The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado is the kind of vehicle that can be embraced by all truck lovers. With rear- and four-wheel-drive configurations, gas and diesel powertrains, and even a special off-road model, the Colorado really does fit for anyone looking to upgrade to the latest model Chevrolet. With long-distance comfort and an easy-to-navigate design, the Colorado is one of the top midsize trucks on the market today.

The Chevrolet Colorado ranges in price, starting at $21,000 for the base model to $41,000 when you upgrade all of the features presented for the truck. It was released to celebrate 100 years of Chevy trucks on the road.

Performance Specifications

With three different engines offered, all of which present excellent gas mileage, finding the right version of the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado is available. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder pumps out 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, with the six-speed manual transmission coming standard on all with an upgrade to a six-speed automatic also on the market. Also available is a 3.6-liter V6 that hammers 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque on the road thanks to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The top-of-the-line model is a Duramax 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder that will provide the best towing capability with 186 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.

If diesel is what you want, the Colorado has a version for you. It boasts the best game mileage of all the powertrain available at 22 estimated mpg in the city and 30 on the highway. Both a base engine and a V6 can be purchased.

If you are worried about this truck being able to tow and haul, have no concern, as even the base model can get the job done. The turbodiesel engine can pull 7,700 pounds, the most of any truck in its class.

Worried about handling those tight turns?  The Colorado offers rear-wheel drive standard with four-wheel available, along with a rugged suspension, hill-descent control, transfer case shield and locking rear differential to go with two-seed transfer case and all-terrain tires.

Motor Trend test-drove the Colorado, taking it to the track. There, the V6 ZR2 model went 0-to-60 in 7.1 seconds, completing the quarter-mile run in 15.5 seconds at 90 miles per hour. In comparison, the diesel-powered model went 0-to-60 in 9.7 seconds and finished the quarter-mile test in 17.2 seconds at a speed of 78.4 miles per hour.

Fuel Efficiency

At the base, the Chevrolet Colorado offers up a combined 22 mpg, with city driving getting 20 and highway 26. Those numbers bump up to 25 combined with 22 city and 30 highway for the 2.8-liter compared to the 2.5-liter.

All but two models provide a combined 19 miles per gallon outside of the ZR2, which is at 17, and the Cab Chassis, which is at 15.

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Safety and Entertainment Features

Hopefully you are never in an accident with your new Chevrolet Colorado, but if you are, know you will be well-protected. The Colorado comes with driver, passenger, and rear air bags. Plus, ABS, four-wheel drum brakes, front and rear disc drum brakes and auto-on headlights to make sure you never miss the road in the dark are all norms. A few added features include daytime running lights, night vision, adjustable pedals, front and rear tow hooks, traction control, blind spot monitor and auto-leveling headlights.

Base and Work Truck models are for the everyday driver who just needs the basics to enjoy the Colorado. The LT version offers a large touchscreen and standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The top-of-the-line model ZR2 combines all of the key needs to hit the road along with the best of the best in equipment. And finally, the ZR2 base improves the suspension, body changes, and off-road driving.

The main parts of the dash are all within arms-length and come with a touchscreen to control audio and climate functions. Cruise control, three USB ports, satellite radio, a seven-speak Bose audio system, navigation, wireless phone charging, automatic climate control, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and MyLink infotainment are all available.

How It Stacks Up Against the Competition

Ranked among the top midsize trucks, the Chevrolet Colorado compares favorably with the likes of the GMC Canyon, the Honda Ridgeline, the Jeep Wrangler, the Nissan Frontier, and the Toyota Tacoma.

In the market for a midsize truck that provides the best of towing and daily driving, the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado will give you just that. The Colorado has a variety of prices and models to go over when deciding what exactly you want, with the bases of excellent fuel mileage, great specs and high-class technology coming on all models.

Pros

  • Whether you are taking the Chevrolet Colorado on the road or an extended vacation on the highway, all makes of the vehicle provide an incredibly comfortable ride.
  • A number of high-tech components are present including Wi-Fi, Bose speakers, and a Teen Driver mode to keep tabs on younger drivers.
  • The price on the Colorado won’t break the bank.
  • A large window provides excellent outward visibility along with large side mirrors and backup camera for those tough parking spaces.
  • Compared to rival trucks, both the gas V6 and diesel four-cylinder can tow more pounds.
  • When focused on the road, the Colorado gives drivers an easy-to-use layout inside the cabin.
  • Being a midsize truck, the steering and handling is very smooth.

Cons

  • A lack of in-cab storage and no folding by the rear seats.
  • There is not a large variety of available safety features.
  • For those on the larger size, the front seats can feel a bit small.
  • When off-roading, a low-hanging front air dam can keep you from hitting it hard.
  • Price on the ZR2 model can be demanding.
  • If you need full-sized towing, the Colorado will not reach those capabilities.

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This article was worked on by a variety of people from the Autoversed team, including freelancers, editors, and/or other full-time employees.