The current, second-generation Chevrolet Colorado was initially introduced for the 2015 model year, officially marking GM’s return to the midsize pickup truck segment. Since its introduction, the Colorado has clawed its way to the second best-selling spot in its segment, until the new Ford Ranger pushed it into third place. Though many were hoping that GM would give the Colorado a refresh, that never materialized. Instead, the truck got minor changes and updates throughout its lifecycle. Now, the 2021 model year delivers a few more noteworthy changes – such as a slightly-reworked front end, revised trim levels, packages and more. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on everything that’s new and different about the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado.
Model-Line Changes
On the model line side, the 2021 Colorado does away with the base model. The deletion of the base Colorado trim level means that the Work Truck trim is now the base model. All other trim levels remain, including LT, Z71 and ZR2. Those hoping for a high-end LTZ or High Country trim are – unfortunately – out of luck.
| Trim level: | Base | Work Truck | LT | Z71 | ZR2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment group: | 2SA | 2WT, 4WT | 2LT, 4LT | 2Z7, 4Z7 | 4ZR |
| Trim level: | Work Truck | LT | Z71 | ZR2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment group: | 2WT, 4WT | 2LT, 4LT | 2Z7, 4Z7 | 4ZR |
Exterior
On the outside, the most notable change for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is a slightly-revised front fascia:
- WT, LT and Z71 models feature updated center bars, lower fascias, and skid plates
- ZR2 gets a new front fascia that looks more aggressive than before, while also giving drivers improved visibility, according to Chevrolet
As of this writing, photos of the Colorado WT, LT and Z71 are not available.
The revised front ends also feature new Chevrolet emblems:
- WT and LT wear an all-new gold Chevrolet bowtie logo
- Z71 receives a black bowtie logo
- ZR2 features “CHEVROLET” lettered grille with the “flowtie“, which was previously included on the ZR2 Bison
Additionally, the Colorado ZR2 now features red tow hooks as standard equipment.
The rear of all 2021 Colorado models now features embossed “Chevrolet” tailgates, replacing the traditional Chevy bowtie.
Three new colors join the color palette, while five others are deleted:
New colors:
- Bright Blue Metallic
- Cherry Red Tintcoat
- Sand Dune Metallic
Deleted colors:
- Pacific Blue Metallic
- Silver Ice Metallic
- Kinetic Blue Metallic
- Shadow Gray Metallic
- Cajun Red Tintcoat
There are also some changes to the wheels and tires that are offered, as follows:
New wheels:
- 17-in x 8-in Ultra Silver Metallic steel wheels (RAP)
- 17-in x 8-in (43.2 cm x 20.3 cm) Bright Machined aluminum wheels (RIM)
Deleted wheels:
- 16-in x 7-in (40.6-cm x 17.8-cm) Ultra Silver Metallic steel wheel (RS2)
- 16-in x 7-in (40.6-cm x 17.8-cm) Ultra Silver Metallic cast aluminum wheels (RS1)
- 17-in x 8-in (43.2-cm x 20.3-cm) Dark Argent Metallic cast aluminum wheels (R28)
- 20-in Low Gloss Black aluminum wheels (RTH)
The 16-x7-inch steel spare wheel and tire is being replaced by a 17-x-8-inch steel wheel and tire.
Since the Work Truck trim has been discontinued, so has the optional Work Truck Appearance package, which included:
- 16-inch by 7-inch (40.6 cm x 17.8 cm) Ultra Silver Metallic cast aluminum wheels
- Outside power-adjustable, body-color, remote, manual-folding mirrors
- Spotter mirror
- Body-color rear bumper
- Chrome beltline moldings
- Body-color door handles
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado exterior features the following LPO-level changes:
New LPO items:
- Black tailgate lettering
- Accessory Suspension Leveling Kit
Deleted LPO items:
- Bedliner (VZX)
- Chevrolet Lettered Grille (RZB)
- Grille (VAT)
- RST badge (RIN)
Rounding out the changes is the deletion of the windshield shade band on all models.
Interior
Inside, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado adds the auto-dimming rearview mirror as a standard feature on LT models. In previous model years, the feature was optional on the LT trims, with the manual day/night mirror being standard on LT, Work Truck and base models.
In addition, the LT model gets a new audio system in the form of the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with an 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen, AM/FM stereo, Bluetooth audio streaming for 2 active devices, voice command pass-through to phone, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capable.
The rest of the truck’s cabin remains the same as in years past.
Packages
The remaining changes to the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado involve four packages, as follows.
Addition of Chrome Appearance Package on LT models. The package includes:
- Chrome grille
- Outside heated power-adjustable, manual folding mirrors with chrome caps
- Chrome door handles
- Chrome rear bumper
- Chrome beltline molding
Colorado RST package is deleted for the 2021 model year
Deletion of Colorado RST Special Edition, which was available on LT models and included:
- Black beltline molding
- Spray-on bedliner
- 255/55R20 all-season blackwall tires (QQD)
- (RTH) 20-inch Low Gloss Black aluminum wheels
- CHEVROLET lettered grille
- Rear Black bowtie
- RST Badge (LPO-level item)
- Black bodyside molding (LPO-level item)
- Black Colorado nameplate (LPO-level item)
Colorado Trail Runner Special Edition is deleted for the 2021 model year
Deletion of Colorado Trail Runner Special Edition, which was available on Z71 models and included:
- CHEVROLET lettered grille
- Rear Black bowtie
- 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires (QJ2)
- Accent Lighting (LPO-level item)
- Off-Road rocker protection (LPO-level item)
- Front skid plate (LPO-level item)
- Mid skid plate (LPO-level item)
Looking Ahead
The 2021 Colorado is as close as we’ll get to a midcycle refresh for the current, second-generation model. We expect the Chevrolet Colorado in its current form at least through the 2023 model year. At that point, the vehicle will be overhauled (redesigned and engineered) on an updated version of the same GMT-31XX platform, dubbed 31XX-2.
Availability
Though the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has delayed various GM refreshes, pushing back the 2021 Traverse and 2021 Equinox to the 2022 model year, GM Authority has confirmed with GM spokespeople that the 2021 Colorado is still on track for its launch in spring 2020. Given that the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri is currently idled as a result of the virus, it’s unclear when the revised truck will actually come to market.
We’ll keep our ears to the ground and report back when we know more, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for the latest Chevrolet Colorado news, Chevrolet news, and ongoing GM news coverage.
Comments
There is a lot more to this than accuracy.
Note it is Consumer Reports that only reports what their readers reports. Often these thing are not for a specific year and often can be a complaint about something as dimple as the Radio knobs.
The truth is there was an issue whit a transmission sudder that has been resolved and covered under the driveline warranty.
These trucks are no more or less reliable than anything else.
My buddy has taken his Tacoma in for more work than I on my GM truck.
I like the Sand Dune color. Wish we could get that on a SIlverado and I like the body side molding on the RST, again, be nice to see that offered on the full size truck.
Add the 2.7 Turbo! I am in love with the new front fascia, and think the interior is still competitive with the segment, and ahead of fords “new” ranger, but sales are falling to other competitors. but the turbo in it and then retake best in class towing, power and increase the lead in best in class fuel economy.
It’s honestly ashame GM deleted the base model. With the new Frontier coming soon, GM could’ve really picked up some fleet sales with the ceap base model. I know quite a few business owners who bought em and love em. The 2.5 is cheap to buy, great on gas and one guy with 78k has not had a single problem so far.
Still no push button start!!??. It’s 2020, I have no desire to buy a vehicle with a key anymore. This is where Toyota shines. They have more feature.
Lack of push-button start is something we’ve bemoaned in the past…
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/10/the-biggest-reason-that-the-chevrolet-colorado-needs-push-button-start/
… but it’s simply not feasible for the current generation
Toyota also shines in having the worst driving dynamics and having the weakest frame.
@Alex Luft
I hate to ever give Toyota credit but their Taco and Land Cruiser line of vehicles literally last forever.
Yes boring and not Best In Class but that fact cannot be denied. But man are they boring and lumpy to drive As Hell. People just know the Taco lasts forever so they keep buying like Sheep. If the GM Twins were built to last as long (Not sure if they are or not) then GM might win over some Taco customers next Generation.
Why do so many Land Cruiser owners have Chevy engine in their vehicles yet no Chevy owners putting in Toyota engines?
Just an observation……
@2M6
Have you ever tried to get your hands on an inline Six for those Land Cruisers?
They are NOT cheap at all. Makes much better sense if you are doing a Resto Mod and NOT an original restore to shove a Chevy V8 while getting more power and newer Tech as well.
When I was a Kid my Brother made a pretty good deal of money going to Colorado and buying used Land Cruisers and reselling them. He only did it a couple of times for like a three year period. even 15 years or so ago they were extremely hard to find. They are a HUGE and mighty expensive Niche vehicles.
To this day he upset he never made one for himself to keep. Now companies like ICON are just making a killing.
No their all broke and not worth the money to fix.
Alex Luft you state “but it’s simply not feasible for the current generation” WHY do you say that?? Trucks are a big money maker for GM…if I am going to spend 35K to 40k [or more] for a vehicle it should included pushbutton start!!! At least offer it as an OPTION!! Heavens, my 2015 Jeep Cherokee has it and I love that feature.
I would also like to see GM offer homelink!!! Heck, my 1997 Blazer had Homelink. Come on GM…I would like to buy a Canyon or Colorado but without these two features I will look at the competition.
I agree Evan! The Ford Ranger also offers a pushbutton start…Get with it GM!!
What you moss is while you lack a push button start that does little GM has power seats all the way you the base trucks vs Ranger thst lacks it on trucks at $38K
GM offer more like duel,piston futon calipers with the best braking in class.
The value in the GM truck are in different areas you take for granted but pay for st other companies if it is even offered. Toyota has yet given rear disc brakes.
I expect the push button on the next gen. It has a new electrical architecture that will bring most things like the surround camera, adaptive cruise etc.
Whatever happened with tranny issue with this vehicle and GMC mid-size? One commenter on here says it’s resolved. That’s the first straightforward answer I’ve gotten on that concern. Is it true?
What happened was the fluid thst was being used had a moisture absorption issue. GM went to Mobil One to come up with a new fluid that has resolved the issue.nin rare cases the converter needs to be changed if it has a glazed clutch.
GM changed over to this in late 2019 and has been changing the fluids in any 8 speed presented.
I have a 2021 from the factory with a vibration at 50/55 and then again at 85 and up! Took almost a year to replace the drive line. Most of the vibration gone but still present! Next going to have the trans. and the torque converter looked at!
I used too drive these Colorado’s as work trucks at my previous job on a daily basis and they are very cheaply made trucks. The 2.5L engine is noisy, underpowered and unrefined. I noticed when they start racking up miles they start vibrating more. Some of the trucks had this weird swooshing sound, you could hear the coolant circulating from inside the cabin. It was the strangest thing. Also the cloth seats and it’s padding all wore through before 100K exposing the foam. The plastics are very cheap feeling and the interior would creek during cold mornings. The ride was decent for a truck, I found the older Nissan Frontier to be a smoother more comfortable truck to drive compared to Colorado which is pretty sad. Chevy really needs to dump the 2.5L engine and revamp the entire interior.
It’s not a bad looking truck, it’s just needs more quality put into it.
So it sounds like you drove the cheapest version of the truck that were also abused by your fleet. Good account there sport.
Gotta love all the tools that stand at attention when GM is discussed or Mary Barra walks in the room. Thing is GM makes vehicles that are exactly what you described and losers like Mark R who probably works at GM, tells you YOU ruined their incredibly well engineered and built vehicle… GM routinely makes junk then has to have Class Action Lawsuits filed against it to force them to help customers that bought overpriced junk… Again, if this company is in business in 15 years, I’ll be surprised. This legacy of “CHEAP” cant go on forever.
And no I don’t want American citizens to lose their jobs but maybe they can go work for Hyundai at a non UAW plant. The UAW is a cancer and its killing GM along with incompetent Mgt…
Amazing, a refresh? A fresh coat of lipstick on a pig! There are so many other areas that need improvement I worked for General Motors in Chevrolet service departments for over 20 years. There are so many other areas that need improvement on this vehicle I understand the Corona virus push things back but this truck is years behind Toyota and now Ford with the ranger definitely going to push them back the third place. GM still sleeping.
I guarantee you the thumbs down you received are from either United Auto workers or GM employees which sadly are still blind to the fact that the rock that Roger Smith started with General Motors back in the ’70s is continuing, and Mary Barra thinks she’s saving the company when she’s just continuing the cancer, I agree with your comment 100%.
I had the swooshing coolant sound as well in my ’15 LT. Chevy dealer fixed it. I also have the shuddering transmission, knocking rear leaf springs every time I go over a bump, and something is lose in the transfer case.
Any word on the future of the LWN 2.8L diesel following the closure of the Rayong, Thailand engine plant?
While I wish GM would have done a lot more with the redesign especially in the interior Department, I understand that they have pushed a complete New from the Ground up Truck….couldn’t they at least have changed the Headlights to LED’s. How hard would that have been.
It would have cost GM $4.43 extra so they left them off, or the customer could have paid $380.00 extra for them… CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP
Its not hard but costly. You just can’t swap out electronic components without doing the engineering and testing. You would be amazed on the amount of testing and paperwork these seemingly simple changes create.
@JWL
I know and typically agree but this could have just been a simple LED replacement Bulb. I never said a whole new Housing.
Just like GM did it for the Blazer when everyone was upset it did not offer an LED option. They simply changed the Bulb. Looks the same.
Just changing Bulbs does not always work. LED needs different reflectors to better use the light. Also in some vehicles a bulb change can mess with the BCM.
GM tried to put LED in the back up lights on the Acadia and it sent the dash into freak out mode. The fix was to put the halogen bulbs in.
Yet GM put a lot more money in things that matter like brakes with 4 wheel disc with duel piston calipers and treated rotors.
Might also note the next gen will be here soon with the next gen electrical architecture that will bring most of the missing electronics.
As for the headlights they work fine. They meet and exceed Dot standards.
Go back and drive an old seal beam car and learn what bad lights are.
Amazing, a refresh? A fresh coat of lipstick on a pig! There are so many other areas that need improvement I worked for General Motors in Chevrolet service departments for over 20 years. There are so many other areas that need improvement on this vehicle I understand the Corona virus push things back but this truck is years behind Toyota and now Ford with the ranger definitely going to push them back the third place. GM still sleeping.
GM used to be one of, if not the best US automaker in the 1940’s-1960’s with innovative, groundbreaking iconic stylish vehicles that were high quality and reliable. All that changed in the 70’s-80’s depending on the vehicle itself. Flash forward today, and GM has become a company that makes products that’s “just good enough “. When a much smaller company like Hyundai, Mazda, and Kia are designing and building vehicles much better than GM, you know that should be a wake up call for them. This is very obvious even with the Chevy Malibu. A cheap basic looking interior compared to a Sonata. You get more value out of the Sonata as well which is better put together. The culture at GM won’t ever change, they need to get back to building world class vehicles like they did in the 50’s and 60’s, not the half ass products they’re putting out today.
So still no Blind Spot monitoring? Really?
Still no sunroof?
Well people, GM has made it very easy to select the interior color for the 2021 Colorado. You can get black, black, or black. Who is the high-up that made that decision? Sorry GM, not interested in a black interior. Guess maybe another manufacturer may get my business.
With so many complaints regarding the seats in the Colorado, why hasn’t GM made adjustments or at
least offered a better seat? Tisk tisk! And so disturbing that the color selection has dwindled to nearly
nothing.