The Chevrolet Colorado is a midsize pickup truck that served as a direct replacement for the Chevrolet S-10.
First Generation
The first-generation Chevrolet Colorado was co-developed by GM’s North American operations, GM’s Brazil operations and Isuzu, and launched for the 2004 model year. Riding on the GMT355 platform – which was shared with the GMC Canyon and Isuzu i-series – the first-gen Colorado was positioned as a compact pickup truck. Production of North American units took place at the GM Shreveport plant in Louisiana.
For the 2007 model year, General Motors gave the Colorado a mid-cycle refresh, which included new powerplants, paint colors, and minor updates to the front fascia and interior. Notably, lower trims kept the pre-refreshed look. For the 2009 model year, the Colorado was facelifted once again and received more engine options.
As for powertrain, the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado was available with the naturally aspirated 2.8L I4 LK5 gasoline engine, rated at 175 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, or the naturally aspirated 3.5L I5 L52 gasoline engine, rated at 220 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. Then, for the 2007 mid-cycle refresh, the LK5 and L52 engines were each respectively replaced with the naturally aspirated 2.9L I4 LLV gasoline engine, rated at 185 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque, and the naturally aspirated 3.7L I5 LLR gasoline engine, rated at 242 horsepower and 242 pound-feet of torque. Finally, the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 LH8 gasoline engine was introduced for the 2009 model year, and was rated at 300 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque.
A five-speed manual transmission was standard, while a four-speed automatic transmission was available as an option. RWD was standard, while 4WD was optional.
Production of the first-gen Chevrolet Colorado spanned from the 2004 to 2012 model years, while the trim lineup of the 2012 Colorado ranged from Work Truck (WT), 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT.
Second Generation
The North American-spec second-generation Chevrolet Colorado was revealed at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, and launched for the 2015 model year. Riding on the GMT31XX platform – which was shared with the second-gen GMC Canyon – the second-gen Colorado was positioned as a midsize pickup truck. Production of North American units took place at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri.
For the 2021 model year, General Motors gave the second-gen Colorado a mid-cycle refresh, which included revised exterior styling and an updated front fascia. Notably, the trim level lineup was reduced to four models.
As for powertrain, the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado was available with the naturally aspirated 2.5L I4 LCV gasoline engine, rated at 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, or the naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 LFX gasoline engine, rated at 304 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. For the 2016 model year, the 2.8L I4 LWN turbodiesel Duramax engine was introduced, rated at 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Finally, the 3.6L V6 LFX engine was replaced by the naturally aspirated 3.6L LGZ V6 gasoline engine for the 2017 model year, rated at 308 horsepower and 276 pound-feet of torque.
A six-speed manual transmission was standard until it was dropped for the 2019 model year, while either a six-speed automatic transmission or eight-speed automatic was available. RWD was standard, while 4WD was optional.
Production of the second-gen Chevrolet Colorado spanned from the 2015 to 2022 model years, while the trim lineup of the 2022 Colorado ranged from Work Truck (WT), LT, Z71, and ZR2.
Third Generation
The third-generation Chevrolet Colorado was officially unveiled in July 2022, and launched for the 2023 model year. Riding on an updated variant of the GMT 31XX platform – which is shared with the third-gen GMC Canyon – the third-gen Colorado is positioned as a midsize pickup truck. Production takes place at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri.
In regard to powertrain, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado was available with two distinct engines, including the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L2R gasoline engine, rated at 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, or the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine, rated at either 310 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, or 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, depending on the tune.
Output is routed to the rear wheels as standard through an updated version of GM’s eight-speed automatic, while 4WD is available as an option.
Production of the third-gen Chevrolet Colorado spans from the 2023 model year to present, while the trim lineup of the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ranges from Work Truck (WT), LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2. The 2024 model year added the ZR2 Bison package.
Sales
See Chevy Colorado sales numbers for global markets.
Discussion
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