Real-world car advice, without the sales pitch Start Here About Trust Newsletter
Chevrolet Colorado — US review

Chevrolet Colorado Review

Full Breakdown of Specs, Features, Pros & Verdict

Chevrolet US review Updated September 2026 Edited by

Vehicle Overview

Vehicle SegmentMid-Size Pickup Truck
Body Style4-Door Crew Cab / Extended Cab
Release Year2025
Trim ReviewedZR2 (Top Off-Road Variant)

The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado continues as a tough yet refined mid-size pickup, offering improved tech, rugged styling, and versatile performance for work and play. Sitting below the Silverado in Chevy’s lineup, the Colorado targets buyers seeking a balance of daily drivability and serious off-road capability.

Key Specifications

Engine2.7L Turbocharged Inline-4 (High-Output)
Transmission8-Speed Automatic
Power Output310 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque583 Nm (430 lb-ft) @ 3,000 rpm
DrivetrainRWD or 4WD (depending on trim)
Dimensions213 in (L) × 76 in (W) × 79 in (H); Wheelbase 131 in
Towing CapacityUp to 7,700 lbs (3,493 kg)
Payload CapacityUp to 1,684 lbs (764 kg)
Fuel EconomyApprox. 20 mpg city / 25 mpg highway (RWD)
Bed Length5 ft or 6 ft options
Fuel Tank21 gallons (approx. 80 L)

Exterior Design

The 2025 Colorado adopts a bold, athletic stance with a chiseled front fascia, high-mounted grille, and LED signature lighting. Each trim has a distinct visual identity — from the rugged ZR2’s lifted suspension and skid plates to the LT’s chrome accents. Fender flares, alloy wheel choices (17–20 inch), and modern color options like Sand Dune Metallic and Glacier Blue enhance its visual presence.

Interior, Comfort & Materials

Inside, the Colorado blends practicality with improved refinement. Durable yet soft-touch materials cover key surfaces, while higher trims introduce leather-wrapped seats and contrast stitching. The cabin is quieter thanks to better insulation and refined NVH tuning. Crew Cab versions offer generous rear legroom, while the driving position feels commanding and comfortable for long hauls.

Features & Infotainment

11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In interface

Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Digital instrument cluster (8-inch configurable display)

Multiple USB-C ports & wireless charging pad

Remote start, keyless entry, and dual-zone climate control

Available Bose 7-speaker premium audio system

Built-in Wi-Fi hotspot and OTA software updates

Safety & Ratings

Standard across trims

Forward Collision Alert

Automatic Emergency Braking

Lane Keep Assist with Departure Warning

Adaptive Cruise Control (on LT and above)

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Blind Zone Steering Assist

6 airbags + reinforced safety cell

Crash-test ratings are pending from NHTSA and IIHS for the 2025 model, though prior versions scored well for overall crashworthiness.

Driving Performance & Handling

The turbo-4 engine delivers strong, linear torque with excellent mid-range punch — rivaling older V6 units. The 8-speed automatic is smooth yet responsive, and 4WD models feature terrain modes for sand, mud, and rock. The ZR2 trim offers Multimatic DSSV dampers and a 3-inch lift, turning it into a serious off-road performer. Steering is accurate for a truck, and the suspension maintains composure on rough roads.

Fuel Efficiency

RWD20 mpg city / 25 mpg highway

4WD: 18 mpg city / 23 mpg highway

ZR217 mpg combined (due to off-road setup)

Efficient turbocharging and cylinder deactivation help keep fuel costs manageable for a truck in this class.

Practicality & Everyday Usability

The Colorado’s mid-size proportions make it easier to park and maneuver than full-size pickups. Its wide bed and integrated tailgate storage add versatility. Crew Cab models comfortably seat five adults, and the multiple tie-down points, bed lighting, and tailgate work surface make it ideal for both job sites and weekend adventures.

Warranty & Maintenance

Bumper-to-Bumper3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance5 years / 60,000 miles

Optional prepaid maintenance plans available via Chevrolet Care.

On-Road Price & Value for Money

Base WT Trim~$31,000 USD
Mid LT / Trail Boss~$37,000–$41,000
ZR2~$52,000+

Considering its advanced features, capable engine, and improved refinement, the Colorado remains competitively priced against mid-size rivals.

Comparison with Rivals

ModelEngineTowingMPGBase Price
Chevrolet Colorado2.7L Turbo I47,700 lbs25 hwy$31k
Toyota Tacoma (2025)2.4L Turbo I46,500 lbs24 hwy$33k
Ford Ranger2.3L Turbo I47,500 lbs24 hwy$32k
Nissan Frontier3.8L V66,720 lbs23 hwy$31k

The Colorado leads in towing and torque, while offering a more modern infotainment system than its Japanese rivals.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Class-leading torque and towing

Modern tech-rich interior

Strong off-road ability (ZR2 trim)

Easier to maneuver than full-size pickups

Cons

No diesel or hybrid option

Firm ride on off-road trims

Rear seats slightly upright for tall passengers

Overall Rating

(4.4 / 5)

Research review

True Motion Auto has not independently road-tested this vehicle. Specifications, pricing and performance figures are compiled from manufacturer technical data and published independent tests, and are attributed where quoted. Our score reflects a structured research assessment of specifications, pricing, safety data and owner feedback for the segment — not an independent road test. Read how we review cars.

A well-rounded mid-size truck that blends real capability with daily comfort and cutting-edge tech.

Final Verdict

The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado is ideal for drivers needing a truck that’s capable yet manageable in size. Whether tackling trails or towing trailers, it’s versatile, refined, and efficient. If you want a pickup that performs double duty as a family vehicle and workhorse — the Colorado delivers exceptional balance.

More Chevrolet reviews: Chevrolet Blazer Review, Chevrolet Blazer EV Review and Chevrolet Bolt EUV Review.

2026 Chevy Colorado trim walk: WT to ZR2

For 2026 the Colorado returns essentially unchanged mechanically — CarGurus and CarsDirect list the order-guide additions as a new White Sands exterior color and newly available 20-inch wheels. Prices, though, rose by up to $900, about 1.8% year over year, per autoevolution: the ZR2 took the largest hike at $900, while WT, Trail Boss and Z71 each rose $500. Here is how the 2026 ladder reads, with each trim's character per TrueCar and dealer trim explainers.

Trim2026 priceCharacter
WT$34,495 (RWD, incl. $2,095 destination)Work-ready base
Custom$35,640Value and style
LT$38,095 (4WD adds $3,300)Daily comfort
Trail Boss$42,595 (4WD standard)Factory-lifted off-road
Z71$46,695Polished adventure
ZR2$52,795Top trail hardware: Multimatic DSSV dampers, lockers

2026 MSRPs per autoevolution and CarsDirect order-guide coverage. Cross-shopping the segment? Our Toyota Tacoma review covers the Colorado's closest rival.

Owner Costs

Cost itemEstimateBasis
Full-coverage insurance (US average)roughly $185 to $245 per monthInsurify $243/mo (Sept 2026); CNBC Select about $208/mo; Experian $2,241/yr
Fuel: 12,000 miles in a ZR2 (17 MPG combined) at today's priceabout $3,160 a yearAAA average $4.48/gal (21 Sept 2026)
Fuel: same mileage at the 2026 averageabout $2,710 a yearEIA forecast: $3.84/gal average for 2026

With AAA near $4.48 a gallon against the EIA's $3.84 full-year forecast, thirstier off-road trims feel the pump most — see why gas prices are so high in 2026. Insurance rises are averaging under 1% in 2026 per ValuePenguin — the smallest annual increase since 2022.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a 2026 Chevy Colorado cost?
$34,495 for a rear-drive WT including the $2,095 destination fee, stepping through Custom ($35,640), LT ($38,095, with 4WD adding $3,300), Trail Boss ($42,595) and Z71 ($46,695) to $52,795 for the ZR2, per autoevolution and CarsDirect.
What's new for the 2026 Chevy Colorado?
Very little mechanically — CarGurus and CarsDirect list a new White Sands exterior color and newly available 20-inch wheels, while prices rose by up to $900, with the ZR2 taking the largest hike.
Which Chevy Colorado trim is best for off-roading?
Trail Boss is the factory-lifted entry point with standard 4WD; the ZR2 is the full kit, with Multimatic DSSV dampers and locking differentials, per TrueCar and dealer trim explainers.
Is the 2026 Chevy Colorado worth buying?
It is a carryover year, so you are paying up to $900 more for essentially the same truck — but the 430 lb-ft of torque, up to 7,700-lb tow rating and tech-rich cabin covered in this review still lead the mid-size class.

Specifications, prices and equipment were current at publication and vary by model year, trim and market. Verify final details with a franchised dealer before ordering. Read how we review cars and our editorial policy.