Anticipation for a Chevrolet Colorado refresh was rampant until a few weeks ago, when we discovered that a mid-cycle enhancement is not in the cards for the 2020 model year. Let’s examine the lay of the land, and have a look at what to expect from GM’s midsize truck in the near future.
The State Of Affairs
The Chevrolet Colorado, along with its corporate cousin – the GMC Canyon, has been around since the 2015 model year in North America. GM sold a combined 168,3334 units of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon in the United States and roughly another 20,000 in Canada during the 2018 calendar year. These results make GM the second-best-selling midsize truck maker in the U.S., second only to Toyota, whose Tacoma delivered 245,659 units. The next best-selling model was the Nissan Frontier with 79,646 deliveries.
Sales Numbers - Midsize Mainstream Pickup Trucks - Q1 2019 - USA
MODEL | Q4 18 / Q4 17 | Q4 18 | Q4 17 | Q4 18 SHARE | Q4 17 SHARE | YTD 18 / YTD 17 | YTD 18 | YTD 17 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TOYOTA TACOMA | +21.79% | 61,750 | 50,704 | 51% | 47% | +23.99% | 245,659 | 198,125 |
CHEVROLET COLORADO | +0.14% | 30,004 | 29,962 | 25% | 28% | +19.33% | 134,842 | 112,996 |
NISSAN FRONTIER | +4.80% | 20,072 | 19,152 | 17% | 18% | +7.11% | 79,646 | 74,360 |
GMC CANYON | -6.99% | 8,219 | 8,837 | 7% | 8% | +4.32% | 33,492 | 32,106 |
TOTAL | +10.48% | 120,045 | 108,655 | +18.21% | 493,639 | 417,587 |
But the Colorado and Canyon now face new contenders in a revitalized segment, with the new Ford Ranger and all-new Jeep Gladiator, as well as the upcoming redesign of the Nissan Frontier. There’s also a potential new entry from Volkswagen. But GM isn’t afraid of the newfound competition, as it’s keenly aware that it has a highly attractive product that occupies a sweet-spot in the segment. Sure, one can nit-pick about the Colorado’s shortcomings, but they’re all relatively minor in the grand scheme of things, especially as the truck is selling well while winning comparison tests left and right.
That said, the latest sales report for the second quarter of 2019 does show a 23 percent decrease in Colorado sales volume, while the Canyon jumped 23 percent. For the time being, let’s attribute that to a temporary anomaly.
No More Refresh
We have learned that GM is planning to skip a Chevrolet Colorado refresh altogether; the same holds true for any rumored refresh of the Canyon. Instead, The General plans to dedicate resources to overhaul (redesign and re-engineer) the duo for the next generation, while giving the current trucks small tweaks to the fascia for the 2021 model year.
From what know at this point, that overhaul is set to take place on or after the 2023 calendar year. We’re heard of two vastly different ways in which GM will treat the future Chevy Colorado and future GMC Canyon.
The first is that the duo will ride on a slightly updated variant of the same GM 31XX platform that underpins the current models. Potentially called 31XX-B or 31XX-2, our sources tell us that improvements to the architecture would be more along the lines of production efficiency, given that the architecture is far from a problem area on the current Colorado and Canyon, and therefore needs the least amount of improvement.

2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 interior
The second direction that we have heard is under consideration in regards to taking the next-gen Colorado and Canyon is to completely re-engineer the duo on the upcoming GM VSS-T architecture/vehicle set. The platform is also expected to underpin all next-cycle GM body-on-frame vehicles, including pickups and SUVs. Note that the GM’s all-new 2019 Silverado and 2019 Sierra, along with their upcoming SUV variants – the 2021 Tahoe, 2021 Suburban, 2021 Yukon and 2021 Escalade – do not ride on VSS-T, but rather on the T1 platform.
From what our sources tell us, The General is currently leaning toward the former option of updating the existing 31XX platform rather than overhauling the pickup on VSS-T, but that could still change.
Globally Global
No matter which platform it ends up riding on, the future Chevrolet Colorado will become a more global vehicle as a result of the dissolution of GM’s partnership with Isuzu. While the Colorado sold in North America will likely continue to differ slightly from the model sold overseas (in Southeast Asia, Australia, and South America), the two versions of the next-gen truck will be more alike than the current models.

International version of the Chevrolet Colorado, shown here as an Australia-market Holden Colorado
Electrification On The Table
One rather interesting question is whether the next-gen models, will have some form of electrification. Given GM’s strong commitment to a zero-emissions future, we wouldn’t be surprised to see some form of a hybrid system, at least in one way, shape, or form. As of this writing, we have heard whispers of a mild-hybrid setup being on the table.
For now, here’s to hoping that GM’s decision to forego a Chevrolet Colorado refresh will allow it to remain successful in the segment as it fights the wide batch of newfound rivals from Ford, Jeep, and Nissan.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Colorado news, Chevrolet news, GMC Canyon news, GMC news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
So another four years without a facelift?!?!? Hopefully Ford, Ram, and Nissan won’t beat them with all new models. Toyota definitely will.
WTF is GM doing? This cant be true. The Colorado/Canyon twins need a major update. The platform is good, but the body and interior need to be upgraded. I always will call these idiots running GM, idiots.
Yeah I’m sure you know the numbers. You know the cost, the ROI, and the forecast. I forget you have a lot of experience working in manufacturing. Imagine being this dumb to comment something negative and something you have absolutely no idea about. The author clearly mentions that GM might be leaning towards re-engineering the vehicle.
How can you defend a management team that is loosing market share, is at war with their unions, and is having their main product Chevrolet Silverado being trounced in the market by Ram?
They are making money right? That is the goal. Old GM would just care about sales and no profit. Silverado is only being beating in the market because of availability of product. Despite all the haters of the new trucks I for one think they look nice and different. The Ram looks boring a sleepy looking. I see many where I live and that will increase once the mainstream version are at the dealerships. The Colorado is older than the Tacoma and Ranger and still a better truck. Tacoma only out sells it because people are like zombies to Toyota.
They are making money in the SHORT TERM. This came by gutting engineering and design staff and cutting plants. The real proof of the pudding will be 3 or 4 years down the road when there is a potential downturn and Barra can’t buy the price of GM’s shares up like she did with the Trump tax cuts.
And in three years there will be a totally new truck. Wth do you think the nissan frontier still sells? It’s ancient and burns more gas than my half ton. It’s more profitable for Nissan to just sell a couple thousand less each month than pour millions Into updates. In that three year period, the Colorado will still be superior than the ranger, and maybe the Tacoma if Toyota doesn’t actually try and fix all the issues on the taco. Chevy can offer incentives to keep it a better bargain than the Jeep. They know why theyre doin it.
The GM twins and the latest generation Tacoma were both released in 2015 so the Colorado is not older. I betcha the Tacoma doesn’t get a refresh until the twins do. The previous gen tacoma ran from 2005 – 2015 without much of a refresh.
And don’t remember or care how many Americans they killed.
Amen to that!!!
More competition coming, and do nothing?
OK.
That Mary, sure belongs in charge. I wouldn’t let her fill my dishwasher.
I’m sure she would F-it-up.
She probably never used a dishwasher in her life.
I don’t think that’s fair. She started out as a GMI (now Kettering) student in Flint.
She’s self-made, whether you like her or not.
Well, that’s a good place to be FROM. GM pretty much carpet bombed that city into absolute devastation. The city is half abandoned, broke, and the water is not even fit to shower. GM has however spent billions in China to make Buick factories to replace the ones in America. GM is the leading importer of Chinese vehicles into the U.S. GM has that MAGA spirit!
thank the unions for the fall of Detroit and the corrupt politicians. Its the number one problem. Also blaming Mary is getting old. Do you really believe she is the only one making decisions? If so you have no idea how a big corporation works. Yes she is the highest person but you have stock holders and others who want to see profit over sales. That’s a good goal to have. I’m not that big on full electric, but I can see cars with both ice and electric for a happy medium.
Stock holders and the board are the ones who choose the CEO. The real problem comes down to, yes politics. Over the last 12 years, most of the money was being redistributed to big coast cittes like LA, where people got rich and now are on executive boards making decisions about cars they never drive for people the never have met nor desire to meet. Mary is just there cause she will forward their BS instead of telling them it’s not popular or smart.
In order to get in GMI at the time you had to have a sponsorship from a VP or above. GMI grads were guaranteed a job upon graduation and they had preferential treatment in most cases for promotions. Barra was a typical fast tracker. Never stays in one job long enough to learn it, and just rides on someone else’s coattails.
Given especially the Gladiator showing up, I don’t like this decision. How much effort would it have been to make the 2.7T 4-cylinder available and upgrade the interior a bit?
And new Front fascia with newer Headlights
It’s odd to me to release almost the same exact truck from 2015 to 2023.
I love my 2016 Colorado and want to upgrade to the ZR2 but I won’t till they upgrade the transmission and add more low end power.
I’m not about to spend 40k plus just to find out if I waited 2 more years Id get the 10 sp with the turbo 4. This news is disheartening for us early adopters.
I’m sure they will at least update the interior before a major redesign.
What GM needs to do is make the 10 spd auto standard on all rear wheel drive vehicles ASAP.
Well this is not new news as we have been seeing 2023 brought up for a while now.
It is the best in class truck, the Ranger is not changing soon and the Taco will get updated but Toyota has a history of only small changes
For me I am very happy with my 2017 and it is nice it is going to remain current till I am ready for a new one.
Trucks of all sizes have a history of 8 years and in some cases longer with no major changes.
GM did little on discounts and even now these trucks are selling well with smaller discounts than the full size. You are not going to get $15k off on these.
FYI 2023 is not that far off as the 2020 starts production in a week.
It’s true that the no refresh and gen 3 rumor has been out awhile it just sucks for somebody like me who is ready to upgrade to a higher trim, for about a year already, but was hoping Chevy would add more options to the power train and even interior.
3 years is a long time to wait when you drive as much as me while watching my mileage creep higher daily. I’m also not the type of guy who would buy a new truck thinking I’ll just upgrade in 2 years. I intend this next purchase to be a 10 year plus purchase
I guess I’m just in a unique situation as I bought 1 year too early (should’ve waited for the 2017 ZR2) and really
like the truck. IMO the best truck I’ve ever drove or
have owned. I’m just not a major fan of the lack of low end power and the 8 speeds’ reputation.
So, I like the truck a lot but Chevy won’t address my personal main issues for at least 3 years and nothing is saying the 3rd gen will be better or address them either. Don’t even know if they will do a ZR2 in 2023.
I guess I’m a free agent. I’ll check out the gladiator with the diesel and when if the Ranger Raptor comes here i’ll give it a look. I’ll even give the babymax 1 last shot. I got 3 years to look around I guess.
Check out all the armchair CEO’s in here. lol
Smart move, honestly. Work towards a better truck in the long run. The competition is fierce, and a face-lift has a possibility to just flounder.
Why pump money into a truck that is doing well for 2 years when you can put it into a new platform and make it right from the start.
Too often the forums get too many bias small thinking minds for a lot bigger picture issues.
Very good point but I think there is nothing wrong with “small thinking” or even “big picture” thinking. The truth is always in the middle.
Big picture is always great when you sit back and take an analysts perspective and Chevy’s actions make sense
But they do sell a product to a consumer and the consumer is that small viewpoint because they are making the purchase that moment.
They don’t look at the almost zero changes and say “this makes sense as Chevy is investing in next generation and not the one I’m currently thinking about buying”. They ask “why should I buy this truck right here right now?” It’s a great truck but Chevy essentially abandoning the 2nd gen when it’s an 8 year run doesn’t sound great coming from a consumer who is ready to buy.
They could of addressed some of the issues but I guess that isn’t their plan. I understand their plan but I wouldn’t be surprised if sales went down when they are essentially offering the same truck for 8 years.
Paul the big picture is needed when dealing with large companies with products that cost billions and 6 years to fully develop.
It used to be there was middle ground but today one major mistake could put a large corporation in jeopardy.
TV in the Diesel issue. They were so vested in Diesel and now they flushed it all away with the emissions deal. That kind of failure would have killed most Mfg and even VW was staggered.
Even though the VW deal was illegal even legal issues can sink a company today. The Auto industry is very fragile with increased competition, high costs of development and ever increasing regulations.
More will merge and some will die.
Fords Ranger is pretty much the truck they had for years over seas and the Nissan and Toyota have changed very little over time with only small changes.
In making changes today it is not always that simple. GMC tried to upgrade the Acadia to LED back up lights. It played havoc with the body control module and they had to change them back out.
When making many changes today regulations can be involved like the tire size on the Bison not being larger. The cost would have been substantial just for a small number of trucks. They are leaving it to the owners as they usually change them anyways.
The power systems in these new cars have management systems that distribute the power to where it is needed to make it all work. They really need more than 12 volts and are now starting to increase the power in some models. We will see more later on. But just adding a simple electronic item can call for a compete reprogramming of the power system.
Trucks are not like cars and often do not change much. Just look at the history of the Ford or Chevy. Not many major changes till the last 15 years.
I agree with GM taking a high level view though it does feel like they are more about dictating what consumers want over listening.
I’m talking about threads and fourms where consumers literally tell the world what they are looking for and are dismissed.
It’s almost like a general looking at a battle map planning away without realizing his troops are low on morale. How good is the genius high planning when the people on the ground are just not into it?
That’s all I’m saying. I know I’m not alone with the small issues with this truck. I’ve seen every review on the web. It just feels like Chevy got a B+ on this truck and instead of refining it to an A truck they want to start over.
I’m strictly taking a consumer perspective on this
Here is the problem talk is cheap and the web is full of talk but not buyers.
On the web everyone has an opinion but seldom do any of the posters have any real skin in the game.
I mean look just here we have someone posting constantly to put a 6.2 V8 in a Blazer?
I know GM reads the web. I also know they put together focus groups of buyers that have skin in the game. The Camaro was a great example of it where they had 13 people that were die hard Camaro owners and used them as a sounding board.
There was a time in the 60’s when an automaker could throw stuff on the wall and just wait to see what sticks but today that kind of action does not work as you can lose a couple billion dollars fast if you are wrong.
Like I said earlier it is a whole different world anymore. Actually this truck is the best in class. It handles better, it rides better, it has more power than most, It offers more configurations, it has better brakes than any other model. It has a more solid frame,
Is it perfect to every infinite degree no. but at this price point it never will be.
Again you also need to note the history and GM was working with Isuzu the future of this truck till 2017 They parted ways and GM moved the work to GM of Brazil. At that point we have to assume they had made the choice to go their own way and start over than refresh. The timing would be about right.
Also the plant needs updated. They just finally got the Billion dollars to fix the plant. The paint shop is one of the oldest and the dirt in my paint reeks of 2005. That money is coming from the sale of the new full size trucks as that is what funds most other programs and facilitates cash flow. More money will be freed up around 2021 once the new SUV full size models hit the market.
No company can do it all and they have to pick, chose and time their programs to pay for each other leap frogging ahead.
But back to the forums. The Forums are only a small slice of the demo out there. The average buyers are much different.
In fact in this thread I would wager you and I are the only people here who own one of these trucks and I bet when the new ones come out we may still only be the two who own a mid size truck here.
Most of these cats here have never even driven one.
GM generally when they look for feed back they get it from true owners not those who just have opinions. Even then they have to act on what they can budget and price that people will pay.
Like the Raptor Ranger. It is a nice truck but Ford has not brought it here yet as the price in Australia is much more than anyone here would pay.
Well I’m cool with a 6.2 in any vehicle I’m buying but that’s the gear head in me ,ha!
I think we agree on ever point it’s just you’re in the “love my truck and not in a rush” and I’m in the “like my truck and want to buy the upgrade so I can love it” arena. Especially living in a beach town full of wranglers, trd pros and raptors.
I just can’t rebuy the 3.6 especially when it’s the reason for my biggest issue. I also don’t want to buy into the newer 8 speed.
I already called my brother and scheduled a test drive for the babymax this Saturday. We will see if I can get behind that .
Though he wants me to wait on the 6.2 trail boss.
The Gladiator is not going to change much here. It is a Jeep thing as it has some assets for offroad but all the issues Jeeps have had for years like leaks wind noise cold, stone chips all over even just driven on the road. Also a much higher price. It will sell well to the base but not many will cross over.
The Ranger is too expensive too. Till rebates hit it will only appeal to the base.
The reality is there is little moment in this segment as while these trucks sell well they are no where near the volumes of the full size. If you look at the history of mid size trucks they never have shown great changes in the short term.
Yeah, I’m new to this segment. You listed all my concerns about the gladiator.
I am going to explore my options (once they become available) since Chevy won’t be offering a new product for a few years but imo they still have the best current product.
I get these trucks are getting expensive but as somebody who wants to get into: overlanding, off roading and dune racing I’m willing to pay for a capable vehicle.
Heck, maybe Chevy announces their super duper secret 2021 Silverado ZR2 (the only way I’d go back to full size). Half joking here.
Bottom line is the 2nd Gen Colorado is great with few minor issues. Chevy is doing the right thing by not doing a hack job with gen 3. I just wish they started gen 3 earlier but oh well.
Yet, it’s still a hard pill to swallow if you’re in the “informed and ready to buy” category.
I get it but they have to do what they have to do. A new truck will be in the billions of dollars invested and they can not afford to make a mistake. Sales are still good on the present trucks so they can buy some time to make the best use of their investment.
Also the issue with them splitting from Isuzu has set this back a bit. It is now all in house.
One other factor is the body on frame SUV. It is based on the new truck and will arrive first if reports are correct. This could have pushed the truck back too.
The kicker often is not what we know but often what we have not learned yet. Right now the SUV mid size would be more important to get out first since they don’t have one. The truck can hold on another year to get a sister SUV out there first. Odds are it will sell as well and increase income for GM more than the truck.
As for the Jeep you either love them or hate em. they have a good base following that will help them make the needed sales but you also are stuck with the same styling and the issues that come with it. You get the good and the bad both.
Longer wheel base on the Gladiator also has hurt it on the break over and in deep mud. It is worse than the trucks as it has a longer wheel base. I saw one high side already.
I expect now we have a new full size we may get some more variety on the performance end. Again they were not going to invest in the old truck. It is new and we have yet to see all they have planned yet.
Maybe but if Chevy was joining the Raptor TRX fight I’d hope we see something by now. Spy photos etc.
Could just be another trim package.
I did not know about the body on frame SUV… interesting. My wife is in the market.
So far rumors are for a GMC Jimmy for 2002 and Chevy has registered a K5 name. No details other than that it would be based on the new platform for the mid size truck and the year 2022 is brought up.
Note too GM is working on a new electronic architecture for all models and it is to be updated by 2023 so that can help set a time line for many models. The new ones now are getting it and each new platform will get it from here on out.
One thing many tend to overlook or forget is we all expected the ZR2 to have been over $50k for base price. When it arrived it came in at $10K less than we expected. That was a real game changer for the segment.
The Raptor down under starts at $74,990 Aus and that translates to roughly $58,204 American for a starting price. Option it up and you are over $60K fast.
Ford knows that would be a tough sell here. But with the Bronco coming on the Ranger platform they can do a Raptor Bronco that could more easily demand the higher price and still not compete with the F150 Raptor.
The bottom line is few people would spend the money on a ZR2 at $60K, GM would never make back the investment as they do now. I think Ford will do the Bronco as a Raptor and it can charge the $60K plus price and make back the investment at lower volumes.
Down under they can charge more as the small trucks are the main line model vs the full size as it is here.
Like Jimmy Buffet says there is a lot to think about.
Great points!
I’m going to keep a eye on news for a k5! I also agree that price point would never work here for the Ranger raptor in the states. Which probably explains why Ford didn’t bring it over.
They are most likely trying to find the best balance between price and protecting that Raptor name right now but it is coming by the time gen 3 is here.
I like the price point of a ZR2 babymax. I would not mind my ZR2 being in that area.
Yes there is a lot more to this stuff than the web forum people ever consider.
Optioning and pricing of products is very difficult and tedious. I heard the questions on the Camaro when it came back and it was nuts what they had to consider. Even the small insignificant things can add up really fast in the price of a model.
Honestly I’d rather they not touch it externally. I’m scared they’d ruin it. Chevy has a history of screwing up their front ends, not so much GMC though. The interior is also well laid out. What they should do though is upgrade the interior materials. The materials used aren’t that nice and I think a simple upgrade would help tremendously to soldier on a few more years. That wouldn’t cost hardly anything compared to potentially lost sales.
I don’t see this as a big deal, IF the time and resources go into the redesign in a couple years. They MAY slip in sales some but having 25% of the market after only being in the market since 2015 allows for some slippage and still be ok, especially considering the next player is Nissan and they are WAY back behind GM. The fact is that considering what is being fielded right now, the Colorado is on par, if not dominate (ZR2). The Ranger is a nonissue at least until its redesign, no MCE is going to close the gap with Toyota and that is a fact. What will close the gap is a redesign that addresses the issues that have been discussed at length. So back to my first sentence, get it very right in the redesign and they will close the gap with the Taco which is the real prize in this segment.
Did anyone bother to proofread this garbage before publishing it?? “From what know at this point, We’re heard of two…” aannnnndddd I’m out, after leaving a comment!
Mark Reuss has recently mentioned that GM will also have a pickup using the next generation BEV3 all electric platform. https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1123480_gm-executive-electric-pickup-will-be-built-on-ev-specific-platform
I had a 2016 Colorado and put 100,000 miles on it without a single issue at all!
I traded it in on a 2018 GMC Canyon because I really like the body style of these trucks…all they need to do is add a turbo 4 cal gas motor and auto stop start to improve fuel mileage also add more safety features like blind spot and automatic breaking (my GMC has the safety package) I just wish that there was a little more to it. If they made these few updates I will buy another one when my GMC hits 100,000 mile…… I also want to note that a drove the ranger the Toyota and the Jeep before I bought the Canyon……Canyon was a better then the others although they each had a few features that almost swayed me.
Congrats on the Canyon but I have the point out that engine start/stop does basically nothing for fuel mileage (except on the EPA cycle) and adds a LOT of wear ‘n tear to the engine/starter/battery.
Ford’s start/stop is downright obnoxious – in the winter the heat stops and in the summer the a/c stops as soon as you roll up to a stop. It is literally one of the most hated features on vehicles for many people and there is an entire aftermarket dedicated to defeating it permanently.
Paul the turbo 4 is fine but you had better think twice on start stop.
Automakers only use it to earn emissions credits and the difference in mpg is not even noticeable.
It’s a great truck and a huge sales success.
This unfortunately means that GM will cancel it to focus on something else.
Since there is no 2020 refresh, I hope 2020 models at least offer push button start, and homelink [I have said this before] . . After all a 2019 Canyon Denali is close to $45,000 and a vehicle at that price point should include those features….if not at LEAST OFFER THEM AS OPTIONS!!.
My 4 year old Cherokee does! Am looking to buy a 2020 Canyon, however, without those two options I will look elsewhere. Hope GMC is listening or they will continue to lose sales.
Is anyone going to Finally realize what I have been saying about the devastation that the Beancounters have brought to current GM the last three/four years now?
FBob Lutz totally vindicated all of us here that keep saying how awful current GM interiors are compared to the Competition.
The All New Cadillac XT6 with an old interior from the XT5. Speaking of the XT5, how garbage was that refresh of it? I mean someone please show GM the updated Refresh of the Audi Q7. That GM is how a refresh is made.
Dropped the “Cadillac Specific” 3.0TT from the CT6 in favor of the Corporate HF V6.
This is completely unacceptable. Things at GM are just becoming unbelievable.
It is actually a joke what GM has been up to lately.
Hey GM, where are the EV’s you have promised? Have you seen what Tesla has been doing lately? Just wait until the Shanghai Gigafactory starts producing vehicles.
Man it is getting harder and harder to defend GM recently. Get it together please!!!
GM should at least give it a new modern LED headlights bumper and some more tech. That’ll at least look like some sort of refresh.
About every 5 years we buy a new vehicle. I have been a GM loyalist until a few years ago when we bought a new 2015 Nissan Rogue. we highly considered a GMC Terrain, but it looked just like the 2010 GMC Terrain, and if I was buying a new car, I wanted it to look like a new car. I will be ready for a mid-size pickup in 2020, and thought GM would refresh the Colorado and Canyon. I will probably keep this vehicle about 10 years and I want things like adaptive cruise control and push-button start, but GM won’t have them apparently. The big trucks are just too big. Even though Ranger is a dated truck worldwide, it’s new in the USA, so I guess I’ll have to consider it, Toyota Tacoma or Honda Ridgeline. GM, if you can’t update your vehicles once in a while with new features and at least a new grille, even the loyalists will look elsewhere.
Well said carnut1978!! I couldn’t agree more. They need to at least offer things like push button start, homelink , adaptive cruise control, etc., AT LEAST AS OPTIONS!!!!!!!!! I can’t imagine why they would not since the trucks are becoming so competitive.
Scott3,
Where do you get the idea that no one on this site buys GM vehicles ?
Your always commenting people on the internet are just commenting but not buying, however all the sites I frequent there are obviously a lot of owners on a daily basis asking questions, giving advice, and just all around talking about the new or recently ordered GM product.
As I have said before, if you think GM only makes the greatest decision on ALL dealings you are a GM muse !!
There are so, so many things written and followed by the real customers on these sites that GM is making changes do to the response !!
All of the armchair CEO comments here are fun to listen to, as you are the biggest one, arm chair CEO !!!
For every GM failure you just have the standard GM excuse – blame response. You had to go to GM training to be that good at the standard GM response.
If GM did the 2.7T – 10 speed and the 2.8T diesel – 10 speed in these trucks it would sell better !
The 8 speed transmission is a bigger deal than GM thinks or lets on, it and the GM non service response IS COSTING SALES !!
In to love my Canyon and would not change much,
The 4×4 shifter.
The 2.7T – 10 Speed.
All lighting LED.
Faster tech.
Standard safety features.
And a Denali that is a better, wood, metal, real soft leather, sound, better.
And the price is the price, size has nothing to do with price, GM has no trouble charging a higher price for a Chevrolet Cadillac. People like me ( a buyer, get it , a buyer, commenting , and buying ) want a luxury mid sized RWD/AWD GM vehicle.
Preferably something you can drive on gravel roads and use like a truck.
I don’t know where you live and what you use your truck for but mine, the paint is stripped off the wheel well fender area and all the way up the rear fender.
I have the AMP powersteps on it with GM flaps.
Last week, when I put new tires on my wife’s ATS there was a hole in an axle boot I would assume from a rock.
This is what worries me about the IRS on this stuff, you are now moving your reliability lower on stuff like this.
The Escalade for instance, there are quit a few rural people around here with one, a truck SUV, will the new one stand up ?
Anyway people comment with opinions, their real ownership experiences, and the people who they hang out and talk with experiences !
WHY do you discount ALL the owners or potential future owners opinion while thinking yours is the correct OPINION ?
Anyway I agree with you some, not the GM excuse and blame, but some , however it is only YOUR armchair CEO opinion !
Thats not what he said. He said Paul and himself were the only ones blogging that are owners of the current midsize twin trucks.
Sorry did you say something? …….
Many on the web talk about what they would buy if GM builds it. Well I have seen a number of models built but few if any bought. Most notably those who on the web that said they would buy but never did.
Then we have others like you that love to play the victim on everything. Noting is ever good or right no matter what.
Finally you never have any consideration or aspect to the cost involved nor the pricing of the dreams you have. Discarding any and all fiscal and financial aspects is a real novice move.
Nope you said it all 12 times or so !!!………
That’s just not true either.
WHY again WHY do you think I play the victim ?
I have nothing wrong with my GM vehicles, they are all going good.
Just because I always point out GM has ZERO CUSTOMER SERVICE does not make me the victim !!!
Just stating the truth, And I do think GM does SOME things the way I think it should be done, unlike you who think EVERY THINGLE THING GM does is the greatest thing.
And why do you think I have no consideration or aspect of cost ? Please explain !!!!!
Many of your questions would be answered if you used all the parameters that are used by the people that actually run automakers use.
It is easy to use Peter Pan Business Logic on the web, but if you are put in the same box with the same real world problem, restrictions and amount of money you would see things much differently.
The grass is not as green as you think it is on the inside. I have listen to and seen the thinks these people face.
I have sat and listen to these people as to how, why and what they can do.
The GTO in 2004 was a classic case. The brand manager of the Camaro stated why lithe body was not changed from the Holden. Yes it looked dated but Lutz wanted RWD for Pontiac. The truth was there was no budget and Lutz wanted it now. It was amazing they got it done.
I later spoke to Fred Simmons at Pontiac who over saw the program. I asked why no hood scoops and exhaust on opposite sides for 04. He said if you give me the money I would do it now. But right now the program was short the money.
In the real world adding things to cars and trucks can cost millions and even a company like GM has limits that can be spent. If they are to add all you want it will have two effects one it will either raise the price that will further hurt sales or it will cause them to make cuts in other areas.
Case in point GM has a history of building cars with some of the best engines and suspensions. Yes the fall short in the interiors. Why because they start to run out of money at that point or find it is easier to cut cost there vs elsewhere.
There has always been a lot of arguments and stress inside as like every one of us there is a budget and they have to decide what money goes where.
It is not just GM. I can point you to the same issues at every mfg. some hide it better than others.
The reality is there are no perfect vehicles.
As for customer service GM has it and I have experienced it first hand. Now do they have some bad dealers yes as they will tell you that themselves. Are they easy or cheap to remove no as they are protected by the franchise laws.
As for all the issues you complain of you must have the worst luck or well I will leave it there. I as well as others I know have had a great number of GM products with seldom an issue and if we do it was taken care of right away with no problems.
My recent tranny issue was the worst but it was fixed with no problem and it was not even the problem other claim.
My father used to take one of his co workers constantly to a Toyota dealer to pick up his car as it had all sorts of mechanical issues and tearing seat issues. No one is perfect.
Just traded in my ’16 Silverado LT Z71 in for a 2019 Zr2 after making sure I wasn’t going to miss out on a 2020 potential update. I liked my half-ton, I LOVE my Zr2. I was sitting at the dealership and found myself torn between the new trailboss and the Zr2 which I had been set on since it was revealed. I’m happy I stuck with my gut because everything about it from the ecoated frame to the fact that theyre pretty much only offering fully loaded models is just better than the Silverado. The only thing I sacrificed is sheer storage volume (the 2016 was a crew, 6′ bed) the transmission is smooth and feels much better than the ’17 Colorado I test drove and is night and day compared to the uncertain and lumpy shifts of my Silverado. Literally the only things that would’ve been on my wishlist would’ve been stock 33’s and any kind of sunroof. If you buy now you’re in a great place, it’s a phenomenal truck and if I like the redesign more in three years I’ll upgrade.
TL;DR
It’s a great truck, drive it, you’ll love it.
I looked at both full and mid. I went Mid and could not be happier.
If they were things like HUD, better seats I would agree but a push button start or Homelink is nothing that would make me or not make m e buy a vehicle.
I have both now and can easily live with or with out either.
I suspect the electronics involved plus GM moving to a new electronic architecture may be part of the delay.
We really need to keep in mind that the 2023 models are only two years away. It is not like we are talking ten year more.
I waited 3 years for the 17 and the better engine. At this point I. Would rather wait for the new truck.
Two years away? Maybe I count years different but it’s 2019. Since auto cycles don’t exactly sync up is that where 2 yrs come from? Here is how I count it.
So, 2020’s are not just out yet and there is no talk of 2021 right now. Heck we just found out 2020 was not a refresh in May.
So a year from now it’s 2020 and 2021 is about to be out with no talk of 2022.
Then 2 years from now it’s 2021 with 2022 about to roll out with no talk of 2023.
Year 3 its 2022 (rumored release year for new Ranger) with the new gen 2023 about to hit the lots. I’ll be around 165k miles by then with the 3.6.
And that’s if they hit in the fall and not the winter. I figured it’s 3.5 years from the time a new Colorado is available to the public.
Then we just need to hope it was worth the wait ( we are talking about a brand spanking new truck) and that the zr2 will be a launch trim if not and they try a trail boss thing again then just tack on more years.
Personally, I’d love push start but Im somebody who usually has his hands full with a cup of coffee, suitcase and or a phone in my hand (so I can place it on a mount) in the mornings. I’m also not a big fan of the constant banging as the key swings as I trail ride. LEDs would have also been great. The fact people can do it in their garage tells me it’s possible.
I’m not an expert here. I’m just a consumer who is in the market. I do wonder why Toyota is known for reliability and I’m always told it is because Toyota continues to build and refine their products rather then just build a new vehicle.
That’s all I wished for continued improvement on a pretty good truck. From the outside looking in it looks like real continued mprovement stopped at 2017.
I’m still about upgrading the power train to a truck power train.
But as it’s been pointed out Chevy can afford to be stale here and just offer rebates if sales fall. IFrom what I just watched the sells have feel off for the past quarter I just don’t think the Colorado is a priority for GM and they are really testing my loyalty to the bowtie and patience.
They are also hoping Jeep doesn’t get traction and any Toyota or Ford moves don’t make them late to the party and in 3rd place.
You need to remember the 2020 models start production in a week or two. The 2023 models if that is the year as we are hearing would go into production in 2022 as a 2023.
We just need to watch for miles and it will give us a better idea where they are in the changes.
Note GM said all models will be the new electrical system by 2023 so that is why I expect that year. Often the non direct comments from GM can give you some info on other models.
I respect you mile deal and understand. It it also sucks to buy a new truck then a year or two later it is replace with a better model.
Right now if the do a 2023 I can wait for the third year of production before I get to where I trade. I normally go 8-12 years and 100k to 120 k miles.
The big deal here is GM is not going to dump a ton of money in an out going model.
Toyota for a long time has been very conservative on changes and to this day still lack the power and transmission the GM trucks have. While some hate the 8 speed at GM the 6 speed at Toyota is even worse.
To this point rebates have been minimal till this year. GM has had a great ATP on these trucks and generally the resale prices have reflected that. I looked at used truck and they were so high in 2017 that it was just a couple thousand more for a new one.
To your benefit if you get a out going model you will get a much better deal than the one you have now.
GM has their own budgets, time lines and plant schedules they must follow. It is just not possible to please everyone or fit their schedules.
Today The Who sells the most is not as much a factor as in the past. Today it is more about return on investment. GM went broke selling more models while today they are making more money from smaller volumes.
GM needs to do what is going to fit their plan that makes more money for them. Like the old saying work smarter not harder.
Much of their investments have been in fixing the small or adding small CUV models that can turn more profit per dollar invested.
Web people almost always used what 5hey think and not the same parameters that the folks at GM face. There is so much more goes into these decisions than saying this engine looks good for this model. Dealing with emissions, crash regulations, cost, pricing to the customer. What plants are available, material cost, engine plant capability, and so much more.
The 2.7 is a new engine and still is not to full production. Are there enough available? How much will the emissions and CAFE testing cost? Note it is very high cost to get them passed. Will it require new crash test also a very expensive cost. Tooling to make the needed parts again millions of dollars to fit the engine and intercooler. All that for only the 2021 and 2022?
If they were just re boding the truck then the engine would be an easy decision but with a new platform not much may carry over. That money saved can go to more development to make the 2023 truck a much better truck. It could be the difference for less hard plastic interior parts.
All solid points and explains GM positioning well. I’m just stuck in the no man’s land because I bought early into the run and drive a ton. All while not wanted to leave the product line. I was really hoping for some enhancements to justify buying almost the same truck for MY2020 or MY2021 AND keeping it for 10 years plus.
Knowing in 3 yrs there could be a better truck that might solve my issues also makes buying these unchanged trucks hard.
I test drive the babymax this Saturday. So my choice will end up being settle for the same truck I couldve bought in 2017. Or roll the dice and take that 3.6 to 160k plus and hope Chevy doesn’t put out an unimpressive gen 3.
From my understanding we should be seeing mules by this August. I’ve read you see mules about 3 years before release and August is a lot of hot weather testing. I guess we will see.
You seem very knowledgeable in this segment and as somebody new I appreciate the info you give.
So, I do got 1 stupid question. Why don’t mid size trucks use column shifters? Seems like that would give the truck more room for a bench or a great center console. Shifter paddles could give the people who shift a way to shift (like the raptor’s line). Just curious.
My friend between a rock and a hard place is never fun. I refused the first gen Colorado and went to another model fit 9-10 years so I know what you mean. The last gen sucked.
As for mules here is what to look for. Early test you may not even notice as they can be bodied with the old truck bodies.
As they get closer under two years they have to show more as the hot weather and altitude testing often takes place in late summer and August in Death Valley/Colorado. By then they have to have the factory nose on.
As of now I have not seen a hint of any of the mules yet. But also note GM of Brazil is leading the program so it may have been missed. They use a S10 version of the Colorado there and it may be using that body there. I have seen Corvette Mules with Camaro bodies.
The column shifter is not used mostly due to cost and lack of call for it. Mid size truck don’t offer a bench as they are not wide enough for 3 people.
The column shit cost more to make and few people in the segment call for it.
On the other hand full size the column is offered in the bench seat models and guys who plow snow like them better than the knobs and floor shift.
As for paddles……. they are a novelty. Unless it is a high end system like a dual clutch in a sports car there is no real need for them.
I have has several and you find you never use them. It sounds cool but normal transmissions really don’t do much to make it fun.
It is no different than the button you have now in a different place for shifting.
I expect the Canyon to go push button like the others, not my choice but better than the Ram knob.
The real fact is most transmissions shift better than most humans.
Another factor is they may not want to account for a third passenger in the front with the airbag.
Rock and hard place is probably the best way to describe my situation.
I brought up the paddles because I’ve met some Colorado guys that actually shift. I’m just be a fan of a bigger center console but it’s not a deal breaker. I was just curious why no truck in this segment do it.
Great point in the mules they could easy hide them under the Colorado. Would be a lot easier to hide then the bronco and TRX mules that were found.
Yeah I wasn’t a fan of gen 1 and chose the Avalanche over it. I then drove that Avalanche till the wheels fell off waiting for Chevy’s Raptor fighter. Till my Avalanche died and I had to get a new vehicle and chose the 2016 Colorado Z71.
Now I’m driving my Colorado till the wheels fall off hoping for a killer gen 3…or that dag nabbit raptor killer (ha!). Chevy likes making me wait.
Seriously thanks for all info. Sucks but it’s not like I can force Chevy to make it faster. Just disappointed it’s going to take this long and that they can’t/won’t make the last years of gen 2 different enough to make a buying a 2nd gen 2 an easier decision.
No problem and I have enjoyed the exchange. You get it where many fail to get it.
Note on the Bronco one mule was cloaked in Raptor Ranger panels.
I tried to like the Gen one but just could not pull the trigger. I drove an HRR SS just for laughs and ended up buying one. Note I hate FWD, hated turbo 4 cylinders and hated HHR’s but the way it handled and ran won me over,
It was fast 13’s in the quarter mile if you could get the tires to hook, handling was amazing. I got a reliable 23 psi boost for 300 hp.
The best part was I sold it for more than half what I paid going on ten years later. I did not expect that with an accident on the car fax. I got run off the road by a cell phone guy turning in front of me and are a ditch.
Paul we may not always agree but you have my respect!
Headlights need a firmer, solid redesign, along with the grille.
If gm Colorado or canyon with electric 2023? I’m not buy electric vehicle!!!!
It is not going to be Electric.
2019 CHEVROLET COLORADO Crew Cab Short Box 4-Wheel Drive LT, 8-Speed Automatic V6
MSRP$36,720
SPECIAL $28,691
good prices
No matter how you spin it I am replacing my 02 ford ranger with another one. 300k and still same transmission, just replace master cylinder, all other is regular maintenance. Just saying
Looking forward to my next “raptor range’ Mark S.