Chevrolet saw an opportunity. While the compact truck market—a segment once larger than full-size trucks—was shrinking and falling behind current technology, GM had an excellent mid-size truck in its global portfolio.
The Chevy Colorado was already meeting the demands of incredibly tough conditions. What if Chevrolet could give it sportier styling and all of the features today’s full-size truck buyers desire? Maybe offer an urban-friendly alternative to the award-winning Silverado? That could be a winner. No doubt.
“Many people like the ‘can-do’ spirit of a truck, but they want a vehicle that is easier to manoeuver in traffic and easier to park at work or at home,” said Tony Johnson, Colorado marketing manager.
“For them, bigger is not necessarily better. Also, they don’t want to give up the latest in convenience and safety features, which aren’t available on current midsize pickups. For those customers, the new Chevrolet Colorado is the perfect choice.”
Although Colorado is smaller than the Silverado, it is considerably larger than the last-generation Colorado and not even comparable to the old S-10.
North American versions feature higher bedsides and more aggressive front design for a sportier look and enhanced hauling capacity. An aluminum hood and active grille shutters enhance fuel economy. Buyers can choose among an extended cab with 6 ft. 2 in. bed, crew cab with 5 ft. 2 in. bed, and crew cab with 6 ft. 2 in. bed.
Functionality cues were taken from the redesigned Silverado. CornerStep rear bumpers allow easy access to the bed, EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgates use an internal torsion bar instead of muscles, and the tailgate locks for security.
Slip inside and you'll notice a cabin narrower than a Silverado’s, but no less comfortable. I’m a fan of the supportive bucket seats, thick leather-wrapped steering wheel, and available color touchscreen with actual volume/tuning knobs below.
Up-level LT and Z71 models have four USB ports. All-in, you can get Chevy MyLink with Siri Eyes Free and text messaging support, Bose audio, heated front seats, automatic climate control, power seats, sliding rear window, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Storage cubbies abound. Spartan, it is not.
But, what about capability? Under the smooth nose is either a 200 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or 305 horsepower version of the Camaro’s 3.6-liter V6.
I spent most of my time driving the V6 and it is plenty capable of moving the truck off the line and onto the Interstate with ease. A 6-speed manual transmission is available on entry-level models, but most Colorados will roll with a 6-speed automatic.
Go easy on the throttle and you'll see up to 20/27 mpg city/highway with the four-cylinder and 18/26 mpg with the V6 (varies, depending on transmission and drive configuration). Leave the big truck at home because Colorado can tow up to 7,000 pounds.
What you notice immediately is how tight the truck feels. There’s none of the typical bouncing and jouncing you expect in a smaller pickup. Engineers specified a coil-over front suspension with aluminum knuckles, electric power steering, four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife™ rotors, and fully-boxed frame for both handling and payload capacity. Even on the highway, the truck is quiet and smooth. I suspect buyers moving to Colorado from a car or SUV will be very pleased.
Not all truck buyers are created equal. For some, there’s no replacement for a full-size, fully capable pickup. They have serious hauling and towing needs.
There’s also the rest of us who simply need a city-friendly and fuel-efficient truck for household chores and for towing a light RV or boat. Compact size allows the truck to be used as a daily driver, able to negotiate tight parking garages, restaurant parking, and downtown streets with ease. I think Chevrolet has delivered a pickup the market has been waiting for.
Prices start at $20,120, but expect to pay a little over $30,000 fully loaded.
Competitors include the Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, Honda Ridgeline, and similar GMC Canyon.
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