2024 Chevrolet Colorado – chevrolet.com | Shop 2024 Chevrolet Colorado on Carsforsale.com
The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado is largely unchanged from the 2023 version but there are still two points to discuss. First, the engine is available in only two levels of tune instead of three. Second, Chevrolet unleashes its ZR2 Bison trim with 35-inch tires, equipment from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), and more off-road-friendly geometry.
Great towing capacity
Excellent off-road capability
Perfectly sized
Tech falls short
Base engine is weak
Some cheap materials
A terrific mid-size truck
Pop the hood on any 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and you’ll find a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine there. The base configuration of that engine makes just 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and it’s standard on both the WT and LT trims. An eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive is also standard on those trims but it’s worth noting that buyers aren’t locked into that powertrain and drivetrain.
They can opt instead for four-wheel drive and those who want more power can tick the box for a high-output version of the same engine. It makes 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque and comes standard on every trim above LT. Interestingly, all trims above LT also come standard with 4WD.
The base engine gets up to 20 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway according to the EPA. The more powerful version sees those figures drop by one or more depending on if they’re installed on a truck with rear or 4WD. At the same time, the trade-off for having the more powerful engine seems worth it to us. The TurboMax engine as Chevrolet calls it is far more engaging and, in the right spec, is capable of towing up to 7,700 pounds.
In town, the Colorado is easy to handle thanks to its excellent proportions and responsive drivetrain. The steering and pedal feedback are good too. Off-road focused trims like the ZR2 aren’t as sharp in large part due to the tires. But when the road runs out they come into their own. Having taken one deep into the woods we can confirm that it’ll handle just about anything one can throw at it in stock form. While we haven’t driven the Bison, it appears ready for extreme off-roading. We wouldn’t want to have it as a daily driver though since it’s so extreme.
The Colorado is drastically improved over the second-gen version. We said as much last year but it bears repeating here. The layout is modern and sleek, the seats are comfortable and supportive, and the visibility is good too. Some cheaper plastics still exist and bring down the overall feeling of value in the cabin but don’t forget that they’re also easy to clean. For a working vehicle like a few of these trucks will be, that’s a good thing.
Chevrolet spent more time on the cargo and hauling capability of the Colorado too. The center console is a good example of this with phone holders integrated near the cupholders and a deep center storage box. The door pockets offer additional storage as does a small space under the rear seats. ZR2 models also come with a lockable storage space hidden inside of the tailgate itself. The bed is capable of hauling around up to 1,685 pounds when properly equipped.
Standard on every Colorado is an excellent infotainment system that begins with an 11.3-inch center touchscreen with a Google Built-In interface. Buyers familiar with Android Auto will find it very familiar as it mimics that system but with additional refinements.
It sports clear crisp graphics, logically laid out menus, and lots of configuration. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are still available, for now, and come in wireless form. An 11-inch digital gauge cluster is also standard and configurable. No other truck in this segment, save for the GMC Canyon, matches the Colorado on the infotainment front.
Sadly, the tech experience sort of falls off of a cliff when it comes to safety tech. Buyers get automatic emergency braking and lane-departure mitigation for free but that’s it. Those who want features like automatic high beams, blind-spot warning, rear automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, or parking sensors have to shell out more cash for them. That feels like a major oversight when most economy cars come with those important safety features as standard equipment.
The WT comes standard with the low-output engine, 17-inch wheels, an 11-inch digital gauge cluster, cloth upholstery, a manual-tilt steering wheel, an 11.3-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and six speakers.
The LT adds a remote locking tailgate, a rear-seat USB port, a front center console, keyless entry, and rear climate vents.
The Trail Boss comes standard with the high-output engine along with 18-inch wheels, a 2-inch lift, an automatic locking rear differential, a two-speed transfer case, fender flares, and hill descent control.
The Z71 rides at standard height but includes LED headlights, red tow hooks, heated power-adjustable mirrors, faux leather upholstery, keyless ignition, a sliding rear window, and two rear-seat USB ports.
This off-road-focused version gets a 3-inch lift, 17-inch wheels, mud-terrain tires, Multimatic DSSV dampers, rock rails, remote-locking differentials, a spray-in bedliner, Chevrolet’s EZ-Lift and StowFlex tailgate, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, remote start, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
This top trim adds bumpers, fenders, and skid plates from AEV, 35-inch mud-terrain tires, Multimatic jounce-control/DSSV dampers, and a bed-mounted vertical spare tire mount with a full-size spare tire.
In the mid-size truck segment, the Colorado is a tough value to beat with only one real rival, the Toyota Tacoma. The Colorado has better infotainment, better availability, and powerful engines. The Tacoma however offers far better safety equipment, more configurability, better fuel economy, and outclasses the Chevy on the warranty front too. Compare the Colorado to any other mid-size truck though that it comes out on top. It’s currently available with enticing new car incentives too.
2024 Chevrolet Colorado – chevrolet.com | Shop 2024 Chevrolet Colorado on Carsforsale.com
Chevrolet would do well to improve the safety tech in the Colorado and to perhaps offer a hybrid or diesel engine to improve fuel economy estimates. Beyond that, this is an incredibly well-rounded pickup that is available in a wide variety of specifications that should appeal to most buyers.
The Colorado ZR2 Bison is the closest to a Ford Ranger Raptor, but it’s less focused on high-speed desert running compared to the Raptor. Instead, it’s better suited for rock crawling.
Yes. In fact, the Z71 only comes as a 4WD truck.
A properly equipped Colorado can tow up to 7,700 pounds.