2021 Chevrolet Colorado review: Our expert's take
What Is the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
The Chevrolet Colorado mid-size pickup is available with rear- or four-wheel drive and seats up to five. It comes in extended-cab form with a 6-foot-2-inch bed or as a crew cab with a 5-foot-2-inch or 6-foot-2-inch bed. Three engines are offered: a 200-horsepower, gas 2.5-liter four-cylinder; a 308-hp, gas 3.6-liter V-6 or a 181-hp, turbo-diesel 2.8-liter four-cylinder. The base gas four-cylinder and turbo-diesel engine team with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the gas V-6 pairs with an eight-speed automatic.
Off-road enthusiasts should take note of the ZR2 and ZR2 Bison models with their advanced, lifted heavy-duty suspension, wider track widths, front and rear locking differentials and aggressive exterior styling. Colorado competitors include the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier and Ford Ranger. The Colorado is very similar to the GMC Canyon.
What’s New on the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
All models get freshened styling with a new grille, front bumper and tailgate. A 1-inch front leveling kit is available as a dealer-installed option, and LT and higher trim levels get an updated 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system.
What Features in the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Are Most Important?
- Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity
- Available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot (data subscription required after trial)
- Available automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning
- Available turbo-diesel engine includes exhaust brake
2021 Chevrolet Colorado Vs. 2021 Ford Ranger: How Do They Compare?
Both the Colorado and Ranger are good choices among mid-size pickups with more than adequate power, payload and towing capacities. The Colorado offers more engine choices, including a diesel, while the Ranger is only available with a turbocharged four-cylinder. The Chevrolet also has a nicer, more modern interior. We’ve noticed an annoying low-speed vibration in multiple Rangers we’ve tested, so be on the lookout for it if you take one for a test drive.
Should I Buy the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
The small pickup truck class has gotten more competitive with the return of the Ranger, but the Chevrolet Colorado remains a good truck that’s worth a look thanks to its variety of engine choices and impressive capability. What’s more, the Colorado ZR2’s off-road prowess continues to impress. On the downside, the gas four-cylinder is a bit sluggish.
Consumer reviews
4.7
(46 reviews)
93% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
- Comfort 4.7
- Interior 4.6
- Performance 4.7
- Value 4.6
- Exterior 4.8
- Reliability 4.6
Most recent consumer reviews
4.0
Chevy Does it Again!
May 11, 2022
By Cpt Wolfer from Visalia calif
Owns this car
Love the looks, love the ride. The inside could be a bit bigger, but hey, it's a Colorado. Would I buy another one - yes. The price was even better than I anticipated. I am just happy I bought it when I did. Had I waited two more month the price would have been a lot more.
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
- Comfort 4.0
- Interior 4.0
- Performance 4.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 4.0
- Purchased a New car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
10 people out of 10 found this review helpful.Did you?
5.0
2021 Colorado bison review.
March 3, 2022
By Karina from Princeton. Il.
Owns this car
Very nice interior. I love the color. The wheels and rims look great. The truck looks sassy! Love the front end look. The truck handles good. Gas mileage has not been the greatest.
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
8 people out of 8 found this review helpful.Did you?
4.0
Nice Ride
March 2, 2022
By N9fzl from Kaukauna Wi
Owns this car
I found thus to be a Nimble little truck. Fun to drive and easy to park as compared to a full size truck. Check out this truck.
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 4.0
- Performance 4.0
- Value 3.0
- Exterior 4.0
- Reliability 3.0
- Purchased a New car
- Used for Transporting family
- Does recommend this car
7 people out of 7 found this review helpful.Did you?
See all 46 consumer reviews
Safety
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings (scores out of 5)
Based on the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado base trim.
- Combined side rating front seat
- 5
- Combined side rating rear seat
- 5
- Frontal barrier crash rating driver
- 5
- Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
- 4
- Overall frontal barrier crash rating
- 4
- Overall rating
- 4
- Overall side crash rating
- 5
- Risk of rollover
- 22.0%
- Rollover rating
- 3
- Side barrier rating
- 5
- Side barrier rating driver
- 5
- Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
- 5
- Side pole rating driver front seat
- 5
Warranty
New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Chevrolet
New car program benefits
- Bumper-to-bumper
-
36 months/36,000 miles
- Corrosion
-
36 months/36,000 miles
- Powertrain
-
60 months/60,000 miles
- Roadside assistance
-
60 months/60,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
- Maximum age/mileage
-
5 model years or newer/up to 75,000 miles
- Basic warranty terms
-
12 months/12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years/100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
- Powertrain
-
6 years/100,000 miles
- Dealer certification required
- 172-point inspection
- Roadside assistance
- Yes
Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?