You don’t have to be a cattle farmer or a hardcore construction worker to own a truck. The great thing about the 2021 Chevy Colorado is that it’s made for the average truck driver. On top of that, it’s also diverse, so you can make it as basic or as capable as you’d like. This model even comes in the ZR2 trim, which is designed specifically to cater to all your off-roading desires. Here, we’re going to explore the 2021 Chevy Colorado in all its glory. We’ll be taking a closer look at each trim option and what each one brings to the table. Let’s get started!
The WT Trim
The 2021 Chevy Colorado WT is the Colorado’s base-level trim. Essentially, this means that it offers a simpler set of standard features. However, that does not mean the WT is an austere vehicle that is only good for use as a fleet truck. Let’s take a look at some of the features and options it includes.
You’ll get a standard 2.5-liter engine with this model, but you can also upgrade to a 3.6-liter V6 if desired. The WT isn’t boring when it comes to color options, with vibrant choices like Crush, Bright Blue, or Cherry Red. This trim includes standard 17-inch Ultra Silver painted steel wheels, but you can upgrade those to either 18-inch Dark Argent aluminum or 18-inch 5-spoke Gloss Black aluminum wheels instead. Its interior can also be equipped with cloth or vinyl seating, depending on what you need.
The WT Colorado comes with add-on options for a Power Package which includes a performance air intake system and a cat-black performance exhaust system, providing the truck with an extra ten horsepower and six pound-feet of torque. There is also a Tonneau and Step Package that comes with black off-road assist steps and a soft roll-up tonneau cover. Further, you can add on the Custom Special Edition Package, which includes body-color exterior elements for a modern look. You can even add a Skid Plate Package to armor your truck for off-road adventures. In short, just because the WT the base-level trim does not by any means indicate that it’s barren. This model packs a mean punch for a lower price.
The LT Trim
The LT is a lower trim, one up from the WT. But just because this isn’t a higher trim does not mean that it doesn’t come with several additional package options on top of those offered for the WT. The LT’s package options include the Redline Special Edition Package, which comes with a spray-on bedliner, off-road assist steps, red tow hooks, and blacked-out exterior trim for a sporty look. Further, the LT trim offers its own LT Convenience Package, which is perfect for handling bad weather and includes a sliding rear window with defogger, remote start, fog lamps, and body-color heated power outside mirrors. Lastly, if you’re really feeling flashy, you can add the Chrome Appearance Package to this one, getting chrome beltline moldings, chrome heated power outside mirrors, chrome door handles, and a chrome rear bumper. No one will be able to miss you with this package!
Despite being a more basic option, the LT comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM radio capabilities, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. It also offers USB charging ports and a standard 8-inch Chevrolet Infotainment center, which is an upgrade over the 7-inch screen of the WT. You’ll also get some cool safety features like Teen Driver mode, OnStar, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Overall, the Chevy Colorado LT is packed with all the basics and some additional luxuries.
The Z71 Trim
Now we’re getting into the fun stuff. There are now two off-roading Colorado models, and the Z71 is one of them. This trim comes with a different suspension designed specifically for off-roading. You’ll get upgraded shocks, a transfer-case shield, hill descent control, and recovery hooks. If you want a truck that can keep up with a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, this is a nice happy medium for you.
This model also comes with great aesthetic options, including several different black wheel options, red or chrome recovery hooks, a black chrome or polished exhaust tip, and skid plates. You can also get this model in the special Sand Dune Metallic exterior coat. Package options include the Z71 Midnight Edition package, the Power Package, the Sports Appearance Package, the Bed Guard Package, and more.
You’ll also get plenty of standard tech and safety features on this trim, like driver and passenger microphones, an HD radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Safety features include rear park assist, a tire fill alert with tire pressure monitoring system, an HD rear vision camera, and OnStar. This off-roading midsize truck is modern while remaining capable when heading off the pavement.
The ZR2 Trim
This trim is the off-roading champion, equivalent to a Wrangler Rubicon or Bronco Wildtrek. The 2021 Colorado ZR2 comes with a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine. However, you can also opt for a 2.8-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel for a best-in-class 396 lb-ft of torque. For this model, we’ll start out by looking at its available packages because they’re unique. The first package to address is the Colorado ZR2 Bison Package. This package includes extended fenders, hot-stamped Boron Steel skid plates, and a winch-ready front bumper – all designed in partnership with AEV. The Bison even comes with a CHEVROLET-lettered grille so that everyone knows what you are driving.
Next, not only do we get a ZR2 Midnight Special Edition which is available on several Chevy models, but we also get the ZR2 Dusk Special edition. This package comes with black wheels, an off-road sports bar with the ZR2 logo, and off-road lights. The Dusk Special package is designed specifically with nighttime off-roading in mind.
Lastly, the ZR2 comes with Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSVTM) damping technology. That was a mouthful. Let us explain. According to Mark Dickens, Chevy’s Executive Director of Performance Variants, Performance Parts and Motorsports Engineering, “A traditional, deflected-disc damper only offers two force-velocity curves for tuning. The ZR2 dampers offer six tuning curves for the front, four at the rear. For the driver, this translates to greater confidence and control in a wider range of driving experiences.” Translating that into English, this is a high-performance technology that helps the ZR2 perform at its peak in all scenarios, and one of those scenarios is off-roading. It’s also handy if you plan on racing your ZR2, you know, in a perfectly legal situation.
While the Z71 has been around for a bit, and it’s definitely a great off-roading option, the ZR2 is like its newly improved and highly educated child. If you’re looking for a midsize truck that you can show off with, this model is definitely the one for you.
Which 2021 Chevy Colorado Do I Choose?
Now that we’ve given you a closer look at each 2021 Chevy Colorado trim, how do you decide which one’s right for you? It really depends on your budget and your intent. The WT and the LT are both great vehicles if you just like the feel and the convenience of a midsize truck. You’ve got a truck bed with options to get a liner or a tonneau cover, and you can also pick if you want a crew cab or extended cab with a long box or short box. You’ll also get all the basics, entertainment features, and several package options.
However, the Z71 and the ZR2 are designed more for folks who want to get in the mud and hit the dirt. Now, between these two, you may struggle to choose. Obviously, the ZR2 is more capable, but it’s also pricier. If you just want to head out on the trails every now and then, we recommend the Z71. On the flip side, if you consider yourself an off-roading expert who lives on the trail, we highly suggest that you check into the ZR2 – particularly one with the Bison Package. But no matter which 2021 Colorado trim you choose, there’s no way you’ll be disappointed.
