2021 Chevrolet Colorado
2021 Chevrolet Colorado Review
- Gasoline V6 and diesel four-cylinder engines tow more than rivals
- Maneuverable size along with well-mannered steering and handling
- Comfortable ride over most surfaces
- Simple, easy-to-use cabin controls
- Front seats can feel confining for larger people
- Rivals offer more in-cab storage with rear seats folded
- Low-hanging front airdam limits off-road potential
- New front-end design and stamped Chevrolet logo across the tailgate
- The base model has been eliminated from the lineup
- Changes to standard and optional equipment availability
- Part of the second Colorado generation introduced in 2015
The Colorado is Chevrolet's midsize pickup and, for the 2021 model year, brings a new look to the streets and trails. Instead of the previous Chevrolet emblem on its rear, it now has the word "Chevrolet" embossed across the tailgate. It also gets a new front-end look with more pronounced styling details for the Colorado's different trim levels.
Our verdict | |
We like the Colorado a lot. The crew-cab cabin is spacious, and the tech interface is straightforward and effective. Compared to the Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma, the Colorado occupies a nice middle ground. It provides a little bit of something for everyone and compromises very little along the way. | |
How does the Colorado drive? | |
Our 4WD ZR1 test truck had the available 3.5-liter V6 engine. At our test track, 0-60 mph took 7.3 seconds, which is a respectable time for a midsize truck. On inclines, there's no real issue of the transmission hunting for gears, but it is occasionally reluctant to downshift on flat roads. The brakes are predictable and easy to control in routine driving. Body roll is tamed by the firm suspension tuning, so you can hustle the Colorado along a curvy road with confidence.Thinking about going off-road? The low front airdam limits off-road clearance, but you can remove it in about 30 minutes. And even though there's no locking rear differential, the Z71's standard single-mode traction control can cope with wheel lift in rocky terrain. | |
How comfortable is the Colorado? | |
The Colorado offers a better ride quality than many competitors in its class, and it smooths out large bumps and small cracks with equal ease. Climate control and seat adjustability are basic, but drivers used to piloting pickups should be comfortable. The front seats are firm and nicely shaped, but larger drivers might find them a little confining. The rear bench is harder and its backrest is a bit too upright. The heated seats and steering wheel work well and are easy to operate. The Colorado's cabin lets in a bit of wind, road and engine noise, but nothing close to levels that will cause passengers to raise their voices. The tall gearing of the eight-speed transmission does a lot to keep the engine quiet when cruising. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The Colorado is a high vehicle and steps are optional, so getting in and out might be a reach for some. The front doors open wide, but the rear door openings are narrow, so entry there will be harder. The same problems carry over inside, with a good amount of room in the front seat but limited space in the back, even in the crew cab. The driving position is high, and there's a commanding view of the road, with a good range of adjustability in the optional tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The large pillars, however, impede outward visibility. When it comes to interior controls, everything is easy to reach, and most controls are well labeled and generously sized. | |
How’s the tech? | |
Chevrolet offers solid in-car technology. The touchscreen interface is easy to use and feature-rich. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard. The optional Bose system is a nice upgrade, but volume doesn't get as high as we'd like. For device charging, there are two USB ports up front and and available rear charging ports and a 110-volt outlet. Chevy's Wi-Fi hotspot setup is also one of the easier systems to use — it offers a 4G LTE connection and can handle up to seven devices. Forward collision alert and lane departure warning are optional and a bit sensitive, but they work as advertised. Otherwise, we'd like to see blind-spot monitoring included on the options list. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The Colorado offers high towing ratings (7,000 pounds with the V6 and 7,700 pounds with the optional diesel) and class-leading payload, and it's the only midsize truck with a built-in trailer brake controller. Troublingly, though, the bed is relatively narrow with high sides, which make it difficult to load. Inside, the rear seats don't fold flat, and there are no clever compartments for larger items. But there are plenty of places for small items, including a cellphone tray next to the USB port, door pockets that are cleverly tiered, and generously sized cupholders. For child seats, the outboard rear seats offer car seat points, but the tether anchors are difficult to access and rear-seat space is limited. | |
How economical is the Colorado? | |
The Chevy's fuel economy is slightly above the segment average, especially with the diesel. A 4WD V6 has an EPA estimate of 19 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway). We handily matched this figure during our mixed-driving test route. | |
Is the Colorado a good value? | |
Value for the money is a tough proposition here. The cabin is full of hard plastics and generally cheap-feeling surfaces, but the Colorado seems solidly put together and feels modern enough to beat the Frontier and the Ranger. Then, there's the issue of off-road usability compared to the Tacoma and the lack of practicality and livability compared to the Ridgeline — so it seems to fall right in the middle. Pricing is competitive for the segment with a basic three-year/36,000-mile warranty and an impressive two years of maintenance covered up front. Roadside assistance (with towing) is covered for five years/60,000 miles. | |
Wildcard | |
Most Colorados on the road are going to be utilitarian players, offering a very specific set of skills for owners and doing so without really wowing anyone. Sure, the bonkers ZR2 is fun to look at, and it can go bouncing around the rockiest trails without an issue, but most shoppers will opt for less capable, less expensive trim levels. If what you want is a road-duty truck that looks like a truck but isn't as big as a full-size truck, the Colorado is your niche player. | |
Which Colorado does Edmunds recommend?
Chevrolet Colorado models
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is a midsize pickup offered in extended-cab and crew-cab body styles. There are two bed lengths (short bed and long bed) and four trim levels available: Work Truck (WT), LT, Z71 and ZR2. The WT includes many of the basics, and it comes standard with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine (200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque) that's paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.
2021 Chevrolet Colorado pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Features & Specs
| Work Truck 4dr Extended Cab SB 2.5L 4cyl 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $25,200 |
| MPG | 19 city / 25 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 200 hp @ 6300 rpm |
| ZR2 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB 3.6L 6cyl 8A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $41,600 |
| MPG | 16 city / 18 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 4 |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 308 hp @ 6800 rpm |
| Work Truck 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB 2.5L 4cyl 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $29,100 |
| MPG | 19 city / 24 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 200 hp @ 6300 rpm |
| LT 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB 2.5L 4cyl 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $31,400 |
| MPG | 19 city / 24 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 200 hp @ 6300 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Colorado safety features:
- OnStar System
- Provides emergency crash notification, stolen vehicle notification, and remote locking and unlocking. Standard on the LT and above.
- Safety Package
- Includes forward collision and lane departure warning systems. Available on the LT and Z71 models only.
- Teen Driver Mode
- Lets you have custom key settings for secondary drivers and can provide in-vehicle reports.
NHTSA Overall Rating 4 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
| Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 4 / 5 |
| Side Crash Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 5 / 5 |
| Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
| Front Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Back Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Rollover | Rating |
| Rollover | 3 / 5 |
| Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
| Risk Of Rollover | 22% |
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Acceptable |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Chevrolet Colorado vs. the competition
Chevrolet Colorado vs. Jeep Gladiator
The Gladiator is a versatile and highly capable truck. Impressively adept off-road, the Gladiator truly can be a comfortable daily driver and a weekend warrior. It's the only convertible pickup truck you can buy too. The Colorado is typically less expensive than the Gladiator and a little more stable in on-the-road handling.
Chevrolet Colorado vs. Toyota Tacoma
The popular Toyota Tacoma has impressive off-road capability in just about any trim level, and its top TRD Pro trim is a match for the hardcore Colorado ZR2. Driver comfort is a little lacking, but the same can be said for the Colorado. Overall, these two trucks are pretty evenly matched.
Chevrolet Colorado vs. Honda Ridgeline
The king of comfort in the midsize pickup class is the Honda Ridgeline. Its unique in the class for its car-like unibody platform. That makes it more comfortable on the highway and gives it better handling. Unfortunately, the Ridgeline is a bit less capable when it comes to towing and off-roading compared to the Colorado.
FAQ
Is the Chevrolet Colorado a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado:
- New front-end design and stamped Chevrolet logo across the tailgate
- The base model has been eliminated from the lineup
- Changes to standard and optional equipment availability
- Part of the second Colorado generation introduced in 2015
Is the Chevrolet Colorado reliable?
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
The least-expensive 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $25,200.
Other versions include:
- Work Truck 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $25,200
- ZR2 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $41,600
- Work Truck 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $29,100
- LT 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $31,400
- LT 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $27,700
- Z71 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $35,500
What are the different models of Chevrolet Colorado?
More about the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado
2021 Chevrolet Colorado Overview
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is offered in the following submodels: Colorado Crew Cab, Colorado Extended Cab. Available styles include Z71 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.1 ft. SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Work Truck 4dr Crew Cab 5.1 ft. SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A), LT 4dr Crew Cab 5.1 ft. SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A), LT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.1 ft. SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), ZR2 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.1 ft. SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Z71 4dr Crew Cab 5.1 ft. SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Work Truck 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A), Work Truck 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.1 ft. SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Z71 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.2 ft. SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), ZR2 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Work Truck 4dr Crew Cab 6.2 ft. SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Work Truck 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A), Work Truck 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.2 ft. SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), LT 4dr Crew Cab 6.2 ft. SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), LT 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A), LT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.2 ft. SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), LT 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A), and Z71 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A).
What do people think of the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2021 Colorado.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2021 Colorado featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
2021 Chevrolet Colorado LT 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A)
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado LT 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $34,875. The average price paid for a new 2021 Chevrolet Colorado LT 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) is trending $2,009 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,009 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $32,866.
The average savings for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado LT 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) is 5.8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 3 2021 Chevrolet Colorado LT 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Chevrolet Colorado LT 4dr Extended Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A)
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado LT 4dr Extended Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $32,410. The average price paid for a new 2021 Chevrolet Colorado LT 4dr Extended Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) is trending $2,685 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,685 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $29,725.
The average savings for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado LT 4dr Extended Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) is 8.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 5 2021 Chevrolet Colorado LT 4dr Extended Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $30,335. The average price paid for a new 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) is trending $2,922 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,922 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $27,413.
The average savings for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) is 9.6% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 4 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $26,435. The average price paid for a new 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) is trending $2,828 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,828 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $23,607.
The average savings for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) is 10.7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 3 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A)
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $49,760. The average price paid for a new 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) is trending $3,225 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3,225 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $46,535.
The average savings for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) is 6.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A)
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $38,080. The average price paid for a new 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) is trending $2,853 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,853 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $35,227.
The average savings for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) is 7.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2021 Chevrolet Colorados are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2021 Chevrolet Colorado for sale near. There are currently 294 new 2021 Colorados listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $26,395 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $6,625 on a used or CPO 2021 Colorado available from a dealership near you.
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Find a new Chevrolet Colorado for sale - 8 great deals out of 10 listings starting at $15,349.
Find a new Chevrolet for sale - 6 great deals out of 11 listings starting at $18,451.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Chevrolet lease specials