You may have heard that GM is giving the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado a mild refresh that consists of new, model-specific front fascias, a new tailgate, slightly-revised trim level structure, and a few changes to the equipment group structure. We’ve already covered these updates at length here at GM Authority, but what we haven’t yet covered is that 2021 Chevrolet Colorado production is already underway.
Production of the 2021 Colorado started at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri on June 26th, 2020, GM Authority has learned from our friends building the midsize pickup truck. That makes the Colorado, along with its corporate cousin, the GMC Canyon, the first U.S.-built 2021 model year GM vehicles to go into production.
While 2021 Chevrolet Colorado production is already underway, there will be a few features and options that will not be available at start of production. These items include (but are not limited to) the 2.8L I-4 LWN turbo-diesel Duramax engine, the Crush color (for all Colorado models) and the Sand Dune Metallic color (only for the Colorado Z71).
2021 Colorado in Crush color
2021 Colorado in Sand Dune color
The 2021 Colorado features a revised trim level structure, with the base trim level that slotted below the Work Truck deleted due to low demand. Additionally, each model now gets a unique front end treatment, as we outlined recently. A new debossed tailgate with the CHEVROLET script changes things up at the rear. There’s also a plethora of other minor changes and updates, which you can see at this link: 2021 Colorado changes and updates.
The current, second-generation Chevrolet Colorado will live on for at least the 2021 and 2022 model years before being replaced by an overhauled model on an updated version of the GMT31XX platform utilized by the current model. The next-generation model will be powered by a single powerplant similar to the turbocharged 2.7L I-4 L3B gasoline engine. Additionally, the future Colorado is expected to have significantly more in common with its international-market variant sold in South America. The international version will no longer be sold in Southeast Asia after General Motors’ decision to exit from that region.
We’ll have more on the Chevy Colorado shortly, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Colorado news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
This refresh is junk, look at the recent Ranger, Tacoma, Gladiator sales. This Colorado refresh will sink sales further. And “at least 2021,2022…..” How about you at least offer the turbo now as an option? You need to do better GM than a fascia refresh. No one cares in 2020 about a refresh. Sales will struggle
First this is not a refresh, it’s a new fascia that allows them to tide things over until 2022-2023.
Second they’re working on an all new truck. It makes no sense to invest in the current one and the new one at the same time. Sure they might lose some sales until the new one comes, but the entire line has been paid for, which means money in the bank. Plus I’m not too worried, sales will be just fine. This is still a very solid product despite its age.
Remember that GM is a business. It doesn’t exist to satisfy your every whim.
UMMMM, the Colorado outsells the Gladiator and Ranger and they’ve both had just over a year to hit their stride. The Colorado is now going into its 6th year and has a corporate cousin, the Canyon
Do some research first guy.
FYI…Ranger outsold Colorado in Q2 2020. But not by much. Reason could have been Ford had more available inventory than GM during Q2.
I’ve only seen the q1 numbers so far with Colorado at #2, not the Q2 numbers. I haven’t looked real hard though so I’ll assume you’re right, what are the YTD numbers?
I fully agree the Colorado is in need of some updates, but with how stale the whole class is, it’s competitive and certainly better than the Ranger in just about everything except acceleration.
Unfortunately here GM goes removing the diesel option that they worked so hard to get in the first place. The 2.8 was a great international product, as is my 2.0 TDI 2014 Cruze. A shame GM didn’t see fit to keep it around. Just like the Diesel Cruze(which I have, and love, have not had any issues like the other folks I have heard on here) I understand, diesels are not for everyone, you have to know them to love them. As a friend told me. ”it ain’t your grandpa’s Oldsmobile for sure”
No one is removing the 2.8L diesel. It will be here until the end of this generation Colorado. The 2.7L gasoline that will replace it makes more horsepower and roughly the same torque, making the diesel irrelevant, except for those select few who are diesel aficionados. But again, it’s tough to make an argument for the diesel when the turbo 2.7L gasoline puts out better numbers, while also being exponentially kore refined.
I stand corrected Alex, it just says “will not be available at the start of production “ sorry.
The 2.7L gas engine sounds like a really good option, but the 2.8 Turbo diesel is a longer lasting engine, has better torque for off road/overland driving (Bison), and is currently an option to choose, which brings me to my point…there won’t be another option after 2022, and how much more will the truck cost? The current model charges $3500 extra to have the diesel.
Keep in mind, we don’t know of any potential changes for the 2022 Colorado, so any speculation on the redesign in 2023, is purely speculation. Even the year of the redesign is speculation, especially in the current COVID environment and what changes that could have on the Colorado plans.
I am waiting to see if the Canyon will have available vented seats, electric rear window and folding step tailgate as options! Then I may consider upgrading my present 2016 Canyon.
You can rest assure with the reality of the minimal changes done to this truck, that all other available features will be a carryover from the 2020 and older models, perhaps a new exterior paint color or two to be introduced later, but that may be it, more than likely, the 2023 Model is your best bet if you can wait, especially if your current truck is paid off and you can enjoy the freedom of no truck payments for the time being.
Will there ever be a v8 option for the colorado? 5.3?
Sadly we will never see a V8 in these. It’s already basically confirmed the next gen will drop the 4cyl and V6 for the 2.7 turbo 4 currently in the Silverado. Which by all means is a great motor and better than the current V6.
You would be better off taking advantage of a deal on the new Silverado with the updated 5.3or the new 2.7 liter Tubo engine and get all the convenience and available safety features that are not offered on the current Colorado and Canyon.
GM has had plenty of time to update the GM twins.1st off the 8 speed transmission needs to go… 2nd if the 2.7 turbo does not get at least the MPG of the diesel 🙄.
Yes the Ford Ranger has overtaken the Chevy in sales.. #3 already…
Need a better towing capacity without having to goto a larger truck
Just an fyi, we have had a pair of 2021 Colorado’s for over a week. Granted, they are in fleet trim, but they are past production and into delivery mode.
I phased a Colorado high country in thailand and I for one will never buy another. It’s been littered with fault and that with a very poor customer service. My vehicle which has the 2.4 duramax turbo diesel 6 speed and has 14000km on the clock.
First was a replacement headset then the tyre pressure regulator and to top it off the torque converter.
Beat this there is no known fix and probably never will be.
Wished I never brought the lemon but as now they’ve pulled out of Asia the cars worthless so a bucket load of money down the drain…
Anyone please don’t buy a lemon like me look at other companies please..
I phased a Colorado high country in thailand and I for one will never buy another. It’s been littered with fault and that with a very poor customer service. My vehicle which has the 2.4 duramax turbo diesel 6 speed and has 14000km on the clock.
First was a replacement headset then the tyre pressure regulator and to top it off the torque converter.
Beat this there is no known fix and probably never will be.
Wished I never brought the lemon but as now they’ve pulled out of Asia the cars worthless so a bucket load of money down the drain….
Anyone please don’t buy a lemon like me look at other companies please..