The mid-size truck has always had to walk something of a tightrope. Drivers expect it to deliver the power and towing capacity one expects from the truck segment while still being a maneuverable city vehicle capable of navigating crowded parking lots. Some off-road capabilities would be nice, but so would getting half-decent gas mileage. It’s a tricky balance to strike, and too many truck manufacturers have delivered offerings that err just a little too much in one direction or the other. Those that manage to avoid these pitfalls are usually well-rewarded by consumers and critics alike, and few trucks embody that standard quite as well as the Chevy Colorado. The 2021 Chevy Colorado is a serious contender for the top spot in the market.
Comfort and Customization
As one of the most popular mid-size options on the market, the Chevy Colorado has carved out a niche for itself as a versatile truck with near-endless customization possibilities. Whether you’re looking for a no-frills workhorse to run trips to the building supply store or an off-road beast ready to kick up some dirt, the Colorado provides a solid base on which to build your ideal pickup. Drivers can choose from three different engines; the mid-size truck segment’s only diesel with a torque-rich 2.8-liter Duramax, the base four-cylinder 2.5-liter, and a V6 that delivers a noteworthy 7,000-pound max towing capacity.
Stepping into the cabin of the 2021 Chevy Colorado, drivers will immediately notice the truck’s spacious interior. With 41.4” of front headroom and 45” of legroom, the Colorado outclasses its rivals in terms of cabin proportions, giving drivers a full-size feel at a mid-size price. Those generous dimensions are also reflected in the truck’s cargo bed, with the Extended Cab model boasting a maximum bed volume of 49.9 cubic feet. An EZ Lift and Lower tailgate makes loading and unloading the bed easier for any driver, and hand grips and built-in steps round out the truck’s overall ease of use and accessibility.
The no-nonsense interior might leave a little to be desired for some drivers who have fallen for the siren song of the crossover SUV and its glammed-up interior. Opting for mostly plastic construction, the Silverado has largely bucked the trend and continues to stick with a sensible design approach that’s served the model so well throughout the years. For those who see their truck as more of a tool than a fashion accessory, this shouldn’t be too bothersome.
The Colorado might not boast all the driver-assist or safety features one might find on the higher-end of the mid-size segment, but it’s no slouch in the technology department either. The pickup comes standard with a rear vision camera and also includes available Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Park Assist. Fans of Amazon’s popular digital assistant will appreciate the Colorado’s first-ever built-in Alexa, which allows drivers to stream music, shop on Amazon, and connect with their home’s smart devices with hands-free convenience.
Other noteworthy features include a WiFi hotspot and two touchscreens operating on Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 Premium system. All the expected connectivity options are present here, from multiple USB ports, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay to Android Auto, which integrates well with the Alexa system to create a safer and more fun driving experience. The Colorado also comes with optional wireless charging, freeing drivers from the tyranny of having to constantly search for their charging cords.
Off-Road Heritage Comes to the Fore
2021 sees a number of changes to the Colorado, though since Chevy plans to roll out an entirely new generation within the next two or three years, it’s not a top-down reimagining of the popular mid-size model. Chevy has also opted to drop the 2WD base trim from the lineup, which still leaves drivers with four very different options to choose from: Work, LT, Z71, and ZR2.
Topping the trim levels is the rough and tumble ZR2. An off-roader’s dream, the ZR2 comes complete with Chevy’s Off-Road Appearance Package, souped-up suspension, electronic locking front and rear differentials, Multimatic DSSV Dampening System, and increased ground clearance. With up to 48 mm of lift, a 3.5-inch wider track, as well as skid plates and rock sliders, the ZR2 has the off-road bona fides to back up its aggressive styling. Starting at around $43,200, the ZR2 represents the high-end of the 2021 models, with all the bells and whistles one would expect at the price point.
For an additional charge, some drivers might want to check out the optional Bison trim package for the ZR2. Developed in collaboration with storied Montana off-road/overland vehicle parts and accessories manufacturer American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), the Bison has proved incredibly popular with consumers, spending half the time on the dealer’s lot as the average vehicle and earning rave reviews from critics since its introduction.
Inspired by the off-road customization culture of the American pickup, the ZR2 Bison includes a number of custom features that will have you looking at any significantly muddy patch of road with a twinkle in your eye. In addition to all the off-road-ready features found on the standard ZR2, the Bison includes fog lamps, recovery hooks, wheel moldings, AEV front and rear bumpers, four skid plates made of heat-resistant boron steel, 17-inch AEV aluminum wheels, and a number of other AEV-emblazoned design details.
The Bison trim package also includes a front bumper spot to mount an aftermarket winch, ensuring that no matter how bogged down your afternoon adventures might get, you’ll still make it home in time for dinner. These features combine to make the ZR2 Bison a legitimate candidate in the high-performance truck sector, giving competitor’s offerings like the Ford’s Raptor and the Ram 1500 TRX a run for their money.
Choose Your Colorado
Those opting for something with the same off-road flavor that also won’t look out of place in more urban environments will want to give the Z71 model a test drive. While it lacks the styling flair and Multimatic shocks of the ZR2, it’s still a respectable off-roader with an improved suspension package, automatic locking rear differential, and all-terrain tires.
On the entry-level end of the spectrum, the Colorado LT and Work bring the same powerful V6 engine and interior comfort of the ZR2 and Z71, but at a significantly lower price point. Starting between $27,700 and $27,100, respectively, the LT and Work offer impressive towing capacities, spacious interiors, highly efficient engine options, and available WiFi hotspots. These well-rounded models provide exceptional value for the price, so it’s little surprise the 2021 Chevy Colorado was named the #2 best mid-size truck value by TrueCar.com.
With the 2021 Chevy Colorado, drivers don’t need to worry about hitting the sweet spot between performance and driveability. With four very different models to choose from, there is a Colorado out there sure to satisfy everyone. Whether you’re looking for your business’s next fleet vehicle, an off-roader for weekend adventures, or a reliable everyday commuter, the Chevy Colorado continues to be one of the most versatile mid-size trucks available. The introduction of some higher-end tech features like driver-assist and Alexa have us hopeful for the future of this model, which has proven its ability to adapt to a changing marketplace while always remaining near the top of the heap.
