Chevrolet offers two versions of its 2.7-liter turbo-4 in its smallest pickup. Pick wisely and you’ll have a truck with good power and towing ability. It’s a 6 on our scale thanks to its overall suite of abilities.
Most versions are. Rear-wheel drive comes standard in base WT and LT models, which can be had with a single-speed transfer case containing a dry road suitable automatic four-wheel-drive mode.
Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 models add low-range gearing for better rock-crawling and mud-plugging. The Trail Boss version features a 1.6-inch lift from the factory compared to WT, LT, and Z71 trims. The Z71 model lacks the high-riding suspension, but it’s still plenty capable, especially with its limited-slip rear differential.
The ZR2, meanwhile, is its own beast. It sits 10.7 inches off the ground and features Multimatic spool-valve shocks at all four corners plus locking differentials. ZR2 versions also add a Baja mode for high-speed off-road driving; other versions have Terrain and Off-Road drive modes plus hill-descent control.
This year’s new Bison is the undisputed champ of this lineup, with a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon-rivaling suite of features including 35-inch mud tires, boron steel skid plates, and steel bumpers. It sits more than a foot away from rocks below. Speaking of those rocks, the available surround-view camera system points one of its eyes downward—and it even features a trick washer to keep the view relatively unobstructed.
How fast is the Chevrolet Colorado?
It’s useful enough with the standard 2.7-liter turbo-4 rated at 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, which can scoot to 60 mph in the eight-second range per our estimates. That engine is restricted to just 3,500 pounds of towing capacity, however.
The step-up 310-hp tune pushes 430 lb-ft of torque to the wheels, for a 6.8-second run to 60 mph. It comes on the ZR2 and can be added to other trim levels by Chevy dealers. Either way, these trucks top out at 7,700 pounds of towing capacity, though high-riding ZR2s are rated a bit lower. Payload capacity varies by trim but tops out at 1,684 pounds.
The 8-speed automatic transmission fires off quick, predictable shifts. It’s not overly eager to upshift for fuel economy, something that should be quite obvious given this truck’s mediocre ratings using the EPA’s test.
Light, direct steering makes the Colorado feel relatively nimble. It’s no sports car, but trim levels without a lift—WT, LT, and Z71—can handle curvy roads just fine. The Trail Boss trim has lots of body lean, which is quelled somewhat in the ZR2 thanks to its sophisticated shocks.
The ride is a bit busy without anything in the bed, but it’s better damped than some of its stiff rivals.