The latest second-generation Chevrolet Colorado was first introduced for the 2015 model year, dropping in as GM’s return to the midsize pickup truck segment. However, ever since it was launched, people have complained about the second-gen Colorado’s large front air dam. Thankfully, it looks as though Chevy has listened, as the new 2021 Chevrolet Colorado comes with several improvements that address these owner concerns.
2015 – 2020 Chevrolet Colorado
Before we dive into the improvements, let’s briefly go over the issue at hand, namely, the size of the front air dam on the second-generation Chevrolet Colorado. Since the latest-generation Colorado was introduced, the fascia has come equipped with a large front air dam that juts out from the lower bumper, making off-roading more or less impossible and hampering the pickup’s approach angle. In fact, the air dam is so big, it even scrapes against some pretty basic on-road features, such as parking blocks.
All of this has prompted owners to complain about the second-generation’s extended front air dam, and some owners have even chosen to remove the air dam altogether. Now, however, the latest 2021 Chevrolet Colorado addresses this issue with a reshaped front air dam.
2015 – 2020 Chevrolet Colorado
2021 Chevrolet Colorado LT
As we’ve covered previously, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado gets a restyled front fascia, with the upper grille section and lower bumper both breaking from the styling of the 2015 through 2020 model year vehicles. What’s more the lower air dam now features a curved section around the center which will enable an improved approach angle.
What’s more, for those owners that want to remove the new air dam entirely, it’s been redesigned to make the removal process easier, with the fasteners now reversed, making the head more easily accessible. According to Chevrolet spokesperson Chris Bonelli, this new design “makes removing [the air dam] much easier.”
2021 Chevrolet Colorado Z71
Note that this new front air dam is equipped on all 2021 Chevrolet Colorado trim levels except the hardcore off-roader spec ZR2, which gets its own unique front bumper treatment. That means the new air dam discussed above can be found on WT, LT, and Z71 trim levels.
Does this new air dam look like an improvement to you? 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.
Comments
Owners of the older style just flipped the clips. This made it easy to remove. Or they just removed all together.
I had it removed on my 2018 Z71 before it even left the lot, unsightly piece of embarrassing plastic
I’m second owner of Chevrolet Colorado – 2019, still don’t like the air dam on the truck. What is the purpose of the air-dam.
Can the air-dam be easily remove by oneself without having to go to the dealership?
The reason is in EPA testing it adds MPG to the GM numbers.
Yes if you are somewhat mechanical it is a home removal item.
Not sure why someone posted a negative here but it was not me. Odds are slim you will see much if any decline in MPG, The test numbers are all that count to GM.
There are videos on how to remove this as well post on the Colorado forum.
The purpose of the air dam is to move air around the truck instead of going underneath where it gets caught in all the non aero parts under the truck.
Pictures, or it did not happen……..
I hope the next Colorado looks much better than this. Have always thought this generation Colorado is so bland. Hopefully the front will borrow elements from the new silverado which looks great!
I had one on my Colorado Z71, and removed it in 2016. However, I had minor front end damage from a car backing in to me and the body shop put one back on, so I am just leaving it. At least they had some Colorado fans who worked there as they flipped the clips.
It is for gas mileage and I noticed a “whopping” 1mpg increase in city driving……but in the MPG truck wars, 1mpg is whopping to the manufactures.
To the person who gave my comment “pictures or it did not happen” a thumbs down, kiss my arse if you don’t like sarcasm………….
No. Airdam still Too Low!!!! I had a 1999 Ford Ranger, the front bumper was high enough to clear curbs, and other small obstacles. In my 2015 Colorado, due to the Low Bumper, I can Not get close to any curb, and I Will Not go over any obstacles – I could Easily go over with my Old Ranger!!!!!!!!
Is the screw pattern the same, and can the new dam be used on 2015-2020 models?
Great question…….hope someone can answer! Sure looks better than the one in 2015-2020
I have a 2017 GMC Canyon and love the truck. I don’t mind the air dam look on the truck but the removal and re-attachment should be much simpler. I’m glad the new trucks will have a easier removal process but it still seems like an afterthought. I wish there was a mechanical air dam that I could raise and lower from inside the truck depending if I’m cruising the highway or I have some obstacles to go over. It could be sold as an additional option on the truck. Come on GM, engineer a better solution.