Pickup trucks serve a wide range of purposes and are driven by millions of loyal truck enthusiasts and fans alike. And there is no shortage of pickup trucks on the market today, which can certainly make shopping more complicated. Every year, we see manufacturers release annual refreshes of their pickup trucks with varied success, and this forms competition throughout the market. In the current day, we have seen some incredible results from this widespread competition, including the likes of the all-new 2021 Chevy Colorado. This new Colorado shares many similarities with its predecessor, which results in a powerful and reliable pickup truck that serves as an evolutionary step for its lineup.
Chevy has retained a similar setup to the trim lineup from last year’s Colorado. The 2021 Chevy Colorado starts at an MSRP of $25,200 and is offered in four different trim levels. The Work Truck is available once again and is abbreviated as its more commonly known name, the WT. As was the case last year, the WT offers an impressive feature set with an impressive amount of customization.
Following this trim is the LT, which implements more useful features such as an EZ Lift & Lower tailgate. Additionally, the LT’s exterior is granted a more consistent exterior as its appearance includes door handles, mirror caps, and the vehicle’s rear bumper that match the general body-color. Making up the higher-end of the lineup is Z71 and ZR2, the latter of which is best known for its exceptional off-roading capabilities. These various trims allow for every driver to find a Colorado at the price they are hoping for, with the capabilities they need. But today, we are going to take a much closer look at this pickup truck than just the trims.
How Does The 2021 Colorado Perform?
The 2021 Colorado performs identically to last year’s model, but this is not exactly a bad thing as last year’s Colorado offered plenty of flexibility. Three engines make up the selection again this year with the same 2.5L 4-cylinder engine coming standard. With this engine equipped, the Colorado can get 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque, and it’ll come paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
If you’re looking to perform lighter towing tasks, this is the engine for you as it provides a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. Although the more intense towing jobs are best reserved for the upgraded engines, this engine allows you to tow boats, ATVs, and much more. Compared to other vehicles of its class, this base engine is also highly efficient with EPA-estimated ratings of 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. If you’re looking to save money but also receive a highly capable engine, then look no further than this base engine. However, if you’re looking for extra performance with your Colorado, you’re in luck as the next two available engines do just that.
Those looking for increased performance but would like to retain the gasoline-powered aspect should opt for the available 3.6L V6 engine. Unlike the aforementioned 2.5L 4-Cyl, this engine comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and increases the power output to 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. More power also means more towing capabilities as this engine can help you tow upwards of 7,000 lbs, which is exactly twice as much as the base engine. Even with the increased performance, the EPA-estimated ratings remain mostly similar but a bit lower with 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.
Although this engine has the most horsepower out of the three on offer, the 2.8L turbodiesel engine provides the highest torque output, which results in the best towing performance. This turbodiesel engine can produce 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is an incredible increase in torque output compared to the V6 and 4-cylinder engines. Equipping this engine with a properly fitted Colorado can help you achieve a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs, more than double the capacity of the base engine. No matter the power one is looking for, it can be found with the Colorado.
Interior Features & Cargo Space
Chevy also hasn’t made any significant changes to the 2021 Colorado’s interior, and it still provides a good amount of space whether your Colorado has an extended cab or crew cab. Like last year, the maximum seating capacity of the 2021 Colorado will be either four or five passengers depending on the configuration.
The available amount of cargo space the Colorado offers is also dependent on the cab configuration as the extended cab features a 74-inch bed and the crew cab offers 61.7-inches of space. These measurements allow for a wide range of uses for the Colorado’s bed and enhance the vehicle’s versatility. In general, work-related tasks are made even easier with the help of the Colorado’s lengthy cargo space.
Sitting inside the 2021 Colorado is also a comfortable experience, and Chevy has implemented some entertainment features for those long road trips. Music will sound phenomenal through the available Bose premium audio system, which fits Colorado’s interior with seven high-quality speakers. These speakers give your music a whole new sound and immerse you during those long drives.
Additionally, music is accessed through the infotainment center that comes standard with a 7-inch touch screen but may be upgraded to an 8-inch model. This screen is also used to display your rearview camera and assist you when reversing your vehicle. Aside from a wide range of USB ports to charge and sync your smartphone, you may also opt for a wireless charging pad to remove the wire entirely.
Bluetooth comes standard, so you may playback media on your phone or take phone calls directly through your vehicle’s speakers. Those looking for the most popular connectivity features will be pleased to know that the 2021 Colorado not only retains the likes of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but also now includes Amazon Alexa into the mix.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are utilized by connecting your smartphone to the infotainment features and gaining access to many functions that your smartphone can perform. Many of these functions are accessed by hands-free voice commands too, so you never have to take your eyes off the road or your hands off of the steering wheel. All of these included features work in tandem to provide a new kind of interconnected experience when on the road, which reflects where the industry is headed.
An Exciting New Year for Chevy
Overall, Chevy has continuously been a company well known for its innovative mindset, which is best shown in the automobiles they produce. A truck such as the 2021 Colorado can only be built by a company with as much dedication and experience as Chevy. Not only has Chevy been a household name for many generations, but it will continue to be for generations to come.
While the updates to the newest Colorado haven’t been substantial compared to the previous iteration, it remains a truck that is both capable and efficient. The time has never been better to get your own Chevy Colorado. So, if you’re ready for a strong, powerful, and efficient pickup, go check out the 2021 Chevy Colorado; you definitely will not look back.
