The Chevrolet Colorado: To Buy or Not to Buy
Here at Daily Driver, we’re drawn to midsize trucks, not only because they are capable and powerful, but also because they’ve fallen behind despite these things. As we root for the midsize underdog, there’s no better midsize truck to review than the Chevy Colorado.
To Midsize or Full Size That is the Question.
We know that midsize trucks aren’t “the thing” right now, but once upon a time, midsize trucks were taken very seriously for their affordability and capability to do almost as much as a full-size pickup. Trucks like the Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, and now Chevy Colorado, have given the budget builders and DIYers everything they need wrapped into one vehicle without the excess of their heavier duty siblings.
2020 Chevrolet Colorado – chevrolet.com | Shop 2020 Chevrolet Colorado on Carsforsale.com
Midsize trucks like the Colorado deserve a fighting chance despite the famous saying, “Bigger is better,” because there is something said for getting just what you need and not a cent more. From fuel efficiency to off-road handling, the Colorado gets high praises that even the Silverado can’t compete with.
Here’s why the Chevrolet Colorado should be on your list if you’re a Ron Swanson type on the prowl for a new vehicle.
Meet the Chevrolet Colorado
MSRP: $21,300+
Fuel Efficiency: 20 city / 26 highway mpg
Drivetrain: 2WD & 4WD options
Horsepower: 200 – 300 hp
Towing Capacity: Up to 7,600 lbs
Trim Levels: Base, Work Truck, LT, Z71, ZR2
Why Choose the Colorado?
There are so many great trucks out there, it can seem overwhelming to pick a truck for your needs. If you’re in the midsize truck market, the Chevy Colorado is a great choice because it offers utility, decent gas mileage, and just enough offroad capability to have a little fun when you’re not working on your next project.
Engines & Fuel Efficiency
Buying a Colorado over, say, a Silverado are offers actually more than just a handful of benefits. Not only will you save nearly $10,000+/- on each corresponding trim level compared to a full-sized rival, you’ll also get better fuel efficiency. The Colorado is also the only mid-sized truck in the segment that offers a diesel engine for those that need more power and towing capacity. The Colorado’s engine options, a four-cylinder gasoline, V6 gasoline, or four-cylinder diesel, provide enough pep to get the truck moving quickly from a dead stop.
Handling & Power
The handling and steering of the Colorado is much tighter than a Silverado, too, because it’s easier to drive a smaller vehicle instead of a honkin’ sized pickup. Notably, the Colorado rides a little smoother, even on unpaved surfaces, too.
All Colorados come standard with sway control which is ideal for drivers who haul and tow frequently. This allows the truck and trailer brakes to work together when excessive swaying happens on the road. Safety first!
Creature Comforts
If you’re looking for creature comforts, the Colorado offers the basic items you’d expect in a new truck, but also a few extras. Inside the Colorado LT, you’ll find an 8-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, and Bluetooth streaming. Pretty standard, but if you decide to add the Luxury package, you’ll get power-adjusted heated seats and a heated steering wheel.
Trims & Upgrades
The Colorado offers an endless list of customizations from trim levels to cab styles. There are two cab styles (extended and crew), two bed lengths and five trim levels to mix and match. It’s recommended to go with the midlevel trim, the LT, and customize from there as you get the most bang for your buck and you still have the opportunity to customize how you see fit.
2020 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 – chevrolet.com | Shop 2020 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 on Carsforsale.com
Though the LT is the most practical of the trims, we love the ZR2 with the aftermarket Bison package because it gives a whole new meaning to the Colorado’s off-road capabilities. The Bison upgrade makes the Colorado nearly 3.5 inches wider and 2 inches taller than the standard ZR2 which gives it plenty of room for rock crawling. The boron-steel skid plates keep the undercarriage protected while the locking differentials (front and back) make it off-road capable in just about any terrain.
Other upgrades include an EZ-lift tailgate and a remote locking liftgate. Exterior options include an off-road sport bar, black aluminum wheels, illuminated emblems, storage compartments, and various bed liners. The Colorado is what you make it and it can be almost as capable (and less expensive) than a full-size truck if that’s what you need.
Midsize is the Best Size
At the end of the day, we’re not all that convinced that midsize trucks should get the boot. The Chevy Colorado is truly a truck to be reckoned with on or off the pavement. It brings the best of utility, power, and size together in one vehicle that is reasonably priced. It even made Edmund’s 2020 Cheapest New Cars list!
If you’re in the midsize truck market, give the Colorado a fair chance and we think you’ll love it as much as we do!
