The 2026 Chevy Colorado serves as the fourth model year for the third-generation midsize pickup, debuting only a few small changes compared to the preceding 2025 model year. Among the updates will be two new wheel options, as GM Authority covered previously. Now, GM Authority has learned that General Motors is also implementing a significant ordering change for the 2026 Chevy Colorado LT trim level.
According to sources familiar with the matter, GM will reintroduce the 2LT and 4LT equipment group designations for the 2026 model year, referring to the LT 2WD and LT 4WD model configurations, respectively. This reverts back to the naming format used for the 2023 and 2024 Colorado, before GM briefly made the LT an optional package for the Work Truck trim in conjunction with the 2025 model year. Although the trim will continue to be called “LT” on the consumer side, internally the different configurations use different codes, with PCJ used for 2WD models and PCP used for 4WD models.
Beyond this small internal ordering update, the 2026 Colorado LT is expected to retain the same equipment and specs as the 2025 model. That includes 17-inch Argen metallic aluminum wheels, the StowFlex tailgate with built-in storage, and a suite of safety and infotainment features. The truck will also offer heated front seats, an 11.3-inch touchscreen display with Google built-in, and both the Safety Package and Chevy Safety Assist active safety suites.
Under the hood, all 2026 Chevy Colorado LT variants are powered by the TurboMax-branded turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B engine, which is rated at 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The 2.7L I4 L2R engine that was offered previously was discontinued for 2025. The GM eight-speed automatic remains the only transmission option.
The third-generation Colorado rides on the updated 31XX-2 platform, while vehicle production for the 2026 model year is slated to begin at the GM Wentzville Assembly plant in Missouri on July 7th, 2025.
Comments
Instead of mumbo-jumbo, they need to make the truck more affordable. An extended cab and regular cab would help do that.
I am against all these carmakers that make each successive generation bigger and more expensive than the one before. This opens up a hole below, and in the Colorado’s case, GM has nothing poised to make up the lower end slack.
They build what sells, and when a plant is maxed out, like the Wentzville Colorado/Canyon Plant, they build what brings the most margin/profit. Single cab and long box just add complexity and would not improve profit. Consumers in the under 10% of the sales mix won’t win here.
As for trucks getting larger, thank the EPA for this. Sounds weird but a bigger footprint means a less punitive EPA fuel economy target. Go figure, huh?
This is why I bought my Maverick Tremor. Got tired of the bigger is better mantra.