If you’re looking for a midsize truck, then you have quite a few options available to you, and one of the most popular models out there is the Chevy Colorado. Having just been updated with the launch of an all-new third generation last year, the 2024 Chevy Colorado builds on that with a few new options, including an off-road edition.
In fact, if going off-road is important to you, then the Colorado is one of the most impressive midsize models out there since you have three different trims available designed for unpaved areas. This choice can actually be a bit overwhelming, since it can quickly feel like too many options, but we’ll take a look at each one and see what they have to offer.
Let’s dig into what’s available with the 2024 Colorado and figure out what features will best meet your needs…
Two Engines to Choose From
Before I dig into any of the specific trims and what features they have, we need to first go over the two engines available on the Colorado, as this is a big part of choosing the right truck. For starters, there’s a 2.7L Turbo I-4 engine that provides 237 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque, which is good but not overwhelming; it’s about what you expect in a midsize pickup.
The available 2.7L TurboMax engine, on the other hand, is much more impressive and delivers 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. This is actually the engine that comes standard in the full-size Chevy Silverado 1500, which puts it well beyond the standard choice, and it’s definitely the one I’d go with. I should note that the standard engine is offered on the WT and LT trims, but the three off-road trims only come with the TurboMax.
These engines are about much more than bragging about horsepower, however, because they also impact the capabilities of your truck. If you go with a Colorado that has its standard engine, then you can get up to 3,500 lbs of maximum towing capacity and up to 1,684 lbs of max payload. That’s fine, but not exactly mind-blowing.
The available TurboMax, however, can handle up to 7,700 lbs of maximum towing in a properly equipped Chevy Colorado. That’s a huge difference compared to the other engine and beautifully illustrates just how much more powerful this one is. So if you need to be able to tow more than 3,500 lbs behind your truck—without going up to the capabilities of the Silverado 1500—then make sure you get the right engine.
The 2024 Colorado WT
Now, let’s get into some trim specifics, starting with the WT, which is the base trim for the 2024 Colorado and shows off its starting features. You can get either engine here and choose between two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD), depending on which you prefer. Both engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which is good enough in my book; the WT also features 17-inch wheels with all-season tires.
It has a CornerStep rear bumper that makes it easy to access the impressive bed, which includes eight standard fixed tie-downs and up to 17 available tie-downs, plus an available StowFlex tailgate for added storage.
Inside the WT, we find an 11.0-inch configurable Driver Information Center along with an 11.3-inch infotainment display with Google Built-In. These are an impressive pair of standard screens in a midsize truck like this; not everyone’s a fan of this much tech in trucks these days, but it’s clearly here to stay, so you might as well get the best stuff possible.
A six-speaker sound system is standard, along with cloth seating, a six-way manual driver’s seat, remote keyless entry, and single-zone climate control.
The 2024 Colorado LT
For an upgraded experience, the LT adds a number of enhancements while still letting you choose between the two engines and either 2WD or 4WD. You get a remote locking tailgate with the LT, which is a nice touch, plus body-color door handles for added style. The LT has a wrapped steering wheel, which is fine but not all that necessary, along with keyless entry and start, which is a much nicer upgrade.
In general, the improvements here are relatively minor, but if you don’t care about going off-road and want a few upgrades, then the LT is a good choice, particularly if you insist on the standard engine since it’s not offered on the next three trims.
The 2024 Colorado Trail Boss
The first of three off-road trims, this is where the meat of the Colorado lineup starts, in my opinion, since I personally like this truck for hitting the trail. From here on out, you can only get the TurboMax engine with 4WD; that’s fine in my book because, even if you don’t care about going off-road, you should go for the TurboMax at least.
The Trail Boss features a two-inch factory lift for improved ground clearance along with a three-inch widened track that helps improve stability and lends the Colorado a more aggressive stance. You get an Autotrac two-speed transfer case on the Trail Boss along with 18-inch wheels with 32-inch OD all-terrain tires on them, giving you impressive off-road capability.
The 2024 Colorado Z71
Building on the Trail Boss, the Z71 is a terrific option for going off-road with similar wheels and tires, impressive performance, and solid engineering. The Z71 comes with LED projector headlamps and daylight running lamps for improved visibility. It also has a 120-volt box-mounted power outlet that’s great for using devices or appliances while camping or out on the trail.
This trim has a few nice upgrades with things like power-adjustable and heated side mirrors, cloth/Evotex seating for added comfort and durability, and keyless entry and start so you can hit the road and get your day going easier.
The 2024 Colorado ZR2
If you’re looking to take on some serious trails, then the ZR2 should definitely be on your radar. This is not just the pinnacle trim for the Colorado but includes the ZR2 Off-Road package with DSSV Multimatic suspension dampers, a three-inch factory-installed lift with high-performance suspension, and off-road fascia, rear bumper, and fender flares.
The ZR2 features 17-inch wheels with 33-inch OD MT tires and off-road rocker protectors. Perhaps best of all, it includes a number of other upgrades like remote start functionality, heated front seats, and an eight-way power driver’s seat for added comfort on and off the road.
The All-New 2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison Edition
Although there’s not a lot new about the 2024 Colorado, since Chevy just launched an all-new generation last year, one new option worth considering is the ZR2 Bison. Developed in partnership with American Expedition Vehicles, the ZR2 Bison is the most off-road capable version of the Colorado.
It features a heavy-duty winch-capable front bumper, special rear bumper and fender flares, and 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels wrapped in 35-inch OD Mud/Terrain tires. This beast has boron steel skid plates and rocker protectors on its underbody, along with best-in-class ground clearance of 12.2 inches and impressive approach, breakover, and departure angles.
If you don’t care about going off-road, then there’s nothing here of interest—but if you’re looking to take on serious trails, then the ZR2 Bison is worth a look.
Choosing the Right Chevy Colorado
At the end of the day, the right Chevy Colorado for you comes down to what you’re looking for and need from your truck. No matter which trim will best meet your needs, I’d suggest going for the TurboMax engine, and I much prefer the feel of 4WD on a truck for optimal traction and grip; this is doubly true if you live somewhere with snow or deal with a lot of dirt and gravel roads.
If you don’t care about going off-road, then the LT is a good choice, but if you want to hit the trail, then you definitely need to check out the Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 trims. From there, it ultimately comes down to the minor details, the features you really want, and the kinds of challenges you expect to face while off-roading. As long as you stick to trails that match your experience and skill level, the 2024 Chevy Colorado can help you have a great time on your next adventure.
