2022 Chevrolet Colorado

While the capabilities and capacities of the Chevrolet Colorado differ depending on the trim, the features list gets more and more premium as you rise up the trim ranks as well. The price increments are also astounding, but offer plenty of value for money. For those looking for a road-going pickup, check out the capable but cost-effective Colorado Z71, while any off-road inclined buyer should go for the ZR2.

The 2022 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab comes in 4 trim levels: WT, LT, Z71, and ZR2. The Colorado Crew Cab offers a choice between RWD and 4WD along with two bed size options 128-inches and 141-inches. While only WT or Work Truck and LT trim are only available with all drivetrain and bed size options the top-end ZR2 comes only in 4WD and with a 128-inch bed. Changes for this year include the Trail Boss Package now available on the LT and Z71 trims. 

The Trail Boss Package includes a black front grille and bow tie logo, red tow hooks, 1-inch suspension-levelling kit, front and mid skid plate, 17-inch ZR2 alloy wheels, and eliminates front air dam. Notable optional features on the WT trim include OnStar telematics and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, remote keyless entry, remote locking and EZ lift tailgate, and cruise control.

Options on the LT trim include automatic emergency braking, navigation, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a seven-speaker Bose sound system. Optional features on the Z71 trim are the same as the ones on the LT trim and a Z71 Midnight Edition package that adds a bedliner, 31-inch tires, and gloss black aluminum wheels. 

The base engine on the 2022 Colorado is a 2.5L Inline-4 unit while the 3.6L V6 engine is available on the WT and LT models for $1,500 extra. The Z71 and ZR2 models come with the V6 and can be had with a 2.8: turbo-diesel engine, which adds $4,000 to the base price.

With the three engine choices the fuel economy figures of the 2022 Chevrolet Colorado varies from decent to very fuel-efficinet. The base 2.5L engine gets EPA ratings of 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway, while the more powerful V6 engine is rated lower at 16 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway, making it less efficient than all its rivals. While the hyper-milers will prefer the 2.8L TurboDiesel that has an EPA estimated gas mileage of 20 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. As for the fuel tank capacity, Colorado gets a large 21-gallon fuel tank that extends the range to 500 plus miles on the highway.

Compared to rivals like the Ford Ranger, which produces more power while still being efficient, Colorado feels dated. The Ranger delivers an impressive rating of 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway, which is the highest in class. The Toyota Tacoma has also started feeling dated as it is the least efficient on the highway and under mixed driving conditions.

The cabin of the 2022 Colorado sees no major changes and honestly it looks like lifted straight from a decade-old Chevy. The material used around feels cheap and plasticky but the good thing about them is that they are built to last and are abuse friendly. The interior gets a simple and ergonomic layout which was possible due to the designer's focus on ease of use rather than style. The seating position and the overall visibility are great although seat and steering adjustment is limited. 

The front seats are very comfortable, with plenty of support on offer. Although, because of the smaller footprint compared to rivals, the rear seats are cramped, and fitting a third passenger will be a squeeze. While if you are seating for people inside then the Crew Cab model offers better space than the Extended Cab models. Also, the cabin storage space below the rear seats is a tad bit more on the Crew Cab models.

The infotainment display of the 2022 Colorado sits at the center which can be had in two sizes, the standard one is 7-inch in size while LT and higher trims get an 8-inch touchscreen unit. Both the screens come with physical controls making them easy to operate. Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 6-speaker sound system, USB ports, etc. While a 7-speaker Bose sound system, navigation, and extra USB ports are available.

The cabin space on offer in the Chevrolet Colorado and its twin the GMC Canyon is the best among the mid-size pickup trucks. While cargo volume in the bed is the highest on the Ford Ranger at 43.3 cubic feet followed by Chevrolet Colorado offering 41.3 cubic feet while the Toyota Tacoma offers the least 38 cubic feet of cargo volume.

Interior Features:

• Power adjustable front bucket seats
• Automatic climate control
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Power windows and door lock
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• OnStar connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot

The 2022 Colorado sees no change to its exterior design as the model got a refresh just last year. With the redesign in 2021, Colorado looks like a more mature and well-rounded pickup. While the Colorado ZR2 with the ZR2 specific exterior trims like a unique front design, flared wheel arches, wider all-terrain tires, and wide-body design look the best in the Colorado lineup. Overall, Colorado carries a typical Chevrolet design language, with square wheel arches and a blacked-out grille with the traditional bow-tie logo sitting on the grille.

Colorado misses on any cladding around its body yet manages to have a rugged look, especially on the top-end ZR2 model. Dimension wise the 2022 Colorado remains the same as last year and measures 212.7-inches in length, 74.3-inches wide excluding the mirrors, and has 70.7-inches height. Between the wheels, you get 128.3-inches of space which liberates a spacious cabin.

Even though the recent refresh has given the Colorado midsize truck an improved design, rivals like the GMC Canyon and Ford Ranger look more modern and contemporary. As for the size, the Colorado and Canyon twins are overall bigger than the Ranger and Tacoma. Although the Ranger is the tallest pickup among all while the Tacoma offers the highest ground clearance.

Exterior Features:

• Automatic projector headlamps
• 17” alloys with all-terrain tires
• Rear bumper with corner step
• Body-colored mirrors
• Unique grille for ZR2 model with recovery hooks

Safety continues to be a sore point for the Chevrolet Colorado with just 4 stars in the NHTSA test. It also misses out on the “Top Safety Pick” award after receiving a “Marginal” rating in one of the six parameters of IIHS, unlike some of its rivals. Another notable point is the absence of standard active safety features like automatic emergency braking, which has become standard on almost all cars and trucks nowadays.

In fact, the optional safety package is not even available as an option on the base WT and top-spec ZR2 models. Both the LT and Z71 models can be equipped with the safety package, which adds forward collision alert and lane departure warning for $400 extra. We can expect some more standard safety features for the 2022 model, but as of now, Colorado considerably lags behind its rivals in terms of safety.

Safety Features:

• Rearview camera
• Teen driver system
• Traction/Stability control
• OnStar safety & security services

2022 Chevrolet Colorado vs. 2021 Ford Ranger

For 2022, the Ford Ranger is slated to get a complete redesign along with the powerful Raptor and all-electric models. Even with the current model, the 2.3L turbocharged engine trumps Colorado's mediocre 2.5L unit offering significantly more power and efficiency. 

The 2021 Ranger also offers a better towing and payload capacity compared to Colorado. However, Colorado is more comfortable with a plusher ride and a more forgiving suspension setup. Still between the two Ranger would be our pick.

2022 Chevrolet Colorado vs. 2021 GMC Canyon

The GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado are very similar in terms of mechanicals, engine options, and interior space. Unlike Colorado, the GMC Canyon gets boxy and in-your-face design with plenty of chrome used everywhere, giving it an upmarket look. 

The Canyon is pricier by a few thousand dollars, but for the extra dough, you get better interiors with a lot more features packed in. If you're looking for comfort and luxury, the GMC Canyon is the better option of the two.

2022 Chevrolet Colorado vs. 2021 Toyota Tacoma

Both the Chevrolet Colorado and the Toyota Tacoma are dated pickup trucks. Both come with an old powertrain as standard yet the solid underpinning upon which both the trucks ride makes them nearly indestructible. As for the off-road potential again both the trucks the Tacoma with its TRD Pro trim and Colorado with ZR2 trim have been setting benchmarks in the midsize truck segment.

Move inside the cabin and you would realize both the trucks get dated cabin but feel sturdy and built to last. Thus there are a lot of similarities between both the trucks but while buying a truck there is a strong brand allegiance for a particular brand and here the Chevy has the edge over the Toyota.

Even though the 2022 Chevrolet Colorado is mostly a carryover model, it is still one of the most capable pickup trucks in its class, with excellent off-road capabilities and a powerful V6 engine. Handling is also very impressive for a truck, but it compromises cabin experience with a dated design and cheap material used. Overall, if you’re looking for a rigged mid-size pickup truck with excellent off-road capabilities and cargo capacity, the Chevrolet Colorado remains one of the best options in the market.