My Colorado Crew Cab LT 4X4 was Red Rock Metallic, having a Jet Black/Dark Ash interior (Front leather appointed seats: $950). The 3.6 L DOHC V6 engine in the LT Crew Cab Long Box delivers 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, and gets 26/24 mpg highway EPA fuel economy (2WD/4WD), making this one of the most powerful and efficient trucks. Not to mention the maximum trailer towing rating of 7,000 pounds. The 6-speed automatic transmission is electronically controlled with tow/haul mode and auto grade braking is standard. There is also a 2.5 L DOHC 4-cylinder engine producing 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque, which is standard on some variations of the Colorado.
Now let’s look at the outside for a moment. There are Halogen projector-beam headlamps, gunmetal grille, and a bold front bumper all supported by 17-inch Blade Silver metallic aluminum wheels wrapped in all-season tires. A unique body crease, receiving front hooks, locking tailgate, CornerStep rear bumper, and outside mirror round out the exterior ensemble, depicting a proud-standing pickup truck. The sporty front end and deeply slanted windshield add aggressiveness to the outside features that should attract even more customers.
The ingenious CornerStep rear bumper and integrated pocket handgrips are standard, but items like tie-down rigging are available from Chevrolet Accessories. My favorite is the GearOn storage system which uses cross dividers to partition the cargo bed so you can better organize and protect your stuff. Large items like bikes, canoes and surf boards are easy to load on top of the dividers, freeing up valuable space below for secured storage.
As you sit behind the wheel, you find the instrument panel easy to read. The MyLink infotainment system with an 8-inch color touch screen allows you to arrange icons and symbols on the screen. Touch and swipe on the screen just like you do on your smartphone. MyLink permits you to store up to 60 favorites including radio stations, contacts and destinations. SiriusXM Satellite is standard as well.
There are four available USB ports and two charge-only USB ports to connect phones, tablets or other devices. The world is just a touch away.
You also get 6 months of OnStar Directions & Connections Plan with Turn-by-Turn Navigation and RemoteLink, plus 5 years of Basic Plan.
Chevrolet’s Colorado does a super job in towing and hauling (1,520 pounds). The full boxed frame has great strength and capability while isolating noise and vibration. The strategic use of high-strength steel cuts down weight.
Coil-over-shock front suspension, multi-leaf springs and twin-tube shock absorbers rear suspension, and wide track allow the Colorado to provide a solid, smooth, capable ride whether loaded or unloaded.
Colorado is all about safety. The six standard air bags, including outboard curtains and front-seat side-impact air bags, have sensors that determine how to deploy the bags to minimize the danger of inflation-induced injuries.
I would be remiss after mentioning earlier the roll-formed steel pickup box without discussing the sturdy steel frame. To better protect the driver and passengers, 83 percent of the all-new ladder frame is made from high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $33,260 for the Crew Cab Long Box LT 4WD. For an additional $1,080 you get the Luxury Package, which I enjoyed. There are some key words when describing this package. Words like power, chrome, automatic, leather and remote. These words go nicely with other words like windows, seats, mirrors, bumper and head lamps. This package, however, requires you select the leather seat interior and a $615 Convenience Package.
The Safety Package is a must especially for the bargain $395, but it requires the above-mentioned Luxury Package. This package includes Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning. Of course they combine with the standard rear-vision camera making for a practical and beneficial package.
Yep! After a three year hiatus, Colorado is back. The 2015 was selected as Motor Trend Truck of the Year. Also a finalist for The Truck of Texas awarded by The Texas Auto Writers.
In fact, Colorado handles well, carries heavy and touts a mountain load of items. It is fairly priced with excellent warranty credentials. But you must know this, there is industry talk about a possible air bag issue and maybe a recall.
Warranty
3-yr/36,000-mile Limited Warranty
5-yr/100,000-mile Transferable Powertrain Limited Warranty
6-yr/100,000-mile Rust-Through Corrosion Warranty
5-yr/100,000-mile 24/7 Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transport
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected]
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