Current Chevrolet Colorado To Soldier On With No Refresh
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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 |
2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison
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.
2019 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 TrailRunner
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.
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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.