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10 Things We Want From The Next-Gen Chevrolet Colorado

From the off, it’s important that we make something absolutely crystal clear here – the Chevrolet Colorado is a great midsize pickup truck. In fact, it’s excellent, as evidenced by the fact that it has won pretty much every single shootout conducted by a major publication. The reasons are numerous, but some of the Colorado’s biggest advantages are the strength of the frame, a solid chassis and a very quiet cab. The three combine to deliver a fantastic driving experience.

Indeed, the Chevrolet Colorado has a lot to offer, and consumers have responded by making it the second-best selling truck in the midsize segment, bested only by the absurdly popular Toyota Tacoma. As we reported earlier this month, the Chevrolet Colorado soaked up an impressive 21 percent of the segment during the first nine months of 2019.

All told, it’s safe to say that we’re fans of the Chevrolet Colorado. Even so, there are a few things about it that could be improved, and although the current generation has been around since the 2015 model year, the Colorado will not receive a substantial update until the next-gen model debuts in 2023.

For now, we know that, like its corporate cousin, the GMC Canyon, the future Chevrolet Colorado will ride on an updated version of the current GMT 31XX vehicle platform, dubbed 31XX-2. That’s ok, given that the Colorado’s architecture is far from a problem area for the truck. So then, what facets of the Chevrolet Colorado do need improvement?

1. Keyless Entry And Push-Button Start

As we covered previously, Keyless Entry and Push-Button Start are desperately needed in the Chevrolet Colorado. These features are pretty much standard across the industry now, with bargain-basement models either featuring them standard or at least as an option. The features are far more convenient than the old-school key plus key fob technology currently used.

Not only would Keyless Entry and Push-Button Start be more convenient, eliminating the need to hunt for the key in pockets and purses, but Push-Button Start would also make the process of starting the truck a simpler task, while also stopping the annoying clicking noise the keys can make while banging against the steering column, something that is particularly noticeable while off-roading.

2. Sunroof / Moonroof

This is another one of those basic amenities that the Chevrolet Colorado currently fails to offer. Several of the Chevy’s chief rivals have some sort of sunroof or moonroof option, including the Toyota Tacoma and Jeep Gladiator, and yet the Colorado does not. We think it should at least be an available option with the next-gen model.

3. Turbocharged 2.7L Four-Cylinder L3B Engine

For now, base trims for the Chevrolet Colorado are equipped with the naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder LCV engine, which produces 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. Quite frankly, this engine simply isn’t up to snuff when compared to the competition. In its stead, we’d rather have the turbocharged 2.7L four-cylinder L3B, which actually offers the sort of power potential and torque we’d expect in a modern midsize truck. It might even be a good idea to make the L3B the only gasoline engine in the next-gen Colorado.

In the 2019 Silverado 1500, the L3B is rated at 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque, which is more than the 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque made by the Colorado’s optional, naturally-aspirated 3.6L V6 LGZ engine.

4. 10-Speed Automatic Transmission

The issues with the GM eight-speed automatic transmission used in many vehicles including the Colorado are well-documented, to the point of spurring a class action lawsuit. And though GM has issued a TSB that aims to address the issues, the jury is still out on whether or not the fix is actually viable.

Hence, we’d love to see the 8-speed tossed (the sooner the better),and the much more superior GM 10-speed automatic gearbox should take its place. Not only does that eliminate the issues with the 8-speed, but it also gives the midsize truck the best transmission in its class.

Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 interior

5. Revised Trim Level Structure

We’ll just come out and say it: the current Chevrolet Colorado trim level structure doesn’t make sense, and is probably limiting the truck from reaching its true sales potential. For instance, the Z71 model is offered as as a standalone trim level, when instead, it should really be offered as a standalone package across several trims. Meanwhile, RST is a package rather than a trim level, and no luxurious high-end trim like LTZ or High Country is in sight in North America (though models in international markets are offered in LTZ trimmings).

International-market Colorado High Country

We say, introduce the WT – LT – High Country – ZR2 trim level structure, while making the Z71 and RST optional packages on some trims.

Yes, we’ve already heard the tired old argument that a high-end High Country trim doesn’t belong on a midsize truck, since most buyers would go for the full-size truck at that price point, and we fully disagree. After all, let’s not forget that many are already just fine spending nearly $50,000 on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. Hence, as long as the Colorado High Country adds a substantial amount of luxury at the rate price, it will be just fine.

2019 Colorado RST

6. Better Headlamps

The current Colorado is simply begging for better lighting, with standard HID or LED units to replace the current truck’s stone-age halogen units. Not only would modern lights look better and improve the driving experience, they’d also boost the ratings of the Chevrolet Colorado lights.

Dual exhaust on 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

7. Dual Exhaust Option

Here’s another good idea plucked from the Silverado. Throwing a dual exhaust on is another one of those relatively small changes that can pay huge dividends, improving the sound and style, while potentially providing modest performance gains as well.

8. Better Seats

The current Chevrolet Colorado leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to overall seat comfort and support. The best the model offers are six-way adjustable power seats, but they’re optional, and frankly, not Chevy’s best effort to date.

9. A Bigger Bed

More space in back is always appreciated, and Chevy doesn’t even need to increase the overall exterior dimensions to get it. Rather, we’d like to see the Colorado get bed walls that are pushed out closer to the body panels, increasing the space without making the truck physically larger – just like Chevy did with the Silverado.

10. More Active Safety Features

And where would we be without all the active safety features, especially two years from now? We say include such high-end features as the innovative Rear Camera Mirror, the vibrating Safety Alert Seat, and Adaptive Cruise Control into the higher trim levels, while making them optional on the mid-range ones. In fact, these high-end features make the case for a high-end trim level like High Country.

With an all-new exterior design and an all-new cabin, these ten changes to the Chevrolet Colorado should make the segment’s best truck even better. So what do you think, dear reader? Do you agree with out list? Is there anything we didn’t mention that should be included in the next-gen update? Let us know in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Colorado news, Chevrolet news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. I want it to look less like a Tacoma, and nothing like a Silverado HD.

    Reply
  2. You will get most of this but you will not see a bigger bed. It already has one of the biggest in class.

    You also will not get a duel exhaust. For one it would help the sound and add no performance. Also it would be difficult to fit. I put on a rear sway bar and it had to be offset just to fit what we have now.

    One thing I would add to the list is to retain the V6 option. Getting a Turbo 2.7 could easily eliminate the V6.

    You will get a better interior, 360 camera, adaptive cruise and the features that come with them.

    You will get a ten speed, led lights with the new electrical architecture and push button start.

    The sun roof 50/50 odds and no major trim structure other than the AT4 and Trail Runner taking the Z71 package.

    I do have a wild theory now but the refresh could see the 2.7 early? GM has a history of doing drive lines off set from new platforms to spread out the costs. The larger more open grills could be for cooling and added inter cooling.

    GM already now says not to put light bars in that gap under the grill because it is needed. If a turbo is added it would help with flow. I know the Diesel has one but the gas 4 may need more air.

    Just temper your wishes as they add cost and just keep in mind people hat to pay more than $40k unless it really has something to offer like a Bison or ZR2 and even then that is 15% of sales.

    Oh and before some says it, no there will not be a V8. You will be lucky to keep the V6.

    Reply
  3. My biggest complaint with the GM twins is their exterior styling. These are marketed as lifestyle vehicles and as such should exude some sort of life. Today they are the most plain, boring designed trucks available. I think the Tacoma sells mainly on it’s looks and the brand name nowadays since it doesn’t win any competition reviews. I’d like to see just a little bit of flair and toughness present in the exterior design and though I know the elevated bed is for aerodynamics, I hate it. Give me a flat look instead of making me go and purchase a 2 inch lift as soon as I buy the thing. Finally, design it to allow bigger tire/wheels without having to replace the entire body panels. It needs better proportions with regard to the tire sizes.

    Reply
  4. 2.7T with the 10 speed for me.

    Two engines 2.7T gas 2.8T diesel both with the 10 speed, done.

    Denali package with everything available that is on the Denali HD truck with a 10″ screen for the top trims or linked to the tech package.

    This is a great truck, perfect size and very comfortable to drive GM just needs to offer more than the midsized average GM blah for the drivetrain, and the 2.7T – 10 speed would do that.

    As far as price goes, not to mention names, but the price has nothing to do with the size of the vehicle, its the content and value. Some people just want a midsized vehicle with content, not a cheap ” good enough ” midsized average GM blah.

    Any bet takers on if a better content midsized GM vehicle, will sell more numbers than the all new great C8 Vette. And for sure over the long run.
    These trucks will sell good day in and day out for years, that Vette will sell great for a couple then the Vette owners will own the new Vette, done, at least in a meaningful number.

    In my opinion.

    Reply
    1. Why use the old 2.8 duramax when gm just introduced the 3.0 duramax with the Silverado? Besides, this thing has gotta compete with the gladiator, and the gm 3.0 duramax better fares against the 3.0 ecodiesel.

      Reply
  5. There is only ONE reason the Tacoma sells better than the GM twins, and its the same reason the Camry put GM out of the sedan business, and the same reason the Lexus outsells Cadillac and others.

    CUSTOMER SUPPORT !!!!!!!! CUSTOMER SUPPORT !!!!!!!!!!!!! CUSTOMER SUPPORT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Even with the junk 8 speed and the Cue screen and the Fuel pumps on the Duramaxes, and the breaking, bending Vette wheels, and the Cadillac headlights, and the NorthStar engines, and on and on.
    If GM would just ” own up ” to them selling a certain % of junk and fix them.

    All the GM customers would be just like scott3 AKA C8.R, and would be happy as h3ll to own a GM previously junk vehicle.
    But on the other side of the scott3 AKA C8.R experience, there are people like me, or the ones who have no choice but to join a class action lawsuit against GM for horrible customer support.

    If GM would fix this ONE issue, with the vehicles they are releasing today and the near future, they would be once again unstoppable !!!!!

    In my opinion.

    Reply
    1. 41 exclamation marks.

      Goddamn you’re unstable.

      Reply
      1. Plus One, I would give you a Plus 2 if it was possible.

        Reply
  6. Adding safety features and advertising the fact that you beat the competition in most comparison test would go a long way in improving sales. I just wish they would do most of this stuff sooner than later. Don’t want to wait until 2023 to buy.

    Reply
    1. If you want a 23 you will get it in 22. That is not that far out.

      Reply
  7. Clearly the 2.7 needs to find a home in the Colorado, much better suited for that application than the Silverado, and there really would be no need for a V-6. Agreed cleaning up the trim levels is very much needed, mimic the Silverado trim lines and interior options, including the HC trim level. Drop the new 3.0 straight 6 diesel in this new pickup, the Gladiator will be bringing the Eco Diesel, GM better be ready for that and the little 4 cylinder D max isn’t going to be in the same universe. Styling will be important. Hopefully it will have more attitude than the current model. Lastly, don’t decontent the ZR2, add to it. It has been a solid hit since they released it, the reason is because it is way more than badges and stickers. Hopefully the they got the message in that regard.

    Toyota sell more to do to its name then it does its looks and its actual content.

    Reply
    1. 3.0 will not fit. The V6 pretty much fills the bay. A V8 swap is right up on the radiator.

      Agree Toyota sells more due to name and blind owner loyalty. They have their own transmission and quality issues on their trucks if you read the forums. Torn seats poor brakes transmission issues and more. They have life long Toyota owners that keep coming back and just complain.

      I don’t expect a decontented ZR as it would not lower the price much as the real hardware is where all the cost is. Loaded up it makes it look like a better value.

      You would think if someone knows a stove is hot they would have enough sense to stop repeated touching it?

      Reply
      1. Well if they are bringing a new truck out for 2023 im pretty sure they’ll have made room for the 3.0. They might be able to find a way to move the powertrain back and even add a couple inches to the front. They’ll figure it out, because i don’t see them not using the 3.0 duramax in the NEXT GENERATION Colorado/Canyon.

        Reply
        1. It is going to be a secon gen of the present truck. People already complain it is too large now.

          My V6 is under the cowl now.

          I believe the in-line was intended only for full size trucks only.

          Right now we will be lucky to keep a V6 if they go to the 2.7.

          In lines are the way to go but they are just difficult to package. Just look at the inline 6 in the Pacer. It fit but was horrible to work on.

          A little more torque and HP in the 4 would be nice if they can still meet the emissions. The way it is going the government is squeezing them out.

          Reply
        2. Why not improve the power on the 2.8 four. That way the don’t have to worry about the length. Why should there be such a power difference in two Engines with approximately the same displacement? The 2.8 make 64.64 horsepower per lither and the 3.0 makes 103 horsepower per lither. That is around 38 HP per lither more. They don’t have to make the same HPL just split the difference and add about 20 more HPL and you will have a 2.8 with around 235 HP instead of the current 181.Another 55 ponies would make a big difference.

          Reply
          1. That certainly seems possible. Heck, there are several tuner companies out there getting that much more from the mini-max right now. And their doing it with even better fuel economy because the increased power helps the truck hold high gear better.

            Reply
      2. C8.R,
        How many Class action lawsuits against Toyota then ?

        For that blind loyalty.

        Again in my opinion its the blind loyalty people like you that put GM is the downturn slide in the first place.

        People like you who think GM is always ” Good Enough ” just instills in the GM people who make the decisions, that scott3 AKA C8.R, must be correct.

        That is ” Good Enough”.

        I still think you must have been one of the 7000 people who thought the interior of the new truck was ” Good Enough ”

        The quicker GM lets the old performance ICE peoples opinion slide, the quicker the real customer will be represented.

        It is not ” Good Enough ” blind loyalist scott3 !!

        in my opinion

        Reply
        1. https://www.google.com/search?ei=mhSrXbP2O4HaswXU0rjwCw&q=toyota.+class+action+lawsuits+and+recalls&oq=toyota.+class+action+lawsuits+and+recalls&gs_l=psy-ab.3..33i22i29i30.14250.28265..28855…0.2..0.161.5131.12j33……0….1..gws-wiz…….0i71j0i13i30j0i22i30j0i8i13i30j0j0i10.eEewwOKxvYg&ved=0ahUKEwizq6fZu6jlAhUB7awKHVQpDr4Q4dUDCAo&uact=5

          Take a pick.

          Class actions are for suckers. The lawyers win Millions and you get a free oil change for being used.

          Again if the stove burns you so bad why are you still touching it? Toyota will sell you a car.

          I love being your obsession. If I was wrong I would be ignored.

          Reply
  8. I’m not a truck owner and wont’ be until there’s a PHEV/electric option. Probably blasphemy here…but consider that Toyota will very likely offer a Hybrid and/or PHEV options for their trucks by MY23. GM should be ready to do the same. I get that GM is working on an electric truck, but I don’t want/need a FULL sized truck.

    I’ve been driving electric since 2011 and don’t plan on going back to a full ICE vehicle. Most of my driving is commuting, so I want something that can make those inner-city (or regional) runs on electricity. I need ground clearance, 4WD/AWD, and a bed for hauling recreational gear, furniture, occasional motorcycle/bicycle, and stuff from Home Depot. I don’t need a HD towing vehicle or something that barely fits in my garage.

    Reply
    1. I posted this comment back in Oct. but somehow it’s still awaiting moderation:

      I’m not a truck owner and wont’ be until there’s a PHEV/electric option. Probably blasphemy here…but consider that Toyota will very likely offer a Hybrid and/or PHEV options for their trucks by MY23. GM should be ready to do the same. I get that GM is working on an electric truck, but I don’t want/need a FULL sized truck.

      I’ve been driving electric since 2011 and don’t plan on going back to a full ICE vehicle. Most of my driving is commuting, so I want something that can make those inner-city (or regional) runs on electricity. I need ground clearance, 4WD/AWD, and a bed for hauling recreational gear, furniture, occasional motorcycle/bicycle, and stuff from Home Depot. I don’t need a HD towing vehicle or something that barely fits in my garage.

      Reply
  9. The Colorado/Canyon needs the low output 2.7 standard, and the high output 2.7 standard on the ZR2. The 3.0 duramax needs to become available or at least get the 2.8 duramax to about 225 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission needs to be a 10 speed automatic (and maybe a 6 speed manual).

    Reply
  10. The 2.7 already exceeds the V6. Leave it but offer a tune kit like they did on the 2.0 LMF that can add 50 hp for $300 if you are willing to run premium.

    I added one to my SS and it ran great and was still under warranty. 23 pounds of boost are fun.

    Reply
  11. As A owner of a 2018 Duramax ZR2, I would only change a few things. Headlights ( brighter daytime led). Maybe a little taller rear window (1″). A self supporting rear seat so when folded up the floor is flat without that plastic seat storage on floor. Key fob that can open all four windows when you hold unlock button, like camaro and silverado. Love it, its my favorite vehicle i have owed to date. Enjoyable to drive, enough power, capable, and great economy. Always get between 25-31 mpg on highway.

    Reply
  12. ZQ8 suspension option. Throw in a manual trans, too.

    Reply
  13. Yeah and how about bigger wheel wells that you can actually put bigger tires under and a wheel bolt pattern that you can get good wheels for?

    Reply
  14. Good list, but I think that the seats are fine. What they could use is about 2″ more rear seat room in the crew cab without cutting anything from the front. A little more (2″?) between the rear wheel wells in the bed would be nice, and if they could bring it to 48-1/4″ without making the truck much wider, that would be super.

    Also, time to bump the 2.8L Duramax to 210hp+ / 400 ft/lbs, I mean if the 3l in the Silverado is 277/460, you would think that they could massage a little more out of the 2.8.

    Reply
  15. I like it all. The only thing I would add to my “wish list” (if I could) would be HOMELINK.

    My only concern going forward, although I like the LED headlights I was speaking to a Chevy service guy yesterday and apparently these new LED headlight housings are CRAZY expensive. (roughly $1000 each) So if something unfortunate caused one of them to be broken…

    Reply
    1. That is a good point on LEDs. They are expensive to replace. I have an 18 ZR2 and I don’t find issue with the headlights, but others seem to. This will be a complete remake of the pickup in ’23 and so I would think they could design it to fit. The 3.0 as is in the Silverado, gets a better EPA rating than does the little Dmax. Imagine what it could get in a Colorado. I agree, at the least kick up the hp of the current diesel. I test drove one and while the torque is fine, it would be more “livable” with more hp. It would seem for economy of scale, putting the 3.0 in the Colorado (assuming it can be made to fit) would just make more sense (even if they detuned it slightly). I didn’t mention it, but obviously the 10 speed needs to be the tranny for all the engine choices.

      Reply
  16. I say it needs:

    – WAYYYY better interior. Current one is too cheap looking and feeling
    – manual transmission availability across all models, trims, and engines
    – need to bring back the ZQ8
    – needs a regular cab, short bed version

    Reply
    1. I agree wholeheartedly with M except that I’m fine with the cheap looking & feeling interior. Just offer a 2wd regular cab base model Colorado or Canyon with a NA 4-cyl and a 6-speed manual transmission, a non-bluetooth radio and the federal minimum of regulated add-ons for around $16K off the lot and I would be at the dealership Monday morning offering my 2010 Canyon for trade in.

      Reply
  17. Everything about the new truck sounds great but there is a couple of other things that could be done like on the four doors how about a greater turning radius and also how about putting a CD radio back in the coloradas.

    Reply
    1. The turning radius is very good if not leading in this class.

      CD Radio? Time to lose the flip phone.

      Reply
  18. The real question is on the Diesel as it is will it hold up long term and will it meet emissions for the required time.

    Increasing more engine warranties and failing emissions could be expensive. Tuners face neither.

    Now also to make more power what would the engine need to be safe?

    I agree it needs more power but how much will it add to the price and liability needs to be considered. If you are going to do it you need to do it right. No more memories of the Olds Diesels need to be resurrected.

    Reply
  19. I wish they would bring back the 4.3 liter v6 like in the old s10s I loved those motors or at least put a small v8 in the Z71 and the zr2 models

    Reply
  20. Make optional for purchase the articulated tailgate in full size trucks in the Denali GMC/ Chevrolet available across the trucklines. For us 60 +short guys that would b #1 on my list in either of the cousins, should it b an option in this trucksegment.

    Reply
  21. Maybe a little lower to the ground so passengers don’t have to hop up into it, it’s supposed to be the smaller truck, right. And a little more entry level power…other then that i love my 2016 four banger.

    Reply
  22. 1) keyless Yes no push button on ZR2 rocker switch
    2) Sunroof. No thx
    3) 2.7 turbo add 3.0 turbo diesel unless you can add at least 50hp to 2.8
    4) 10 speed. Yes across the the whole line up
    5) revised trims yes. Add Bison or Baja
    6)better headlamps. Yes
    7) dual exhaust. No thx. Give me 26-33 gallons fuel
    8) better seats. Yes on Baja and Bison
    9)bigger bed. No thx get a Silverado
    10) more active safety Yes

    2019 ZR2 v6 midnight I want a diesel but not the current slug

    Reply
  23. Scale down the overall size, and add HP, maybe some new version of the 4.3.

    Reply
  24. How bout a Factory Dash Cam Option. Just sayin!

    Reply

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