2021 Chevrolet Colorado

header-image
$25,200 - $44,200
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on January 31, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Gasoline V6 and diesel four-cylinder engines tow more than rivals

Front seats can feel cramped for grown adults

The Newly designed front fenders and the front look of the car

Maneuverable size along with well-mannered steering and handling

Rivals offer more in-cab storage

A new list of optional features

Comfortable ride over most surfaces

Simple, easy-to-use cabin controls

Specs & Features

$25,200

price

200 hp @ 6300 rpm

horsepower

191 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

2.5L 4cyl RWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The Chevrolet Colorado midsize pickup is available with rear- or four-wheel drive and seats up to five. It comes in extended-cab form with a 6-foot-2-inch bed or as a crew cab with a 5-foot-2-inch or 6-foot-2-inch bed. Three engines are offered: a 200-horsepower, gas 2.5-liter four-cylinder; a 308-hp, gas 3.6-liter V-6 or a 181-hp, turbo-diesel 2.8-liter four-cylinder. The base gas four-cylinder and turbo-diesel engine team with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the gas V-6 pairs with an eight-speed automatic. 

Buying Advice

This Chevrolet truck is a very capable vehicle in itself and there might not be a need to go beyond that but there is no stop to how much we can wish for and my personal favorite and pick would be the Z71 with an off-road package. Buy a utility vehicle that can go anywhere.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The Chevrolet Colorado is really popular among off-road enthusiasts especially the ZR2 and the ZR2 Bison with their heavy-duty suspension, front and rear locking differentials, and aggressive exterior styling contributes a lot to its popularity. Chevrolet's Colorado is priced at $28,295 and goes all the way up to $43,200, and the rivals for this would be the Toyota Tacoma, RAM 1500, and Ford Ranger. The Colorado has a strong resemblance to the GMC Canyon.

Features
7.0/10

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab starts from a very low price point at $27,100 and for that price, we get a model named Work Truck which is a pretty basic car, but the features are really good on offer. The price of the Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab however goes upto $33,695 for the fully loaded off-road spec Z71 Trim. While there is one model in between the two trims priced at $29,700 and that would be the LT.

Trim

Work Truck 

LT

Z71

MSRP (AWD)

$27,100

$29,700

$33,695

Key Features

1st Row LCD monitor

In addition to or replaces Base trim features with:

In addition to or replaces Preferred trim features with:

 

Dual Rear Seats w/ Underseat Storage

8-Speaker Audio System

Automatic Locking Rear Differential

 

SiriusXM AM/FM/Satellite, Seek-Scan Radio

Body Color Exterior Door Handles

Firmer suspension tuning

 

Spark Ignition Direct Injection

Body Color Rear Bumper, Mirrors Caps & Door Handles

Manual Front Air Conditioning

 

Vinyl Seat Trim

Dark Finish Mirror Caps and Door Handles

Unique High-Gloss Black-Painted Grille

     

Z71 Off-Road Package

Which Trim should you buy?

This Chevrolet truck is a very capable vehicle in itself and there might not be a need to go beyond that but there is no stop to how much we can wish for and my personal favorite and pick would be the Z71 with an off-road package. Buy a utility vehicle that can go anywhere.

Fuel Economy
4.0/10

The Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab returns the least mileage in the city at just 17 mpg. It is really really thirsty while driving through the city while the competition is doing much better. However, out on the highway, it returns 24mpg, which is not great but considering that the much smaller Toyota Tacoma returns only 23 mpg on the highway this seems a win.

Models

Chevrolet Colorado

Ford Ranger

Toyota Tacoma

RAM 1500

MPG (City)

19

N/A

20

20

MPG (Highway)

22

N/A

23

25

MPG (Combined)

20

N/A

21

22

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

21

18

21.1

26

Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)

420/546/462

378/468/427

420/485/443

N/A

The RAM 1500 is just astonishing, it has the biggest engine out of the 4 trucks here, it produces considerable power and is the most fuel-efficient by returning a 20mpg in the city and 25mpg on the highway, there is the combined figure of 26mpg. The Ranger sits at a sweet spot at 21mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The RAM has the biggest advantage considering the mileage figures and the huge 26-gallon fuel tank.

Interior
5.0/10

The interior of the Colorado is a decent place to be in, it has all the basic and better creature comforts that can be offered for the truck and space. The seats seem comfortable as well and are not a component to be complained about. The Colorado offers a lot of room in comparison to most of the rival’s segments, the quality on offer could be better. There is a lot of hard plastic on the dashboard. everything feels built to last and would go well with the abuse these trucks go through.

Models

Chevrolet Colorado

Ford Ranger

Toyota Tacoma

RAM 1500

Seating Capacity

5

5

4

6

Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

41.4/57.5/45

41/56.7/43.1

39.7/58.3/42.9

41/66/41

Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

38.3/56.2/35.8

39.4/58.7/41

34.9/56.5/24.6

39.7/65.7/34.7

Trunk Capacity (cubic feet)

44

33.9

N/A

N/A

The RAM seems to be a segment apart it can seat 6 people and have enough space for all of them, but the Ford ranger is not too far from Colorado in terms of the spacious cabin while the Toyota is a completely different experience with very little space and lesser number of passengers. Some notable features of the Colorado’s interiors would be:

  • Heated Front Seats
  • Wireless Phone Charging
  • Single Zone Automatic Climate Control
  • Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror
  • Automatic Headlamps
  • Powered Front Seats

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2021 Colorado can be bought with either a 7.0-inch or an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with Chevrolet Infotainment Premium 3. The usability of this system is good, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come in as standard. Some of the highlight infotainment features on offer with the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado are:

  • Chevrolet Mylink with Infotainment Premium 3
  • Bluetooth with Digital Satellite Radio
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • Wifi Hotspot
  • SiriusXM radio
  • Reversing Camera
  • OnStar Services
  • A 7-inch/8-inch touchscreen infotainment system

Exterior
6.0/10

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado gets a new revised front fascia, updating the grille, headlights, and badging. The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab is the lightest truck here at 3936lbs and is considerably long at 212.7 inches it however stands as the shortest vehicle at 70.4 inches. All of these put the truck in a good position when it comes to performance and the long-wheelbase helps the truck stay stabilized and gives it the ability to carry a bit more weight.

Models

Chevrolet Colorado

Ford Ranger

Toyota Tacoma

RAM 1500

Curb Weight (lb)

3936

4232

4205

4971

Length (inches)

212.7

210.8

212.3

232.9

Width (inches)

74.3

77.8

74.4

82.1

Height (inches)

70.4

71.1

70.6

77.5

Ground Clearance (inches)

8.4

8.4

9.4

8.2

Wheelbase (inches)

128.3

126.8

127.4

144.5

The RAM is once again the heaviest and the biggest among the list here with the only criteria here the Toyota beats all the trucks here is the ground clearance and at 9.4 inches it is a whole inch higher than the other trucks although the very short wheelbase of the Ranger helps the handling really well. Some of the highlight exterior features of the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado are:

  • 18" alloy wheels
  • CornerStep rear bumper
  • Projector headlamps
  • EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate
  • Heated and power-adjustable mirrors
  • Projector headlamps
  • Front fog lamps

Safety
2.0/10

The Chevrolet Colorado gets ABS, airbags, driveline traction control, StabiliTrak stability control, OnStar and Chevrolet connected services, Teen Driver features, and many more features as standard. The 2021 Colorado Crew Cab is also built with hard and steadfast materials, and that helps in withstanding the impacts well in case of an accident.

A few highlighted safety technologies included as an option are Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keeping Assistance with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, Adaptive Cruise Control, HD Surround Vision, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Parking Assistance. Some of the other features are:

  • Following Distance Indicator
  • Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
  • Front Pedestrian Braking
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Competition
6.0/10

Chevrolet Colorado vs Ford Ranger

These two have always been rivals across different sizes, the Ford Ranger feels more like a car than a truck while driving and is actually utilitarian which helped in the truck getting really popular. These two are very closely matched in terms of performance, dimensions, etc. However based on the looks the Colorado is just superb and in terms of driving feel, the Colorado with its longer wheelbase can haul more and be more stable.

Chevrolet Colorado vs Toyota Tacoma

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab is a far superior truck compared to the Tacoma and that is seen from the tables above. The chevy truck is bigger, faster, more powerful, and more efficient than the Tacoma. The Toyota is less practical than the Tacoma. The Tacoma has never really been a competitor to any truck, as it is very modest in the performance, space, and load-hauling capability. But it is one of the most affordable trucks here and not a bad option to be your first pickup truck. And the Reliability and the Durability of Toyota are known everywhere. 

Chevrolet Colorado vs RAM 1500

These two are practically not rivals at all; the RAM is clearly a league apart in terms of the dimensions, power, engine, acceleration, speed, and the number of passengers it can carry. The RAM makes mincemeat of all the three trucks here and astonishingly the big engine turns out to be even more efficient than the smaller engines used in the Chevy, Ford, and Toyota. This is RAM’s game-changer in the segment and does turn heads.

Final Verdict

The Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab is a pretty good truck and there is no doubt that it is as good as the overrated Ranger. This truck is a great buy but in case you would want more than the RAM 1500 is even better. The past models lacked quite something and that made the Colorado undesirable and that has now become a stigma that Colorado will not be or is not that good. Chevy did take a while to realize this but, have tried to correct things and make the truck better, they have made it better. This buy will put a smile on your face.

Trims

    Work Truck
    $25,200 onwards
    • Air conditioning
    • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
    • Cloth upholstery
    • Power windows
    • Remote keyless entry
    • Tilt-Only steering wheel
    LT
    $27,700 onwards
    • 7-Speaker Bose sound system
    • Automatic climate control
    • Automatic emergency braking
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Power-Adjustable driver's seat
    Z71
    $29,100 onwards
    • Locking rear differential
    • Unique upholstery
    • Wireless charging pad
    ZR2
    $44,200 onwards
    • Engine: 3.6L 6cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 308 hp @ 6800 rpm hp
    • Torque: 275 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.4 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 17 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$25,200- $44,200

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

5.34

Horsepower

308 hp @ 6800 rpm

Torque

369 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$26,800- $38,400

Gasoline

6.67

200 hp @ 6300 rpm

191 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

-

Read Review

$36,490- $43,920

Gasoline

7.81

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

262 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,820- $40,230

Gasoline

7.32

270 hp @ 5500 rpm

310 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

4

Read Review

$34,960- $52,505

Gasoline

5.81

285 hp @ 6400 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

$38,400- $40,800

Gasoline

5.72

308 hp @ 6800 rpm

275 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$41,200- $45,000

Gasoline

5.23

308 hp @ 6800 rpm

275 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$55,800- $59,600

Gasoline

7.38

355 hp @ 5600 rpm

383 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm

5

Read Review

$27,190- $39,185

Gasoline

8.4

310 hp @ 6400 rpm

281 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

4

Read Review

2021 Chevrolet Colorado vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    9 sec17.8 sec106 mph
    6 sec19.4 sec-
    6.5 sec15 sec-
    7.1 sec15.4 sec120 mph
    7.2 sec15.6 sec112 mph
    7.3 sec16.0 sec110 mph

    2021 Chevrolet Colorado vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      18 mpg25 mpg22 mpg21 gal.399/525 mi.
      19 mpg25 mpg22 mpg21 gal.- -
      18 mpg25 mpg21 mpg21 gal.378/525 mi.
      18 mpg24 mpg21 mpg19.5 gal.351/468 mi.
      18 mpg24 mpg20 mpg21.1 gal.379.80/506.40 mi.
      22 mpg23 mpg19 mpg22 gal.352/506 mi.Jeep USA

      2021 Chevrolet Colorado vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        212.7 in.74.3 in.70.4 in.8.4 in.128.3 in.
        231.72 in.81.24 in.75.49 in.7.9 in.147.43 in.
        218 in.73.8 in.75 in.10 in.137.3 in.Jeep USA
        212.4 in.74.3 in.70.6 in.8.2 in.128.3 in.
        212.4 in.74.3 in.70.7 in.8.3 in.128.3 in.
        212.4 in.74.3 in.70.4 in.8.4 in.128.3 in.

        2021 Chevrolet Colorado vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          49.9 cu.ft.101.4 cu.ft.49.9 cu.ft.
          26.5 cu.ft.93.8 cu.ft.26.5 cu.ft.
          -39.3 cu.ft.49.9 cu.ft.
          62.9 cu.ft.-62.9 cu.ft.
          44 cu.ft.37.8 cu.ft.44 cu.ft.
          41.3 cu.ft.37.8 cu.ft.41.3 cu.ft.

          2021 Chevrolet Colorado vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            64 cu.ft.49.9 cu.ft.49.9 cu.ft.74 ft.
            44 cu.ft.41.3 cu.ft.41.3 cu.ft.62 ft.
            -33.5 cu.ft.-73 ft.
            35.5 cu.ft.35.5 cu.ft.35.5 cu.ft.60 ft.Jeep USA
            62.9 cu.ft.62.9 cu.ft.62.9 cu.ft.70 ft.
            89.1 cu.ft.-49.9 cu.ft.74 ft.

            2021 Chevrolet Colorado vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Gooseneck/5th Wheel Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              7000 lbs.-1400 lbs.3884 lbs.
              9700 lbs.9100 lbs.2040 lbs.4602 lbs.
              7700 lbs.-1522 lbs.4000 lbs.
              7650 lbs.-1700 lbs.4650 lbs.Jeep USA
              7600 lbs.-1531 lbs.4425 lbs.
              6620 lbs.-1460 lbs.4180 lbs.

              2021 Chevrolet Colorado Pickup Truck Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              1

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              58

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              MPG Combined : 22 mpg

              0-60 : 9 sec

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