Taking A Look At The New Chevy Colorado
The modern-day Chevrolet Colorado and its platform-mate the GMC Canyon have come a long way from their "compact" roots as the Chevy S-10 and the GMC Sonoma. Now billed as mid-size trucks, today's Colorado and Canyon rival the "full size" trucks of yore. With great incentives from GM right now, the Colorado is one of America's cheapest trucks. Let's see what you get for your money.
While no longer hailed as Like A Rock, the Heartbeat of America carries on the Chevy truck tradition. The Colorado is the cheaper of the GMC/Chevy midsize twins, starting at $31,900 msrp, while the more up-market Canyon starts at $36k and change; the new 2023 models reflected a fairly large price increase from the previous 2nd-generation 2022 model, which now looks fairly out of date in comparison. Inflation also did a number on the pricing of these midsize trucks.
No longer outfitted with an unloved five cylinder, both trucks feature the “TurboMax” blown-4 with 310 horsepower from their big-brother siblings, and both feature an eight speed automatic. GM just discontinued the six cylinder option for both trucks with the 2023 redesign, but the turbo-four is more than adequate; there is also no longer a diesel option, which sold poorly. Entry-level Colorado trims got 237 hp until this past year; all trim-levels of the Colorado now get 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque as of a 2025 model year update, presumably due to weak demand. The Colorado ZR2 turns out the quarter mile in fourteen seconds flat, something of an off-road spiritual successor to the GMC Syclone.
Entry Level Colorados come with rear wheel drive, the TurboMax with 237hp/260 lb-ft of torque. 17 inch wheels with all-seasons are standard, as are all power options, air conditioning, and all the other creature comforts that were formerly optional on brand new cars. There is an 11.3 inch diagonal touch screen and an 11 inch driver information center. Stepping up to the LT trim, msrp $35,800, keeps the same engine but ups the wheels to a more stylish 17 inch rim, and adds body-color bumpers and handles, keyless entry and start, and a jet black interior with bright silver accents.
Colorado “Trail Boss” comes with an off road, 2 inch factory installed lift and the requisite 310 hp / 430 lb-ft of torque TurboMax engine, and is the best value if you want an amazing, real off-road truck for cheap. It has 18 inch 265/65 18 inch all terrain blackwalls with 32 inch outer diameter. Its 4 wheel drive, automatic locking rear diff, hill descent control, 2-speed transfer case and 4-drive mode selector pack a ton into its $39,800 msrp. Z71 adds red interior accents, four selectable drive modes, and LED head and taillamps as well as fog lights, from $43,800 MSRP. ZR2 has a 3 inch lift, special dampers, and five drive modes, which starts at $49,600 msrp.
Chevy has some great offers on the Colorado right now. You can also lease a 2025 Colorado Crew 4WD LT for $399 a month for 36 months for eligible qualified current lessees with $4179 down; 2WD leases from $329 a month with $4,979 down for WT trim. Be sure to check local dealers in your area as incentives may vary by region.
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