2015 Chevrolet Colorado

Since the U.S.-market 2015 Colorado is a different vehicle than the one sold in international markets as the Colorado/S10, it features a unique design that is unique, rugged, bold, and tough, with a confident stance and a sporty demeanor.

Taller bedsides match the aggressive, raked belt line of the cab, creating a distinctive proportion that reinforces the truck’s athleticism while better securing items stored in the bed.

“The new Colorado’s design brings a youthful breath of fresh air to the midsize truck segment and puts a progressive spin on Chevrolet’s true-truck styling,” said Ken Parkinson, executive director of Chevrolet Design. “It’s like the younger, more eager brother of the Silverado — a Chevy truck through and through, with great zeal and a spirit of adventure.”

Like the 2014 Silverado, the 2015 Colorado features triple-sealed doors inlaid in the body sides for improved aerodynamic performance and a quieter interior.

To help keep overall mass down and improve the front-to-rear weight balance, the Colorado features a segment-first aluminum hood. It also features the segment’s only active aero grille shutters, which close at certain highway speeds to enhance aerodynamics.

The Colorado’s North American design is unique, with a confident stance and a sporty demeanor. Taller bedsides, for example, are exclusive to North America and match the aggressive, raked belt line of the cab, creating a distinctive proportion that reinforces the truck’s athleticism while better securing items stored in the bed.

The Colorado features triple-sealed doors inlaid in the body sides, like the Silverado, for improved aerodynamic performance and a quieter interior. To help keep overall mass down, lightweight materials such as a segment-first aluminum hood are used. It also offers the segment’s first active aero grille shutters, designed to enhance aerodynamics when closed.

Models and trim levels include Work Truck (WT), LT and Z71. The off-road-inspired Z71 features a gunmetal grille surround – a change from the chrome standard on the other models – projector headlamps and 17-inch aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires.

Cab and bed configuration choices include an extended cab model with a 6’ 2″ bed, a crew cab with a 5’ 2″ bed and a crew cab with a 6’ 2″ bed. With the tailgate down, the 6’ 2″ bed allows hauling of 8-foot-long items.

Colorado’s innovative solutions for hauling and accessing cargo include:

• Standard CornerStep rear bumper design pioneered on the 2014 Silverado
• EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate that uses an internal torsion bar to make raising the tailgate easier with one hand, and a damper for more-controlled lowering; it is standard on Z71 and available on WT and LT models
• Standard locking tailgate
• Standard two-tier loading that allows a platform to effectively split the bed into upper and lower sections, making it easier to haul, store and conceal items such as tools
• Thirteen standard tie-down locations throughout the bed for use with available, movable cargo tie-down rings
• Standard bed rail and tailgate protectors
• Available factory-installed spray-in bed liner
• Wheels:
  • Sixteen-inch steel wheels are standard on WT and 16-inch aluminum wheels are available
  • Seventeen-inch aluminum wheels are standard on LT and 18-inch aluminum wheels are available
  • Seventeen-inch aluminum wheels are standard on Z71
• A WT Appearance Package is available on WT models and includes 16-inch aluminum wheels, body-color outside mirrors, spotter mirror and body-color door handles. The EZ-Lift-and-Lower tailgate is included with the WT Convenience Package, which also includes remote keyless entry, theft-deterrent system and cruise control.

For LT models, an available convenience package includes a rear window defogger, front fog lamps, remote vehicle starter and the EZ-Lift-and-Lower tailgate.

The eight 2015 Chevy Colorado colors include:

• Red Hot
• Rainforest Green Metallic
• Red Rock Metallic
• Silver Ice Metallic
• Summit White
• Black
• Cyber Gray Metallic
• Brownstone Metallic

Blending cues from Silverado with a style all its own, the interior of the 2015 Colorado is designed to be comfortable, cleverly equipped, and well connected. A bold, upright instrument panel with large instruments and a central driver information center is similar to that found in the Silverado, while featuring a center console with a floor-mounted shifter similar to those found in midsize cars and crossovers.

Colorado cabin designers paid exceptional attention to detail and premium appointments, including a sculpted headliner that enhances headroom, halo lighting on key controls for easier view and an open area at the front of the center console for easier phone charging. The Z71 model features exclusive color and trim details, including embossed seatbacks and contrast stitching.

“We took the best attributes of full-size trucks and midsize cars to develop a passenger space that delivers a balance of unmatched functionality and comfort,” said Parkinson. “It’s designed to be as useful as possible, with storage compartments and clever features throughout, for owners who will use the Colorado as their daily driver and for weekend getaways.”

Interior details include:

• Sculpted door panels that make it easier to enter/exit the vehicle
• Upper-instrument panel storage bin (when not equipped with the uplevel audio system) and large glove box
• Standard center console with room to store a tablet
• Rear under-seat storage.
• Dual-firmness foam helps Colorado’s seats wear for long-haul comfort with high-wear, stain-resistant cloth seating trim. Leather-appointed seating is available.

Seats

The 2015 Chevy Colorado offers one type of seat front bucket seat and one type of rear seat. The seats can be wrapped either in vinyl or cloth.

Interior Color Combinations

The 2015 Chevy Colorado offers the following two interior color combinations:

1. Jet Black / Dark Ash
2. Jet Black

Chevrolet MyLink is standard on LT and Z71 models. It combines with OnStar to bring connectivity technology to Colorado at a time when more and more consumers are buying smartphones. MyLink complements the safety and security of OnStar with information and entertainment that’s seamlessly connected, allowing intuitive smartphone integration into the vehicle so that hand-held phones may be safely stowed while driving.

Enhanced connectivity and convenience with MyLink includes text message support and Siri Eyes Free. With text message support, the driver can be alerted to new messages and can have them read aloud, view and respond to them (functionality depends on the smartphone). Siri Eyes Free enables iPhone 4S, 5, 5S and 6 users to access Siri via the steering wheel controls and check calendar entries, have text messages read and respond to them, place calls or call up music.

Android phone users can also use the steering wheel controls to access their phone’s voice recognition features.

Additional MyLink features include:

Hands-free voice control system powered by Nuance®, which allows simple voice commands to initiate phone calls and select radio stations or media from portable MP3 players and smart phones Pandora Internet radio users can create personalized radio stations based on favorite artists or genres. MyLink integrates control of a smartphone app for a driver-directed listening experience. Data plan rates apply Gracenote identifies the music collection on the driver’s USB device, MP3 player or smart phone and presents information such as artist name, genres and album cover art on the MyLink screen. Data plan rates apply USB connectivity adds the ability to play music files directly from flash memory devices, and gives the customer the ability to update MyLink with future enhancements. Complementing MyLink to enhance Colorado’s connectivity is new OnStar with 4G LTE featuring a standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. It provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected. The hotspot is on whenever the vehicle is on and comes with a three-month/three-gigabyte data trial, whichever comes first.

4G LTE is the most current and fastest mobile data network – 10 times faster than 3G and 100 times faster than the 2G network. And with OnStar, customers have a powerful antenna built right in to the vehicle’s electrical system.

Active from the time of purchase, six months of OnStar Directions and Connections includes all of OnStar’s advisor-based safety and security features, including Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Assistance, as well as Turn-by-Turn navigation.

Five years of OnStar Basic Plan includes RemoteLink Key Fob Services, allowing owners to remotely start and lock/unlock a car (if properly equipped), and activate the horn and lights from anywhere with a data connection. It also includes OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, which runs monthly checks of vehicle systems – including the engine, transmission and anti-lock brakes – and sends a diagnostic update to the owner via email; and Dealer Maintenance Notification, which sends a diagnostic report directly to a preferred dealer to simplify service scheduling. The Basic Plan does not include any emergency services.

Chevy says that the 2015 Colorado delivers the capability expected of a Chevy truck. It has been engineered to offer better payload performance than any competitor and segment-leading trailering. And like the Silverado, the Colorado has a fully-boxed perimeter frame that, as Chevy says, delivers the strength to support its capabilities, as well as a confident, smooth and quiet ride.

The 2015 Colorado features a coil-over-type front suspension features aluminum knuckles that are low in mass and high in strength, contributing to a more responsive, immediate feel to driver inputs, as well as efficiency.

Colorado also features the segment’s first application of electric power steering, which enhances efficiency by avoiding the energy used by what conventionally is an engine-driven feature.

In addition, the Colorado has a short turning radius of about 41 feet (12.5 meters), enabling easier turning in tight areas such as city streets or backing a trailer into a camping spot.

Four-wheel disc brakes, with four-piston front calipers, are standard and feature Duralife brake rotors that were also pioneered on the 2014 Silverado. They offer up to double the service life, which can save money on maintenance.

Another Chevy truck feature offered on the Colorado is the G80 automatic locking rear differential. Introduced by Chevy more than 40 years ago, it gives drivers a traction advantage when needed. The differential is standard on Z71 and available on WT and LT.

The four-wheel drive system employs an electronically controlled transfer case that allows the driver to shift from 2WD to 4WD. The driver can select from three modes, 2WD, 4WD HI or 4WD Lo.

The 2015 Colorado delivers class-leading power, payload and trailering ratings.

It is the most powerful vehicle in its segment, allowing owners to haul and tow more. A 2.5L I4 LCV engine is standard, a 3.6L V6 LFX is available, and GM’s 2.8L I4 turbo-diesel will be available for the second year of the Colorado’s availability. Each engine is tuned, tested, and validated for truck use, and each features direct injection and variable valve timing to make the most of power and efficiency. Each is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the 2.5L is available with a six-speed manual transmission on extended cab 2WD Work Truck models.

When properly equipped, the Colorado is expected to offer class leading payload capacity and trailering capacity of more than 6,700 pounds (3,039 kilograms). That is more than enough capability to throw a weekend’s worth of camping gear in the bed and tow a boat to a favorite lake.

“We designed the Colorado to be the most versatile and most capable in its segment, bar none,” said Jeff Luke, executive engineer, GM Trucks. “Not everyone needs full-size capability, but they still deserve the strength and true-truck attributes that come in larger models. The Colorado delivers capability with confidence – and a fun-to-drive spirit that complements active lifestyles.”

The Colorado also provides several innovative solutions for hauling and accessing cargo:

• Standard CornerStep rear bumper design pioneered on the 2014 Silverado
• Available EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate that uses an internal torsion bar to make raising the tailgate easier with one hand, and a damper for more-controlled lowering
• Standard two-tier loading that allows a platform to effectively split the bed into upper and lower sections, making it easier to haul, store and conceal items such as tools
• Thirteen standard tie-down locations throughout the bed for use with available, movable cargo tie-down rings
• Standard bed rail and tailgate protectors
• Available factory-installed spray-in bed liner
• An interior for work, recreation and everyday comfort

Engines

The 2.5L I4 and 3.6L V6 engines offered in the Colorado are based on proven designs found in other GM/Chevrolet vehicles, but tuned uniquely for truck duty, providing more torque at lower RPM — for a more confident feeling of power when the Colorado is loaded or pulling a trailer.

The 2.5L four-cylinder engine LCV is rated at 200 horsepower (149 kW) and 191 pound-feet of torque (259 Nm), with approximately 90 percent of the peak torque available from 2,000 rpm to 6,200 rpm. The 3.6L six-cylinder engine LFX is rated at 305 horsepower (229 kW) and 269 pound-feet of torque (365 Nm).

Both engines share advanced technologies, including:

• Aluminum blocks
• Forged-steel crankshafts
• Dual-overhead camshafts with variable valve timing
• Direct injection and jet-spray piston

Transmissions

All models are matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox complements the truck-tuned engines with features that make hauling and trailering easier and more comfortable, including auto grade braking and a tow/haul mode.

Extended cab 2WD WT models equipped with the 2.5L engine are also available with a six-speed manual transmission.

Standard and available features designed to keep the Colorado’s occupants safe before, during and after a crash include:

• Six standard air bags, including head side curtain air bags designed to help keep occupants from being ejected in a crash
• Large rearview mirrors and standard rear-vision camera system for greater visibility
• Available segment-first application of Forward Collision Alert
• Available segment-first application of Lane Departure Warning
• Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation, trailer sway control, hill start assist and hill descent control (Z71)
• Segment-first telematics system with OnStar, providing safety and informational features

General Motors unveiled the all-new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado mid-size pickup truck at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2013.

When

The 2015 Colorado became available in the United States in the third quarter of 2014 as a 2015 model. Canadian availability followed shortly after.

Where

The 2015 Colorado is available in the United States and in Canada. It appears that General Motors will continue offering the International-market GMI-based Colorado in Mexico.

The 2015 Colorado competes in the mainstream mid-size pickup truck segment against two primary rivals, the:

• Toyota Tacoma
• Nissan Frontier

Even the Colorado’s own platform mate, the 2015 GMC Canyon, will be a competitor.

The 2015 Colorado is manufactured alongside the 2015 GMC Canyon at GM’s Wentzville, Missouri plant.

The 2015 Colorado carried a base price of $20,995. The best-equipped models were configurable up to roughly $40,000.

The 2015 Colorado is offered in the WT, LT, and Z71 trim levels, each available in 2WD or 4WD.

Colorado Z71

The off-road-inspired Z71 is the brawniest of the trim levels, featuring projector headlamps, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, and a gunmetal grille surround, which is a change from the chrome standard on the other models.

Colorado Configurations

The 2015 Colorado’s cab and bed configurations include:

• Extended cab model with a 6-foot bed
• Crew cab with a 5-foot bed
• Crew cab with a 6-foot bed

With the tailgate down, the 6-foot bed allows hauling of 8-foot-long items.

Download the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado order guide (PDF format).

Work and lifestyle accessories were developed in tandem with the Colorado to match the truck’s capabilities with integrated functionality and designs the complement its distinctive styling.

The lineup includes the all-new, patent-pending GearOn™ system and a variety of accessories designed to make cargo hauling easier and more convenient, as well as exterior styling enhancement and interior items.

Colorado’s GearOn™ system is designed to fit perfectly within the bed, for significant storage and hauling flexibility. It is upgradable, with modular cargo dividers and tiered storage to accommodate 4 x 8-foot sheets of plywood above the wheelhouses. It also uses the box’s four permanent and 13 tie-down provisions to allow for a variety of secure and convenient cargo stowage options.

All of the accessories are available as Colorado rolls into dealer showrooms and customers can have them installed when they purchase their new truck, so they are ready at the time of vehicle delivery. In fact, they can even roll the cost of the accessories into the monthly payments for the Colorado, and include them in the vehicle’s warranty.

The 2015 Colorado furnishes Chevrolet with a three-truck strategy in the U.S. and Canada. The strategy includes:

• Midsize: Chevrolet Colorado
• Full-size light-duty: Silverado 1500
• Full-size HD: Silverado Heavy Duty (HD)

Although not officially confirmed by General Motors, specifications clearly show that the 2015 Colorado rides a different vehicle architecture than the international-market Colorado/S10. As such, the two trucks share a name, and little else.

As we were told, the architecture underpinning the U.S.- and Canadian-market Colorado is a smaller variant of the K2XX platform used by the 2014 Chevy Silverado and 2014 GMC Sierra.

Serving as indirect proof of this are the following statements from General Motors:

“The all-new Colorado benefits from the solid foundation established by the Silverado”, said GM product chief Mark Reuss.

Lending more credence to the notion that the new Colorado uses a smaller variant of the K2XX platform is a GM press release, which states that the “new Colorado is built with the DNA of a true Chevy truck”.

One more piece of indirect evidence pointing to the fact that the U.S.-market Colorado rides on a platform of its own is the following segment from a GM press release: “The new Colorado was developed for the North American truck customer”.

Outside of the architecture name, we should note that the Colorado has a fully boxed perimeter frame (like the larger Silverado), which provides the strength to support its capabilities, as well as a confident, smooth and quiet ride.

2015 Chevrolet Colorado Overview

2015 Chevrolet Colorado Engines

2015 Chevrolet Colorado Transmissions

2015 Chevrolet Colorado Chassis & Suspension

2015 Chevrolet Colorado Brakes

2015 Chevrolet Colorado Wheels & Tires

2015 Chevrolet Colorado Exterior Dimensions

2015 Chevrolet Colorado Cargo Box

2015 Chevrolet Colorado Interior Dimensions

2015 Chevrolet Colorado Curb Weight & Payload

2015 Chevrolet Colorado Capacities

2015 Chevrolet Colorado Trailering (SAE J2807 Recommended Practices)