When you think about the Chevy lineup of trucks, there’s no doubt that the Silverado gets all the attention as the icon of one of America’s best-selling automakers. That’s perfectly alright since it’s rightly earned that title as a powerful workhorse. But not everyone needs a full-size truck with loads of power, and that’s why drivers who prefer midsize trucks know that there’s no other truck like the Chevy Colorado. The 2021 Chevy Colorado carries that torch proudly as one of the best midsize trucks in its class that combines performance and capability with comfort and convenience.
Long before the 2021 Colorado made its debut, Chevy dipped its toe in the market of small-size trucks in the early 1970s. By 1982, the Chevy S-10 was born as drivers couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel of the perfect-sized pickup truck that offered nimble handling and impressive capability for its size. By the new millennium, the S-10 paved the way for the Colorado, which was introduced in 2004, and once again struck a chord with drivers with its large interior cabin and 220 horsepower, 3.5-liter engine. Fast forward over a decade, and the 2021 Colorado offers a 308 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine, the most advanced safety and driver-assist technology, trims that meet every driving style and budget need, and a host of features that drivers can’t live without.
WT and WT Custom Special Edition
The bare-bones trim in the 2021 Colorado lineup is the WT or Work Truck, which starts at $25,200 and is a popular option for commercial operations that need an affordable and reliable work truck to get the job done. Surprisingly, the WT is only bare-bones when it comes to its vinyl interior, and even that has a purpose since it’s designed to withstand normal wear and tear that you might find on a truck used for commercial purposes like hauling gear between job sites. Chevy gives you the option to equip the truck with a 2.5-liter I-4 or a 3.6-liter V6 engine, depending on your performance needs. You’ll also reap the benefits of the latest connectivity and tech features like the 7-in touchscreen Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
If you like the WT but wish it had a little more style, adding the Custom Special Edition package just might be the answer. The Custom adds 18-inch Dark Argent metallic cast aluminum wheels and distinct exterior features like a body-color grille, door handles, mirror caps, and rear bumper to give the WT a completely new look. The package also gives you the choice between various Chevy accessories like assist steps, rocker guards, splash guards, and more. As always, check to ensure what modifications are acceptable within the warranty before adding any accessories.
LT and LT Redline Special Edition
If you want a little bit more out of your truck, you can upgrade to the Colorado LT, which starts at $27,700 and offers even more features than the WT. That upgrade includes a larger, 8-inch color touchscreen display as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A power-adjustable driver seat, an automatic dimming rearview mirror, cloth seats, a spotter mirror, and Chevy’s EZ Lift and Lower tailgate that makes accessing anything in the bed of the truck a breeze are also included.
The LT also looks a bit different with 17-inch Blade Silver Metallic cast aluminum wheels and body-color mirror caps, door handles, and rear bumper. These features can be completely changed with the Redline Special Edition package that gives the LT a bold look with 18-inch wheels. The Redline Special Edition also includes a red stripe on the side mirrors, red recovery hooks, a black bowtie emblem and grille, and black off-road assist steps.
Z71 and Z71 Midnight Edition
There’s no question that the Colorado Z71 is well worth the price at $35,500. The Z71 is designed for adventures both on and off the pavement with its 3.6-liter V6 engine, exclusive 17-inch painted wheels, all-terrain tires, and the Z71 Off-Road Suspension Package. The truck is also outfitted with an automatic locking rear differential that enhances performance on the trail.
Beyond its off-road capability, the Z71 is equipped with Rear Park Assist, an HD Rear Vision Camera, an 8-inch HD touchscreen display, a wireless charging station, and remote start technology. The interior boasts cloth and leather trim as well as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel to give you plenty of comfort and connectivity whether you’re driving down the highway or blazing a new trail.
Chevy takes the Z71 to the next level with the available Z71 Midnight Edition package that transforms the truck into a stealthy off-road warrior. That transformation begins with an all-black exterior and black 17-inch wheels wrapped with rugged Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires designed for dirt, mud, sand, and more. The Z71 Midnight also replaces the standard Z71 grille with a black-grille and exclusive Z71 hard badging. The interior also sees an upgrade with premium all-weather floor liners that can handle excessive wear and tear from your everyday adventures.
ZR2, Colorado ZR2 Bison, ZR2 Dusk, and ZR2 Midnight Special Editions
The ultimate Colorado is the ZR2 that’s designed for both adventure and comfort. With a starting price of $41,600, the ZR2 offers plenty of bang for your buck by delivering exceptional power with the available 2.8-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine that produces 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The ZR2’s prowess goes even further with its standard four-wheel-drive, ZR2 Off-Road Suspension Package, Multimatic DSSV Damping System, Autotrac two-speed transfer case, a driver-selectable locking front and rear differential, an integrated trailer brake controller, and the Off-Road Appearance Package.
Like the other Colorados, Chevy gives you the chance to truly make the ZR2 your own with three Special Editions – the Colorado ZR2 Bison, ZR2 Dusk Special Edition, and ZR2 Midnight Special Edition. The ZR2 Bison is designed with adventure in mind and includes AEV-designed wheel flares with 17-inch wheels, AEV stamped bumpers, provisions for a front winch, rear recovery points, five boron steel skid plates, and fog lamps that make it into the ultimate off-road beast. The ZR2 Dusk and Midnight Special Editions also transform the ZR2 into an imposing warrior with 17-inch five-spoke wheels, off-road LED lighting, and a sport bar. Unlike the Midnight Edition that’s only offered on a black ZR2, the Dusk gives you the option to choose a different exterior body color.
Hey Silverado, It’s Time to Share the Spotlight
While the Silverado gets all the hype in the Chevy lineup, the 2021 Chevy Colorado is proof that there’s plenty of room in the spotlight for one more truck. Chevy took a leap of faith in the early 1970s with the introduction of their first small pickup truck and ignited a new trend. Since then, the midsize truck market has grown with models like the Chevy Colorado proving that midsize trucks only get better with time.
Today, the Chevy Colorado combines performance and capability with comfort and convenience. Sure, Chevy gives you several standard trims to choose from, but you can customize your Colorado even further with Special Editions like the Custom, Midnight, Dusk, and Bison. Why is this a big deal? Because Chevy knows that when you design a truck you love, you’ll have all the confidence in its ability to get the job done, and you’ll enjoy every moment behind the wheel.
