2021 Chevrolet Colorado Pros vs Cons

For drivers who find the full-size Chevrolet Silverado 1500 to be a bit too big, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado will prove to be a great option. This small pickup truck’s car-like handling and comfortable ride make it a joy drive. Best-in-class towing also proves that the new Colorado is a capable workhorse. Aside from the base model, all the other trims are loaded with popular features. Is the new 2021 Chevrolet Colorado a perfect match for your lifestyle?

What’s New for 2021?

This year, most trims receive an updated front fascia. Some new wheel options and paint colors arrive as well.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado – The Pros

1. Practical Base Engine

Buyers shouldn’t dismiss the truck’s base four-cylinder engine. It’s ideal for drivers who will be mainly using their truck for daily commuting. This four-cylinder engine is relatively efficient and easy to maintain. Chevy tunes it to develop 200 horsepower, which is enough muscle to perform most tasks. Drivers will appreciate the four-cylinder Colorado’s 5,500-pound towing capacity. They can easily pull Jet Skis and small pop-up campers. Meanwhile, fuel economy tops out a solid 26 mpg on the open road.

2. Very Strong V6 Engine

Some drivers may need more performance than the base four-cylinder engine can deliver. The optional V6 engine is potent. It gives drivers excess to 308 horsepower. When test driving the V6-equipped Colorado, there’ll be a clear difference in acceleration. Most trucks in the segment aren’t as quick off the line. A higher 7,000-pound tow rating also makes the V6 engine worth the extra money. Furthermore, most drivers will be pleased with the pickup’s 25-mpg highway fuel economy rating.

3. Diesel-Powered Colorado’s Versatility

Although the diesel-powered 2021 Chevrolet Colorado isn’t as quick, many people will love its versatility. Chevy tunes the Duramax diesel engine to push out 369 lb-ft of torque. Most of the engine’s torque is available at low speeds, which makes it great for cruising around town. Fuel economy jumps significantly with the diesel engine. On the freeway, drivers should have no trouble averaging 30 mpg. The diesel-powered Colorado can also haul up to 7,700 pounds.

4. Enjoyable Truck to Drive On the Street

When it comes to handling, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is a step above the typical pickup truck. It drives more like a car or modern crossover. Because of the truck’s great maneuverability, it isn’t a challenge to drive in city traffic. Upon taking a curve in the new Colorado, drivers will immediately notice how stable the truck feels. Ride comfort is also better than average. Even models equipped with a more rugged suspension feel smooth.

5. Off-Road-Ready Models In the Lineup

Folks looking to get muddy will have two off-road-ready models to choose from. Most adventure-seeking drivers will be happy with the Colorado Z71. Aside from a heavy-duty suspension and a hill descent control, it also comes standard with four-wheel drive. Folks who need an even more capable off-road machine should get the Colorado ZR2. Its exclusive locking front and rear differentials take traction to the next level. Special shocks and rocker protection are also featured on the ZR2 model.

6. Offer Several Cool Appearance Packages

No truck in the segment offers as many appearance packages as the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The Midnight Edition tends to be a popular upgrade. It blacks out the truck’s exterior trim and adds a set of black alloy wheels. Drivers seeking a sportier pickup truck should take a look at the RST Edition package, which receives a larger set of 20-inch black wheels. Another eye-catching option is the Redline Special Edition package. An all-black grille and red accents on the exterior help the Colorado to stand out.

7. Infotainment 3 System

Most of the lineup provides Chevy’s latest Infotainment 3 interface. This touchscreen system is a must for drivers who need to access their mobile apps. Smartphone integration can be done through either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The interface is quick and painless to use. All the infotainment controls are easy to reach from the driver’s seat. While the standard 7.0-inch screen works well, a larger 8.0-inch display is offered. An available Wi-Fi hotspot makes the entire system even more rewarding.

8. Some Worthwhile Safety Tech Available

While the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado may lack some advanced accident-avoidance technologies, it does offer a few worthy safety features. Many parents consider the truck’s standard Teen Driver system to be a godsend. Before their teenager hits the road, parents can set a speed limit. Teen Driver can also provide a detailed analysis of the child’s driving habits, which can be sent directly to your phone. Meanwhile, an optional Safety Package adds forward collision alert and lane departure warning.

9. Bose Sound System

The truck’s standard stereo does provide some entertainment. However, music fans will prefer the available Bose premium sound system. It features a total of seven high-performance speakers. A built-in equalizer helps ensure a rich sound.

10. More Affordable than the Full-Size Silverado 1500

Truck shoppers can save some money by choosing the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado over the full-size Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Prices for the new Colorado start at a little more than $26,000. By comparison, Chevy lists the new Silverado 1500 with a starting price of $30,000. The difference in cost is even greater on the upper trim levels.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado – The Cons

1. May Not Provide Enough Passenger Room for Some Families

The new 2021 Chevrolet Colorado provides plenty of room in the front. While most adults can comfortably fit in the crew cab’s backseat, others may desire a bit more space to roam. Drivers who have a family should be sure to examine the truck’s roominess beforehand. Most full-size pickup trucks provide substantially more total passenger space.

2. No More Manual Transmission

In 2018, Chevy decided to do away with the Colorado’s manual gearbox. While the majority of today’s drivers favor an automatic transmission, there are still people who appreciate what a stick shift brings to the table. Folks who yearn for a manual transmission can turn to the 2021 Toyota Tacoma. It’s among the few trucks that still allow drivers to row their gears.

3. Certain Safety Technologies Not Offered

Some of today’s other small pickup trucks come standard with automatic emergency braking. Unfortunately, this advanced safety feature is not even offered on the Chevy Colorado. Blind-spot monitoring is also not available on the Colorado. Drivers who demand these safety innovations should consider buying a Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

4. Can’t Match the Hauling Capabilities of a Full-Size Model

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado has one of the top tow ratings in the segment. However, it still can compete with the typical full-size truck. Even the Toyota Tundra, which has the lowest towing capacity of all full-size trucks, can confidently pull up to 10,200 pounds. Some drivers will need more muscle for towing larger boats and travel trailers.

5. Could Use More Storage Space

Some truck shoppers may desire a bit more interior storage space. Many competitors provide more room for your extra belongings. In regard to cargo space, the Honda Ridgeline easily trumps the Chevrolet Colorado.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

2021 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2021 Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger is a key competitor. Its standard engine is the most potent in the class. However, there’s only one powertrain in the Ranger’s lineup. An available diesel engine enables the Colorado to offer the best fuel economy. Many people also agree that the Ranger’s interior feels more confined.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline

Many experts recommend the 2021 Honda Ridgeline for families. Not only is the Ridgeline spacious, but it’s also the only truck that features an in-bed trunk. Sedan-like handling also makes this pickup easy to maneuver. However, the Ridgeline is not nearly as adventurous as the Chevrolet Colorado. Off-road necessities, like skid plates and a trail-tuned suspension, are not offered. Honda also lists the Ridgeline with a lower tow rating of 5,000 pounds.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2021 Jeep Gladiator

Every new Jeep Gladiator is tough and rugged. Its roomy interior also allows passengers to spread out. However, don’t expect the Gladiator to handle as well on the street. The edge in overall fuel economy also goes to the Chevy Colorado.

Conclusion

For good reason, some automotive critics rank the new Colorado as the best small pickup on the market. Although the Colorado is a more than capable truck, sharp handling makes it effortless to drive on the street. Popular features, like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone support and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, are found on most models.

While the Colorado is a great truck, there are just a few weaknesses to consider. For 2021, the truck’s starting price has increased substantially. Chevy also does not offer the truck with any safety technologies that intervene to prevent a crash.