For 2021, Chevrolet gives its Colorado mid-sized pickup more equipment, a new paint color, and it might just be the best in the segment.

What’s New for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?

The new 2021 Chevy Colorado will get some new styling on both ends. In the back, the tailgate will feature a large “Chevrolet” wordmark stamped into the tailgate itself. Up front, new grilles and a slightly redesigned fascia provide a more aggressive look. A new color, Sand Dune metallic, is available.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado - chevrolet.com

2021 Chevrolet Colorado – chevrolet.com |  Shop 2021 Chevrolet Colorado on Carsforsale.com

Body Style

Starting Price

MSRP $26,395

Drivetrain

Drivetrain

RWD or 4WD

Drivetrain

Fuel Economy

20 City / 30 Hwy (MPG)

Number of Seats

Seating

Seats 5

The Breakdown

Big truck towing capacity

Dapper exterior styling

Great infotainment system

Disappointing safety features

Bland interior

Little innovation

2021 Colorado Specs

Trims & Pricing

Work Truck - $26,395
LT - $28,895
Z71 - $35,995
ZR2 - $43,795

2021 Chevrolet Colorado Powertrain

2021 Chevrolet Colorado 2.5L I4 - carsforsale.com
2021 Chevrolet Colorado 2.5L I4 - carsforsale.com

Engine choice determines the experience in this truck perhaps more than almost any other factor. For those buying 2021 Chevrolet Colorado simply as a work truck, the standard 4-cylinder will do fine. It’s far from charismatic though with underwhelming performance in almost every situation where power is called for.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado 3.6L V6 - carsforsale.com
2021 Chevrolet Colorado 3.6L V6 - carsforsale.com

Things couldn’t be much different though when selecting a Colorado with either the diesel 4-cylinder or the V6. For example, a rear-wheel-drive model equipped with the V6 will scoot to 60 mph in just a hair over 6 seconds which is downright quick. Need serious torque? The diesel provides 369 lb-ft which is gigantic in this segment. Both transmissions provide solid smooth engagement without any noticeable irritation.

Aside from a bit of high-speed floatiness that the base Colorado can experience, the rest of the lineup feels taut and lively on the road. Steering feedback is precise and makes the truck easy to place. Braking is likewise very good and the pedal is easy to modulate.

Towing & Payload

2021 Chevrolet Colorado - media.chevrolet.com
2021 Chevrolet Colorado - media.chevrolet.com

With some 7,700 pounds of towing capacity when the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is equipped with its optional diesel motor, this is a serious truck. For those that need maximum utility from their mid-sized truck, the Colorado can get the job done. Tack onto that a payload capacity of up to 1,560 pounds and it’s hard to beat. Of course, to achieve those figures, buyers will have to opt for one of the optional engines or get the Z71 or the ZR2.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado Fuel Economy & MPG

The EPA has rated the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado anywhere from 17-23 mpg combined depending on the configuration. Of course, the four-wheel-drive equipped models suffer but ones driving style will have a great effect on real-world results.

Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space

Perhaps the only blemish the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado has is inside where its combination of utilitarian elements only serves to slightly bring down the average score of a really great truck. Space inside is a bit cramped for taller than average passengers. Rear seat legroom is also problematic so we’d opt for the crew cab as it’s far more livable.

Visibility is limited as well due to large A and B pillars. Storage is strong though and we really like how supportive the seating is throughout. Ride comfort, in general, is very good for a mid-sized pickup, and even during long journeys, the Colorado proved itself a nice place to be.

Entertainment & Technology

2021 Chevrolet Colorado - chevrolet.com
2021 Chevrolet Colorado - chevrolet.com

Chevrolet has equipped the Colorado with one of the best infotainment packages in the segment. Now in its 3rd generation, MyLink is nearly clairvoyant with fast responses to touch and voice commands as well as simply laid out interfaces and menus throughout. Including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard features is another outstanding choice that we praise. For the especially tech-connected, Chevy also offers multiple USB ports, a wifi hotspot, a household-style 110-volt power outlet, and wireless device charging as options.

Safety Features

While it would be great to see more safety equipment come standard on the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado, it’s good that advanced equipment like adaptive cruise and forward collision mitigation are at least available. In addition, this pickup scored a four-star crash test rating from the NHTSA.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado Trims & Pricing

2021 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck - chevrolet.com
2021 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck - chevrolet.com

Work Truck – $26,395

Starting off, the WT or Work Truck trim level of the Colorado comes with a 4-cylinder engine making 200 horsepower and sending it to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. A 306 horsepower V6 is available on this and the LT. Buyers will also get air conditioning, power windows, and a 7-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. For those that want their Chevrolet to have just a few more features, optional extras include a remote locking tailgate, cruise control, remote keyless entry, and a wifi hotspot.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado LT - media.chevrolet.com
2021 Chevrolet Colorado LT - media.chevrolet.com

LT – $28,895

That combination of standard and optional extras on the WT form the basis for the LT which also adds a larger 8-inch infotainment screen, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Buyers can then pay more to add features like automatic climate control, heated seats, a seven-speaker sound system made by Bose, and automated forward collision mitigation.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR1 - media.chevrolet.com
2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR1 - media.chevrolet.com

Z71 – $35,995

The gas-powered V6 becomes standard at this trim level as does four-wheel drive. Built with more intention for going where the road runs out, the Z71 adds off-road suspension, a locking rear differential, hill-descent control, and all-terrain tires. A wireless charging pad is also included.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 - media.chevrolet.com
2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 - media.chevrolet.com

ZR2 – $43,795

As the top choice in the lineup, the ZR2 comes standard with the same 306 horsepower gas V6 and four-wheel-drive but can be optioned with a diesel that builds 369 lb-ft of torque. It also includes leather front seats, 265/65/17 sized all-terrain tires, an electronically locking rear differential, and fender flares.

Warranties

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is offered with pretty standard warranty coverage. The limited warranty covers the truck for up to 3 years or 36,000 miles while the powertrain is covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Chevrolet will also cover the first maintenance visit.

What we think

2021 Chevrolet Colorado - chevrolet.com

2021 Chevrolet Colorado – chevrolet.com |  Shop 2021 Chevrolet Colorado on Carsforsale.com

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado isn’t going to win any awards for breathtaking futuristic features but it’s so good throughout that none of its buyers will care. It’s capable, comfortable, and comparable, if not better, to everything else in the segment.

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Stephen Rivers

Stephen Rivers is a car enthusiast who loves all things built with passion, extending to nearly all car cultures. After obtaining an occupational studies degree in sports medicine, Stephen turned his attention to sports cars. He was employed as an auto shop manager, spent time in auto sales, and worked as a software developer for a racing company, but Stephen began writing about cars over 10 years ago. When he's not in front of a computer screen, he's racing his own Bugeye Subaru WRX in as many autocross and rallycross competitions as he can.

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