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2021 Chevrolet Colorado Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons: WT vs LT vs Z71 & ZR2
Reviewed & fact checked by
James Murdoch

What 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Trim Level Should you Buy? What is the Difference Between Trims?

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is a mid-sized pickup truck with a number of different trim levels and configurations. It's a capable truck that is well-suited for either work or daily transportation. It offers superb handling and a comfortable interior. When it comes to towing or hauling a payload, it can get the job done.

The 2021 Colorado trim levels are called WT, LT, Z71 and ZR2. The first three trim levels are available in 4X2 or 4X4 configurations. The ZR2 is only available as a 4X4 model. The Colorado has some serious off-road capabilities whether you need them for work or just for fun.

All models are available in Extended Cab or Crew Cab variations. The Extended Cab gives you modest rear seats. The Crew Cab offers larger rear seats and four full-sized doors for easier access. The Colorado also offers short and long cargo beds. These come in at 61.7 inches long and 74 inches long respectively.

Compare the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado WT vs LT Trims. What is the difference?

These two trim levels are available in every body style and cab-length configuration. They can both be had in 4X2 or 4X4 variations. When purchasing an Extended Cab version of the WT or the LT model, it will come equipped with Chevrolet's 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. This power plant cranks out around 200 horsepower with 191 pound-feet of torque.

Selecting a Crew Cab model of the WT or LT trim packages will also get you a bigger engine. This time, the Colorado comes equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 308 horsepower with 275 pound-feet of torque. All of that extra power can certainly be felt. These models are much better suited to hauling and towing heavy loads.

The 4-cylinder engine should get you a combined fuel-economy rating of 21 to 22 miles-per-gallon. You lose a bit by adding on a longer cargo box. The V6 has a combined rating of 19 to 21 miles-per-gallon depending on the configuration of the truck. The smaller engine gets a 6-speed manual transmission while the larger comes equipped with an 8-speed model.

WT stands for Work Truck and this name makes sense for the model. The base-model WT trim is your bare-bones transportation and hauler. Fortunately, Chevrolet allows for a lot of customization here. If you just need basic but want one or two specific features, this can usually be done.

On the outside of the WT, you will find a set of 17-inch wheels with an Ultra Silver paint scheme. These will be outfitted with a set of all-season blackwall tires. Chevy throws in a full spare for good measure. Larger, 18-inch wheels can be added on as an option.

The WT exterior offers basic black trim, mirrors, door handles and belt-line moldings. Halogen headlamps and daytime-running lamps are standard. The bumpers get the chrome-finish treatment. A standard, locking tailgate gets the job done, but can also be upgraded to Chevy's EZ-Lift and Lower Tailgate.

On the inside of the WT, there are bucket seats up front. The driver's seat offers 4-way power adjustments while the passenger's seat offers 2-way manual adjustments. There are a total of 6 airbags. This trim comes equipped with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System. This includes a 6-speaker audio setup.

The basic infotainment center features a 7-inch color touchscreen display. This is separate from the 3.5-inch monochromatic Driver Information Center. Bluetooth connectivity is available for up to two devices simultaneously. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are available here as well.

There are USB ports to connect devices or for charging of your smartphone. Chevy added some extra storage space underneath the rear seats for the WT Crew Cab models. This truck may be basic, but it does still offer power door locks and windows. The seat upholstery is a tough and easy-to-clean vinyl. Every trim level gets a rear-view camera.

A Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Fill Alert lets you know if the tires are inflated to a safe level. Chevrolet's StabiliTrak helps to enhance the truck's stability, especially during emergency maneuvers. Electronic Traction Control makes sure the right wheels get the power they need on slippery roads or over rough terrain.

While the WT makes a great work truck or fleet vehicle, the LT adds on a lot of convenience and comfort features to make it a good daily driver. Remember, the basic performance here will be the same as long as both models are equipped with the same engine and body configurations.

The LT gets a slight upgrade for the stock wheels. They're still 17 inches, but are now aluminum with a Blade Silver Metallic finish. The previously-black door handles, moldings and mirrors are now painted to match the body color of the truck. The rear and front bumpers are body-colored as well. The LT offers an optional Chrome Package that is unavailable for the WT.

The LT comes with Chevy's EZ-Lift and Lower Tailgate already installed. The tailgate can also be locked remotely with this trim package. On the inside of the LT, the passenger's seat still gets 2-way manual adjustments. The driver's seat is upgraded here to 6-way power adjustments. The upholstery is now cloth for the LT trim.

The LT adds on cruise control and some chrome interior door handles. The driver and passenger get visor mirrors with illumination. In addition to front USB ports as in the WT, the LT also gets rear ports. These are only for charging and not for connectivity. The rear-view mirror is auto-dimming for this trim, and power locks and power windows make their return here.

There are more interior-lighting options and small-item storage spaces throughout the LT cabin than what you find inside of the WT trucks. The steering wheel now comes wrapped in leather. Both trim levels get single-zone climate control. Remoteless Key Entry is yet another nice feature added on to the LT trim.

The stock safety features are mostly the same between the WT and LT models of the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The LT gives you a few more options to add on such as Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and an HD Rear-View camera. Both trim packages get an electrical theft-deterrent system. The LT adds on the ability to have the OnStar service connected.

Both trims share the same stock infotainment system. The system in the LT, however, can be upgraded to include a bigger screen and a navigation system. A premium audio system by Bose is available for the LT as well. All of the stock safety features are the same between the two models, but again, the LT gives buyers more optional features to add on if they so choose.

Compare the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado LT vs Z71 Trims. What is the difference?

At first glance, the mechanical and performance features of the Z71 may not seem too different from the LT. After all, they share the same 3.6-liter V6 engine and 8-speed transmission system. The Z71 comes in Extended- and Crew-Cab versions. you can get a Crew Cab with a 5 ft. or 6 ft. cargo box. The Z71 is available in 4X2 or 4X4 variations.

The Z71 can also be had with a 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel 4-cylinder engine if you prefer. One of the main mechanical differences here is that the Z71 has some extras that make it an off-road machine. This starts with an automatic locking rear differential. There's also an Off-Road Suspension Package added on.

The Off-Road Suspension Package features Hill Descent Control and an under-body shield for the transfer case. This keeps it better protected from rocks and other debris as you drive over rough terrain. The standard wheels are once again 17-inch aluminum models, this time with a Bright Machined finish. Numerous options for larger wheels and different designs are also available.

This time around, the wheels are outfitted with some all-terrain tires to accommodate the off-road capabilities of the Z71. This is the first trim level to get fog lamps as stock equipment too. The last exterior perk to note is an all-new special package just for the Z71. This is called the Midnight Edition.

The Z71 Midnight Edition is a blacked-out truck. It even has black-painted 17-inch wheels. These are equipped with a set of 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac all-terrain tires. This model also includes all-weather floor mats and a spray-on bed liner. Last of all, this setup includes Chevy's Black Bowtie emblem package.

On the inside of the Z71, the driver's seat adds on lumbar support with multiple settings. The upholstery is upgraded to cloth and leatherette. Rear Park Assist and a Rear Window Defogger are now standard features. The Z71 also includes Remote Start and wireless charging for your phone and other smart devices.

The seats all get heating features as does the steering wheel for the Z71 trim. The infotainment system us upgraded to the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus System with a larger, 8-inch touchscreen and HD radio. Voice recognition technology is available here along with a voice command pass-through to phone feature. the safety features for the Z71 remain mostly unchanged from the LT models.

Compare the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 vs ZR2 Trims. What is the difference?

The ZR2 trim comes in two different body configurations. There is the Crew Cab with a short box or a an Extended Cab with a long box. It is only available as a 4X4. It comes equipped with the 3.6-liter V6, but the turbo-diesel engine is optional. The V6 comes paired with the same automatic transmission system that the previous trims had.

The ZR2 comes with an Autotrac 2-speed transfer case. This shifts power from two wheels to all four wheels electronically. It generally shifts automatically when needed as the system detects changes in the road conditions. There is also a front and rear, fully-locking differential that the driver can manually select.

If you plant to tow with the ZR2, it has you covered with a fully integrated trailer-brake controller. This model comes equipped with a trailering package that includes a 2-inch receiver hitch with 4-pin and 7-pin connectors. Chevy also throws in a set of red recovery hooks with the ZR2.

The ZR2 comes sporting a set of 17-inch Graphite and Oxide Gold aluminum wheels with Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires. These tires offer an aggressive tread pattern to tackle the toughest of off-road terrains. This model also comes with a spray-on bed liner.

The ZR2 offers its own special off-road package. This version of the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado has a taller and wider stance to cope with off-road conditions. For cosmetic purposes, there is a large, aggressive grill with the word "CHEVROLET," spelled out in big, block letters. There is an off-road front fascia, rear bumper and fender flares here as well as DSSV Multimatic suspension dampers.

On the inside, the ZR2 front passenger seat now gets 4-way power adjustments and lumbar support. The front seats now come with real-leather trim. The infotainment system is the same on both of these trim packages. Once again, you get the option to upgrade the sound system to a premium package by Bose.

The remaining interior features remain largely unchanged when you go from the Z71 to the ZR2 trim. All of the driver-assist technology and safety features remain unchanged as well. It's worth noting here that every trim and configuration of the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado comes equipped with Chevy's Teen Driver System. This lets owners create customized settings and features for any younger drivers in the home.

Which Trim to Choose?

Which trim you choose depends largely on what you want to do with your 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. If this is purely a work truck or even a fleet vehicle, save on costs and just go with the WT base model. If it will be used for both work and as a your main transportation, pick the LT and customize it to your liking with your options of choice.

No trim here is without purpose. If you want an off-road beast for work or just for fun, the Z71 and ZR2 trim levels can fill this need. Most drivers will be happy with the Z71. It comes with one of the best off-road setups available on the market today. It also has all of the best safety, convenience and comfort features that one could ever need.

Used 2021 Chevrolet Colorado:
Previous Chevrolet Colorado Trim Configurations:

Compare the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado Trim Levels