The 2026 model year will mark the fourth production year for the third-generation Chevy Colorado, which continues to gain momentum in the highly competitive midsize truck segment. While major updates aren’t anticipated for 2026, minor changes, such as new paint colors, are on the way to keep the lineup fresh as General Motors prepares for the upcoming production cycle. However, the 2026 Chevy Colorado is also losing a feature that might go unnoticed by many buyers.
The 2026 Chevy Colorado will no longer feature the underhood appearance cover (RPO BCP). It was previously standard on the LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 trims, but not offered on Work Truck (WT).
2.7L I4 L2R without engine cover
2.7L I4 L3B with engine cover
GM dropping this feature isn’t a big loss – the underhood appearance cover didn’t cover very much. It was a small, square-shaped cover that surrounded the oil filler cap and extended to the firewall. This was likely too small to make any significant difference in dampening the engine’s sound. It was also just a black piece of plastic with no writing or badging; it wasn’t doing much to dress up the Colorado’s engine bay.
Earlier in the lifecycle of this generation of the Chevy Colorado, the 2.7L I4 L2R, which served as the base engine for the WT and LT trims, didn’t offer this cover at all. The mid-range Turbo Plus 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine and the Turbo High-Output 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine were both equipped with a plastic engine cover for LT trim levels and up. The L2R was dropped from the lineup for the 2025 model year, and the L3B has been the base engine since then.
Production of the 2026 Chevy Colorado is scheduled to begin on July 1st. Manufacturing will continue at the GM Wentzville Assembly plant in Missouri alongside the mechanically similar GMC Canyon.
Power for the Colorado and Canyon comes from the aforementioned turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine (branded as TurboMax), rated at 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, under the skin, both pickups ride on the updated 31XX-2 platform.
Comments
Typical. Decontent then raise the price even more.
Unfortunate. It’s these little details that make the engine bay appear a bit cleaner than Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. All too often GM is penny wise and pound foolish.
It’s to save approximately $3.00 ??
My ’24 WT has never had this and I never missed it. One less plastic, useless piece to deal with….
Really GM? as an Owner of a 2025 colorado Z71 and am still Pissed Off about lack of basic features! 1) NO Hood Hinges ( cheap ROD), 2) No Sunglass Holder on Headliner console??
now No Engine Cover??
Come on..
Did you not notice these things when you purchased? Kind of silly to complain about minor items you surely could have known prior to buying.
Eliminating a piece of plastic from the top of the engine is a plus with zero down side.
Anything sitting on top of the engine will retain heat.
Without this in the way it’s easier to see issues; detect fluid leaks and having access to vacuum and other lines is always a plus.
Better access and room to add wiring for accessories. Compressor, light modules etc..
It fills the engine bay with unnecessary clutter
Nonfunctional plastic crap looks cheap and useless.
The less plastic in the environment the better
Two edged sword, as everything is also now subject to debris. I’m less worried about the heat as it also keeps it a consistent temperature. Exactly the temperature of the plant water right under it. No excess heat from the exhaust manifold, no cold from outside. Smooth constant temperature is best for reliability.
Good riddance
Were im from there called hoods under the hood ! Rodents love to nest under them ! And will.feast on all that yummy wiring !
What happened to the under hood light on most models?
One less piece of plastic to remove when you have to do maintenance
Take it off, take it all off said the blond in the shaving cream ad.