Going the Distance in the Chevy Colorado

When it comes to buying a Chevrolet truck, there are really no bad decisions. A trip to Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Georgetown, your Lexington used Chevy dealership, will prove that Chevy trucks keep going and going, especially when they’re well-loved by their owners. And what’s not to love about a Chevy? Between the brand’s dependability and customizable features, it’s easy to see why the brand’s fans are so loyal.

The Chevy Colorado, for example, is one truck that drivers can’t seem to get enough of. This midsize truck is perfect for drivers who don’t really need a full-sized Silverado but would appreciate the ability to tow and stow more than you can throw in the average sedan. The Colorado has a wild side, too, with the ZR2 off-road-ready trim that Chevy refers to as “a next-level adventure machine.” For those in the market for a midsize truck, the Chevy Colorado is an excellent addition to the list of options to check out. Take a look at why so many drivers have chosen the Colorado as their dream truck.

The Early Days of the Chevy Colorado

Those with an interest in older truck models may remember the Chevy S-10, a compact truck that enjoyed popularity between 1982 and 2004. Though the truck had a major and well-received makeover in 1994, Chevy decided to go a different direction in 2004 and released the Chevy Colorado. This change coincided with GMC retiring the Sonoma compact pickup and releasing the GMC Canyon, giving the Colorado and Canyon models a reputation of being the GM “Compact Twins.”

The Colorado, of course, was all Chevy in its styling and functionality. The manufacturer insisted it wasn’t the truck version of the Trailblazer and styled it to stand alone. With double-decker cat-eye headlights and Chevy’s signature center bar grille, it was easy to pick the Colorado out as it cruised down the streets.

Furthermore, the standard features are pretty robust, considering many trucks still consider power windows an up-trim feature. The 2004 Colorado Z71/LS included top-shelf safety features, such as traction control, anti-lock brakes, and side-curtain airbags, as well as a 6-speaker stereo with a CD player and yes, power windows, as well as power locks and mirrors. With the ability to handle a payload of up to 1,540 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, the early Colorado was designed for folks who need to have a pickup truck as a daily driver without requiring a heavy-duty model and the corresponding heavy-duty price tag.

Today’s Highly Capable Chevy Colorado

The 2021 Chevy Colorado is considered a midsize pickup truck, leaving behind those “compact” early years. Its overall capability has increased, and it has received a few stylistic makeovers in the past few years. The result is a total package truck that Kelley Blue Book named “Midsize Pickup Truck Best Buy of 2020.” The 2022 Chevy Colorado is going to be hitting the dealership lot soon, which means now is the time to start looking for a 2021 model used at a great price.

Like most modern pickup trucks, especially those produced by Chevrolet, the 2021 Colorado comes with plenty of choices on the table. With four trim options and three engines to consider, drivers have the ability to customize their truck to their needs. In fact, experts agree that the Colorado is quite possibly the most customizable truck in the segment.

The three engine options start with a 2.5L 4-cylinder, which comes standard on the base Work Truck trim. This engine provides 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque, which gives it a max towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Fuel economy is quite reasonable for a midsize truck, with this engine getting 19 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway.

Drivers can also step up to the available 3.6L V6, which is the standard engine option on the Z71 trim. With a significant boost of power, this engine offers 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. As a result, the towing capacity doubles to a maximum of 7,000 pounds. This engine’s fuel economy remains the same as the 4-cylinder on the highway but drops ever so slightly to 18 miles per gallon in the city.

For diesel fans, Chevy has provided the Colorado with an available Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel engine. With 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, this engine maxes out towing capacity at 7,700 pounds. When paired with the ZR2 trim, this engine gets 18 miles per gallon city and 22 miles per gallon highway, but in a regular 4×4 trim, it excels on the highway, with a fuel economy of 28 miles per gallon.

Two bed sizes are offered: a 5 foot 2-inch version and a 6 foot 2-inch version. Either bed can be paired with a crew cab or extended cab, and drivers can choose between rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. With a payload maximum of 1,550 pounds and cargo volume topping out just under 50 cubic feet, it’s clear that the 2021 Chevy Colorado offers plenty of room and capability to get your tools, equipment, and family fun toys where they need to be.

Trims and Features of the 2021 Chevy Colorado

Some people prefer a modest truck that gets the job done, while others want a little more luxury, and other drivers still feel most at home when they’re conquering the rugged trail. For all of these drivers, there’s an ideal Colorado.

The Work Truck trim includes the basics that every driver needs. The infotainment system includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with a fully functional bed with CornerStep bumper, locking tailgate, and cargo box lighting. The LT trim adds a power adjustable driver’s seat, along with remote locking EZ Lift & Lower tailgate and rear park assist.

Those with an itch to hit the road less traveled can check out the Z71 trim, which adds a specialized off-road suspension package and automatic locking rear differential. Equipped with hill descent control and all-terrain tires, the Z71 also has a hi-def rear vision camera, which is practical not only on the trail but in parking lots, worksites, campgrounds, and more.

Then, of course, there’s the ZR2. Standing tall on a 48mm factory lift and 17 inch Goodyear DuraTrac tires, the ZR2 includes a full-locking front differential, skid plates, rock sliders, Multimatic DSSV damping system, and off the road ready front fascia. If that’s still not enough, the ZR2 Bison includes five boron steel skid plates, front winch and rear recovery points, and American Expedition Vehicles’ collaborative wheel flares and wheels. If you’re serious about adventure, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison is ready to hear your plans.

There Is a Colorado That Is Perfect for You

Most drivers don’t just need “a truck.” They need a truck that can do a certain job and do it very well. If full size and heavy-duty are too much, the midsize Chevy Colorado is on hand to take your duties very seriously, with plenty of room for cargo and a best-in-class towing capacity.

Whether you’re up for adventure or trying to get the job done in style, Chevy has you covered with the very capable and customizable Colorado. If a midsize truck is on your shopping list, the time has come to check out the options at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Georgetown. Just like the rest of the manufacturer’s lineup, the Colorado has become known for its dependability, so even if a new model isn’t in your budget today, stop by to check out the previously loved options near you. Be sure to investigate all of the options and impressive array of features to choose the Colorado that best fits your life and driving style.

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