Z71 4x4 Crew Cab 6 ft. box 140.5 in. WB
2018 Chevrolet Colorado

We've found the Colorado beats the top-selling Tacoma in ride, handling, packaging, fit and finish, interior space and materials, connectivity, driving position, and bed features.

And now we think the Tacoma TRD Off-Road, perennial ruler of rugged terrain among midsize pickups, may have finally met its challenge in the form of the new Colorado ZR2, introduced late in the 2017 model year.

Colorado ZR2 is a hard-core off-road truck with its own bodywork designed to improve approach and departure angles. It rides on a big wide track, lifted suspension, and hefty 31-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires. It has a mean and adventuresome look, ready for the Baja, with locking differentials, front and rear. There's a choice between a superb diesel or a wonderful V6. The Colorado ZR2 feels highly capable to us, and it's way more comfortable than the Tacoma TRD. It's just the thing for traversing a boulder field.

For most, the Colorado Z71 delivers more than enough four-wheel-drive capability, plenty for primitive roads and two-tracks.

The current, second-generation Colorado was introduced in the U.S. as a 2015 model, notable for its comfort. For 2017, Colorado got a new 3.6-liter V6 with direct fuel injection, making a strong 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, with a new 8-speed automatic transmission.

The standard Colorado engine is an eminently usable 2.5-liter four cylinder making 200 horsepower with a sharp 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. It's winning powertrain either way.

Also available is a 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder that makes 369 pound-feet of torque, with 181 horsepower at the top end. It's the best choice for towing, rated to pull up to 7700 pounds, though we'd opt for a Silverado long before approaching that kind of weight. The diesel also works well for rugged terrain. The diesel is rated by the EPA at 30 miles per gallon Highway with two-wheel drive. We found it smooth, very refined, and powerful, emitting a wonderful sound.

A 100th Anniversary Edition package is available for the 2018 Colorado, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Chevrolet truck.

The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are mostly identical mechanically.

Colorado rides on a boxed frame with coil spring suspension in front, leaf springs at the rear. The electric power steering is weighted well. Its ride and handling is far better than the Nissan Frontier, as well as the Tacoma. Four-wheel disc brakes with long-life rotors are standard.

Buyers can choose among cab and bed configurations, including the standard extended cab with two small rear doors, a very small bench seat, and six-foot bed; or the four-door crew cab with either a five- or six-foot bed (or no bed at all, for commercial sales). There's no regular cab any more.

A crew cab Colorado works well as a second family car.

Four-wheel drive is available. On Colorado …
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