Following the introduction of the the second-generation Chevrolet Colorado for the 2015 model year, the 2021 model year now brings a few small changes to the midsize pickup. These include a slight restructuring of the trim levels, updates to available packages, as well as revisions to front end styling, plus a new tailgate. And now, we’re getting our first look at the mildly refreshed 2021 Colorado Z71 in the following GM Authority Exclusive.
This particular example is covered in bright orange paint, also known as “Crush.” While the paint is certainly eye-catching, we’re even more interested in checking out that revised front fascia. We’ve previously seen the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado in the ZR2 trim level, but this is our first look at the less-extreme 2021 Colorado Z71.
While the 2021 Colorado Z71 has the same design for the headlamps, the grille treatment differs, with a silver center bar and black Bowtie badge. The 2021 Colorado Z71 is the only trim level in the 2021 Colorado lineup to come standard with black Bowtie badging front and center. By comparison, the ZR2 trim has “Chevrolet” spelled out across the center bar, with a small Chevy Bowtie outlined below it. The rest of the trims have gold Bowtie badging.
We also get to see the 2021 Colorado Z71’s lower fascia, including the lower bumper section, which comes with a black insert with some faux-chrome accents, plus corner-mounted fog lamps. Below the revised fascia is a prominent faux skid plate. Finally, we see new wheels in the corners, with 17-inch by 8-inch Bright Machined aluminum rollers (RPO code RIM) present and accounted for.
We don’t have a shot of the rear of the 2021 Colorado Z71 at the moment, but we do know that all 2021 Colorado models will include tailgates with embossed “Chevrolet” lettering, replacing the Chevy bowtie that adorned the rear end of 2015-2020 models.
As of this writing, we must still see the 2021 Colorado LT or Work Truck. However, the 2021 Colorado trim level cadence, from base to range-topping, is as follows:
Compared to prior model years, the 2021 pickup does away with the “base” trim that slotted under WT.
The 2021 Colorado does not represent a full mid-cycle enhancement (MCE) for the second-generation Colorado. Rather, it is more of a “light MCE” or facelift, with just a few nips and tucks. Check out our previous coverage of what’s new and different about the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado for a more complete picture.
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View Comments
It’s a very nice exterior refresh except for the lower front air dam. All of the reviewers and a lot of the owners complain about it.
The switch to an LED/partial LED headlight and an interior refresh would have been nice, but maybe a little too far considering the next gen Colorado is due in about 18 months.
New lights probably would mean new crash tests. Those aren't cheap. With the new model less than 2yrs out...
Looks good, the lower front air dam is for fuel efficiency #12, so they say!
Looks like the truck also has the front leveling kit or all Z71 wil have it now.
Computer image. They will keep the rake so they don’t end up with tail draggers like a Toyota.
Lol take my original "waiting for moderator" comment due to a link and edit it into the article
It's ok I'll keep doing it for the recognition...
Yawn...........boring
Looks much much better than the ranger.
Your comment....yes it was boring and added nothing to the conversation.
Same junk 8 speed carried over for the gasser
For a mild refresh, I’m pretty impressed with this. I like this a lot! I also really like those new wheels. Yes, this was probably done on the cheap, what with a new model coming out in two years or so, but this is a looker!
Looks more like a truck than a Equinox.
I'm surprised that more interior colors have not been introduced or maybe I missed it?
With 2,8 duramax best little truck on the market
The new front end design has a lot of goofy parts and pieces on it and doesn't look very good IMO. No flow of design- just a bunch of tacked on parts. And the new bright silver lower skid plate sticks out like a sore thumb. Same thing GM did to the new Camaro front end which most people don't like and one of the reasons it isn't selling well. The previous design was much better because it was much more simple and the design of the parts all flowed together nicely. Maybe the new 2023 will look better, but don't hold your breath with this current GM design team.