 100 more foot-pounds of torque than the V-6, with 369, and its 181 h.p. provides a smoother driving experience than either of the gasoline engines.
All engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. If you want a six-speed manual, you can get one on 2WD Extended Cab models with the 2.5-litre I4 engine.
Also, all models are available in two-wheel or four-wheel drive configuration. The four-wheel drive system employs an electronically controlled transfer case that allows the driver to shift from 2WD and 4WD.
Around town, the 2016 Colorado offers a smooth, surprisingly quiet ride. While it won’t be confused for an SUV, it is more comfortable than traditional midsize pickup trucks. Also helping with city life, it has a short turning radius. The steering feel is also very good for a truck, with better-than-average road feel.
The new Colorado is also no slouch in terms of hauling capability. The V-6 model boasts up to 1,590 pounds of payload and up to 7,000 pounds maximum trailering. The turbo-diesel takes it further with a maximum trailering rating of 7,600 pounds.
Environment
While the Colorado seeks to please traditional truck buyers under the hood, it looks to attract new customers in the cabin.
On the whole, the inside of the Colorado is quiet and comfortable making it a refined environment. All the controls are easy to use and the front seats are surprisingly comfortable. In Crew Cab models there is great amount of room in the rear seats.
Customers coming from an SUV will appreciate all the premium features available in the Colorado. Options like heated seats, Apple CarPlay and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system are highlights that are typically not offered in trucks.
In an effort to not alienate those who appreciate the ruggedness of a truck, the Colorado still uses tough plastics and durable seat upholstery. Leather-appointed seating is available if you prefer.
The standard radio comes with one USB port, but the upgraded system ups that to four. And of course, GM’s OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot is available.
Features
Starting prices for the 2016 Colorado range from $21,420 to $38,030.
Standard equipment includes power windows and locks, six-speaker audio system, rearview camera, cargo box light, and a locking tailgate.
Additional features, available as options or on higher trims, include keyless entry, remote start, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated exterior mirrors, chrome accents, and numerous box customization items.
Fuel efficiency numbers (litres/100 kilometres for the gas four-cylinder are 11.9 city and 8.9 highway. The V-6 returns 13.6 city and 9.9 highway. The new diesel is rated at 10.8 city and 7.7 highway.
Thumbs up
The Colorado’s new turbo-diesel is probably the best engine in this segment. Also, the cabin is very modern and comfortable for a pickup truck. Good handling.
Thumbs down
If you frequently tow more than 7,700 pounds, you will be better served by a full-size pickup. Also, the Colorado is not the strongest off-road vehicle.
The bottom line
If you want a truck, but don’t like the large-truck hassles that come with them, check out the Chevrolet Colorado which offers a great combo between a truck and a SUV.
Competitors
Toyota Tacoma: Until the release of the Colorado, the Tacoma basically owned the mid-size truck segment. The Tacoma is still the standard in the industry. Starting prices for the Tacoma range from $28,345 to $44,625.
Nissan Frontier: With this recent resurgence of the midsize truck segment, the Frontier is now the oldest model in the class. However, it still holds up well with a blend of capability, comfort and affordable starting price.
The Frontier is available in six trim levels with prices ranging from $23,298 to $38,498.
GMC Canyon: The Canyon is the Colorado’s twin, but it features more traditional, and premium, truck styling. This is evident in the bold chrome grille, and larger headlights.
Prices for the Canyon start at $22,120 and range up to $41,070.
