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2019 Colorado Introduces UltraSonic Rear Park Assist: Feature Spotlight

The 2019 Colorado represents the fifth model year of the second-generation model and it’s bringing a packed list of new features ahead of an expected 2020 Colorado facelift. One of those features is ultrasonic rear park assist, which is now available for some Colorado trim levels.

Addressing A Common Criticism

The Colorado has drawn some ire from present owners and shoppers alike for the lack of various features that are available in competing trucks, parking sensors being one such feature. Their addition comes as a signal that GM is making an effort to listen to its customer base and tend to the various dissatisfiers.

Though rear park assist isn’t the most glamorous of wanted options (such as a sunroof or push-button start), adding features from the ever-expanding GM active safety technology suite is welcome, even more so with the impending launch of the 2019 Ford Ranger and upcoming Jeep Scrambler.

2019 Chevrolet Colorado Rear Parking Sensors - Spotlight

How It Works

UltraSonic park assist uses an array of four ultrasonic sensors mounted on the rear bumper – two on each side of the rear license plate cutout. The system provides “distance-to-object” and object location alerts to help the driver park and avoid hitting nearby objects or walls during low-speed backing.

The sensors have a range of up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) and are capable of detecting objects within a range of 10 inches (25 cm) off the ground and below bumper level.

The system is activated when the Colorado is put into reverse gear and is traveling below 5 mph (8km/h). While backing up under these conditions, the driver is alerted to a potential impact via the vehicle’s driver information center (DIC, pictured below), which shows the location (left, right or center) for rear-detected objects close to the vehicle. The system also delivers a series of audible beeps depending on the distance of the vehicle and a detected object.

General Motors Front and Rear Park Assist Proximity Indicators

Rear parking indicators in the Driver Information Center (DIC)

The instrument cluster displays an overhead silhouette of the truck with a series of bars, which bars illuminate and change color from yellow, to amber, and then ultimately to red along with shortening intervals of beeps to alert the driver to approaching objects or walls before any contact is made. The system is designed specifically for larger objects (other vehicles, walls, parking blocks, etc) and not for pedestrians or children.

And though it might be redundant to mention, it’s important to always check your mirrors, turn your head and maintain awareness of your surroundings while reversing.

Availability

On the 2019 Colorado, UltraSonic rear parking sensors are assigned GM RPO Code UD7. Availability varies by trim level.

Base Work Truck LT Z71 ZR2
2SA 2WT 4WT 2LT 4LT 2Z7 4Z7 4ZR
N/A A1 A2 A3 A3 S S N/A
  • A – Available.
  • N/A – Not Available.
  • 1 – Requires WT Convenience Package and not available with (N8D) 6-Speed manual transmission.
  • 2 – Requires WT Convenience Package.
  • 3 – Included and only available with Safety Package.

Notably, the parking sensors are not available on Colorado Base or the Colorado ZR2, including the new Colorado ZR2 Bison.

However, all 2019 Colorado models feature a Rear Vision Camera (in either standard of high definition) as standard equipment, regardless of trim level.

2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison exterior 002

Before you ask, the Colorado’s brother – the 2019 GMC Canyon – also gets the rear parking sensors described here, but we will cover that in a separate piece.

The GM Authority Take

Parking sensors have been a much-request feature since the launch of the second-generation Colorado for the 2015 model year, and we’re glad to see Chevy adding it. Though definitely useful and welcome, all Colorado models come with a standard rear view camera, and some might find the addition of the parking sensors at the rear somewhat redundant.

Where there isn’t a camera or sensors is at the front of the truck, so a set of front-mounted sensors would be just gravy. Here’s to hoping the incoming Colorado refresh – expected for the 2020 model year – delivers.

[nggallery id=927] [nggallery id=735]

Tom is an automotive enthusiast from the New York City area and has worked in the car media industry doing both video and writing work. He spent most of his early career working with an automotive based YouTube channel and has since expanded his horizons into other digital industries.

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Comments

  1. I thought reverse cameras became mandatory this year? Sort of making annoying sensors unnecessary.. or maybe they are just mandatory in Canada?

    Reply
    1. The rear vision cameras are, in fact, mandatory… which in turn makes the sensors redundant. But the sensors will alert a driver who is not looking at the camera or paying attention, so they are useful in that regard.

      However, a set of forward sensors may be more useful.

      Reply
      1. I agree with the forward sensors over the rear with the camera. With the high hood in my canyon the front ones would be great. I can use the camera on the back.

        Reply
  2. The big question is can we retro fit these in older models? I have a 3 month old 2018 and would love these. I had a minor bumper incident in a really dark parking lot. Sensors would have been preferred over the camera.

    Reply
    1. Yeah, good question. Don’t know right now but will ask around.

      Alex

      Reply
    2. Short answer, yes, and you’re at the mercy of the dealerships pricing on parts and labor…However, aftermarket options exist…

      Reply
  3. As an owner of the Canyon and active on the Foruma this was not a feature many really expressed much need for.

    What is expressed is 360 camera, nose camera that can also be used on trails.

    Also radar front sensors for adaptive cruise controls.

    As for these sensors the camera we have now make them less needed.

    I expect the other items to be coming with the new mirrors and fascia.

    Before the camera this would have been very welcomed.

    Now rear radar sensors in the back for cross traffic would be welcomed by cap owners.

    As for adding this I would say unless GM offers some update to the systems would be difficult to add. Much of this involves the computer and body control module.

    Not worth the cost. And aftermarket system might be the only option. But then why is what most owners will claim.

    On the forum this new option was less talked about than the new colors.

    But like Alex I see it as a sign of the coming other systems that are normally matched with it.

    Reply
  4. I love GM and I buy mostly GM products, but sometimes I question their speed and intelligence. Glad to see they are finally listening to owners in some ways, but it’s been since 2015 with almost no changes! They still haven’t moved the (expletive) 4×4 knob, or created an indicator on the dash or DIC that shows your drive mode in non-zr2 trucks! (Something my 1987 Jeep has) I really hope they make interior updates such as this for the 2020 trucks, it was clear someone who has never used a 4×4 truck designed the dial location from their desk and not in the real world. The amount of time’s I’ve had to feel for the switch into 4×4 in a quick moment and turned my headlights off, drives me insane. Nor does my wife (who rarely drives my truck) have the time to look below the steering wheel (eyes off the road!) and figure out which way to turn the knob) Ok rant off…

    Reply
  5. Does anyone have a part #’s to retroactively fit the integrated kit on recent Colorados?

    Reply

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