Used 2019 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Crew Cab Review

Although full-size trucks deservedly rule the roost in terms of sales, the midsize pickup segment has started to come into its own. The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado exemplifies this evolution with flexible configurations that cover both work and play. The Colorado starts off as one of the least expensive bare-bones truck on the market. But it can be optioned up to be an out-of-the-box adventure machine with a lifted suspension that boasts trick shocks and fully lockable differentials. And let's not forget technology features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. No matter which version of Colorado you choose, you'll get well-mannered handling and respectable fuel economy.

But the Colorado isn't alone in this segment, and the competition is fierce. Toyota's Tacoma starts at a higher price, but it excels in rough off-road terrain and has a higher resale value that levels out the value proposition. And then there's the Honda Ridgeline, which is more comfortable and roomy, though it can't tow or handle tough off-road trails as well as the Colorado. Ford is also getting back into the game with its new Ranger. The decision is tough, but picking a winner will primarily come down to what you want out of your next truck. The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado is worth a look.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 as one of Edmunds' Best Off-Road Trucks, the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado Diesel as one of Edmunds' Best Trucks for Towing, and the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado as one of Edmunds' Best Trucks and Best Gas Mileage Trucks for this year.

What's it like to live with?

To learn more about the Chevrolet Colorado, read our long-term test of a Colorado ZR2, which our editorial team lived with for more than two years. We took the off-road variant of this popular pickup on grueling off-road adventures and enlisted it for help on DIY home improvement projects. Yes, this version of the Colorado is as rugged as it looks. But is it the right truck for you? Note that while we tested a 2017 truck, the 2019 Colorado is of the same generation and most of our reporting still applies.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado is a midsize pickup offered in extended-cab and crew-cab body styles. There are two bed lengths and five trim levels: Base, Work Truck (WT), LT, Z71 and ZR2. For a no-frills truck, the Base and Work Truck models have limited features and low prices. The midrange LT offers extras such as a larger touchscreen and a standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, while the top-of-the-line Z71 combines some basic off-road prowess with top equipment. The ZR2 model features significant suspension and body changes that give it improved off-road capability.

The entry-level model, known simply as Base, covers the truck basics without a lot of extras, but it still has a decent amount of equipment. It's offered only as an extended cab, and standard features include a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine (200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque), a six-speed manual transmission, 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, vinyl upholstery and floor covering, a four-way power driver's seat with manual recline, front bucket seats, a tilt-only adjustable steering wheel, and power windows. You also get a rearview camera, a 7-inch infotainment system (GM's new Infotainment 3 system), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports, and a six-speaker sound system.

There aren't too many changes when you step up to the Work Truck (WT) model. But it does come in both extended-cab and crew-cab body styles and adds fold-up rear jump seats (extended-cab models only), cloth upholstery, carpeting and floor mats.

The most significant difference between the Base Colorado and the Work Truck trim is the latter's list of available options. Essentially you can equip the Work Truck with a few tech items, optional engines and exterior trim that make it feel less basic. From the WT level on up, you can get a six-speed automatic transmission for the base four-cylinder or one of the Colorado's two optional engines: a 3.6-liter V6 (308 hp and 275 lb-ft) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission or a 2.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine (181 hp and 369 lb-ft) paired to a six-speed automatic.

Notable options for the WT include remote keyless entry, cruise control, an EZ-Lift tailgate, and OnStar telematics (roadside assistance, turn-by-turn navigation, automatic crash response) and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity.

If you don't want to sort through all the WT's options sheets, you can simply spring for the LT, which gets you most of the above items, plus 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, OnStar and additional USB ports.

More options are available for the LT, the most notable being heated front seats, automatic climate control, heated exterior mirrors, and forward collision and lane departure warning systems. For LT models and above, there's an available seven-speaker premium Bose audio system and a navigation system.

For more luxury items and some mild off-road ability, you'll want to check out the Z71. It comes standard with most of the LT's optional equipment, plus it adds dark-tinted 17-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires (instead of all-season tires), an off-road-oriented suspension, a locking rear differential, hill descent control, unique cloth and simulated leather upholstery, and other model-specific trim pieces.

Even with the off-road-oriented suspension, the Z71 is still more oriented toward street use. For more capability off the beaten path, the ZR2 is your truck. The ZR2 has a raised suspension with special dampers, bigger all-terrain tires, fender flares, special bodywork for improved approach and departure angles, a spray-in bedliner (optional on other trims), and an electronically locking rear differential. Chevy offers the V6 or the diesel engine for the ZR2.