2016 Chevrolet Colorado

2016 Chevrolet Colorado

$20,055 - $35,450

Pros

  • Drives smaller than it actually is
  • Strong V-6 engine and newly available diesel
  • Car-like ride

Cons

  • Lazy throttle response
  • Six-speed automatic could be more responsive

2016 Chevrolet Colorado Expert Review

Reviewed by Zach Gale

In addition to an improved driver information display, the MyLink infotainment system in the 2016 Colorado now features Apple CarPlay and smartphone projection technology. The most significant update is the addition of a third engine option, a 2.8-liter turbodiesel I-4.

Vehicle Summary

The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado is a midsize truck available in rear- or four-wheel-drive configurations. Two cab styles and bed lengths are available but shorter 5'2" bed is only available in the crew cab.

Overview

In addition to the new turbodiesel engine, the 2016 Colorado is also available with a 200-hp 2.5-liter I-4 with 191 lb-ft and a 3.6-liter V-6 rated at 305 hp and 269 lb-ft. A six-speed manual is standard with the four-cylinder while a six-speed automatic is optional. Colorados equipped with the more powerful V-6 engines are only available with an automatic. Fuel economy is competitive for the class with the rear-drive I-4-equipped model being the most efficient at 20/27 mpg city/highway. Opting for the manual drops those numbers down to 19/26 mpg while four-wheel-drive Colorados with the I-4 are rated at 19/25. V-6-equipped Colorados don't take a large hit in fuel economy compared to variants with the I-4 at 18/26 mpg for the rear-drive models and 17/24 mpg with four-wheel drive.

Cargo capacity is generous at 41.3 cubic feet with short bed and 49.9 cubic feet with the long bed. The most capable Colorados when it comes to hauling trailers are the trucks equipped with the 305-hp V-6, which are capable of hauling up to 7,000 pounds with the Z82 Trailering package. Trucks without the Z82 Trailering package are only able to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Safety

Standard safety features include dual front, front-side and side curtain airbags. In the LT trim, the Safety package is available and comes with forward collision warning and lane departure warning.

Trims, Packages, and What's Standard

Standard equipment on the base Colorado include a single USB port, a 4.2-inch display, a six-speaker audio system, a rearview camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, vinyl and upholstery. The WT trim adds a folding rear bench on crew cab models, front and rear carpeted floor mats, and second row under seat storage. Stepping up to the LT variant adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system featuring an eight-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, four USB ports, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, keyless entry, cruise control, and power-folding side mirrors. Options available for the LT trim include the Luxury package, which adds power front passenger seats, heated front seats, projector headlights, and automatic climate control. The LT Convenience package adds a rear-window defogger, front fog lights, remote start, and the EZ-Lift tailgate. Navigation is available and is bundled together with the Bose seven-speaker audio system.

The range-topping Z71 is the most capable and comes with an off-road suspension package, an automatic locking rear differential, a transfer case shield for four-wheel drive variants, 17-inch alloy wheels, remote start, automatic climate control, power adjustable front seats, and an electric rear-window defogger. Those looking for even more capability should consider Z71 Trail Boss Edition package, which adds Goodyear Wrangle DuraTrac all-terrain tires, assist steps, all-weather floor mats, spray-on bedliner, and moveable cargo tie-down rings, and a cargo divider.

What We Think

In a 2015 Colorado Z71 First Test review, we were impressed by the truck's available V-6 engine, which provided plenty of power. Additionally, the truck handled well, with little body roll, making it drive smaller than it actually is. However, the Colorado's throttle response was leisurely and the six-speed automatic had the tendency to be lazy. In a 2015 Colorado WT First Test review, we lauded the truck's comfortable ride and gets off the line without drama even with the less powerful 2.5-liter I-4. The Colorado's car-like ride also means that it's also easier to maneuver through tight spaces or parallel parking. In a comparison test that also included the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier, the Colorado won because of its excellent driving dynamics, well-built cabin, and comfortable seating for front and rear passengers.

The Chevrolet Colorado was the 2015 Motor Trend Truck of the Year.

Cool Fact

In the Asian market, the 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine is the Chevrolet Colorado's most popular engine option.

Key Competitors

  • Toyota Tacoma
  • GMC Canyon
  • Nissan Frontier
  • Used full-size truck

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2016 Chevrolet Colorado Trims and Pricing

Trim

Price

Base 2WD Extended Cab

$20,055

Work Truck 2WD Extended Cab

$22,925

Work Truck 2WD Short Bed Crew Cab

$25,480

LT 2WD Extended Cab

$26,470

Work Truck 2WD Long Bed Crew Cab

$27,000

Work Truck 4WD Extended Cab

$27,695

LT 2WD Short Bed Crew Cab

$28,410

Z71 2WD Extended Cab

$29,005

LT 2WD Long Bed Crew Cab

$29,930

LT 4WD Extended Cab

$30,180

Work Truck 4WD Short Bed Crew Cab

$30,515

Work Truck 4WD Short Bed Crew Cab

$30,515

Work Truck 4WD Long Bed Crew Cab

$30,815

Z71 2WD Short Bed Crew Cab

$30,925

Z71 2WD Short Bed Crew Cab

$30,925

Z71 2WD Long Bed Crew Cab

$32,160

Z71 4WD Extended Cab

$32,590

LT 4WD Short Bed Crew Cab

$33,045

LT 4WD Short Bed Crew Cab

$33,045

LT 4WD Long Bed Crew Cab

$33,345

Z71 4WD Short Bed Crew Cab

$35,150

Z71 4WD Long Bed Crew Cab

$35,450

Z71 4WD Long Bed Crew Cab

$35,450

Chevrolet Colorado Top Competitors

Chevrolet Colorado Photos

All Chevrolet Vehicles

Chevrolet Colorado History

Reviewed By Zach Gale

Chevrolet was the first domestic automaker to get into the compact pickup market, a segment it would later leave for dead when the Colorado and GMC Canyon twin were discontinued in 2012. Now the Colorado has come roaring back, and it's a Motor Trend favorite, having won our coveted Truck of the Year title three times.

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