Let’s Explore the Second-Generation Chevy Colorado

Although we love full-size trucks like the Chevy Silverado, we also know that some folks prefer the feel and performance of a smaller, midsize model. Chevy knows this, too, which is where the capable and impressive Chevy Colorado comes into play. When the Colorado first hit the road for the 2004 model year, it was a compact truck. We’d suggest not going quite that far back when looking for a used Chevy Colorado for sale unless you’re a collector, but it shows just how far this model has come. We’d like to highlight the second generation of the Colorado in particular, which was released for the 2015 model year after a brief hiatus and included a redesign that saw the Colorado grow into a midsize pickup. This impressive generation ran through the 2022 model, with each year showing plenty of differences between one and another throughout the generation. Let’s look at each model year released during this span and what you should keep in mind as you shop for your next used pickup.

The 2015 Chevy Colorado

Kicking things off, we have the 2015 Chevy Colorado, which saw the relaunch of this truck after it was discontinued following the 2012 model year. Sales of compact trucks had dimmed throughout the late 2000s, but there was renewed interest in midsize pickups in the early 2010s. Two years off gave Chevy time to focus on developing the Colorado to create something new and exciting, which is exactly what they did.

With a complete redesign, the Colorado was all-new for its 2015 debut, and it made an immediate splash thanks to its gorgeous design and impressive capability. Chevy’s designers took styling cues from the Silverado for its front end, creating a bold and powerful truck that, despite its smaller size, feels right at home at job sites and tailgating. Chevy launched the Colorado with numerous trims, including a starting Base model, a WT option, an LT with upgraded features, and a top-end Z71 with some off-road capability.

For 2015, two engines are offered on the Colorado: a standard 2.5L Ecotec I-4 engine clocking in at 200 hp on a rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration. Of particular note is that a six-speed manual transmission is standard on the 2015 model; a six-speed automatic transmission is available along with four-wheel drive, so keep that in mind when exploring your options. An available 3.6L V6 engine boosts performance up to 305 hp and comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, which also helps enhance maximum towing to 7,000 lbs when properly equipped. Just be sure to look at the payload and tow ratings for any specific model you find since they can vary across the two engines and numerous options.

Standard interior equipment on the base trim includes vinyl seating, a basic radio with a six-speaker sound system, and other standards you’d expect from 2015, such as power windows and door locks. Moving up to the WT model, it introduces an available seven-inch screen with the MyLink infotainment system, cloth seating, and keyless entry. The LT improves on this further by adding an eight-inch MyLink system with more options like remote start and a Bose sound system available. If you find a Z71 model, expect to find enhanced seating, off-road suspension, and features like the seven-speaker Bose premium sound system. All of this comes together to make the inaugural year for the second-gen Colorado a great foundation that Chevy would build upon in the following years.

The 2016 Chevy Colorado

Updates for the 2016 Colorado were minimal since it had just made such a great first impression the previous year. That being said, there’s one big difference to remember: starting with the late 2016 models, a diesel engine became available. This is huge for a midsize model, and it sets the Colorado apart from almost every other truck in its class. It’s an impressive 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine that delivers 181 hp and a massive 369 lb-ft of torque, paired with the six-speed automatic.

In terms of performance, each of these engines feels quite different and creates three distinct experiences. The standard I-4 is the most budget-friendly option, while the available V6 makes for quicker acceleration and a sportier ride. If you want the best capability and towing capacity available, look for a model with the diesel engine, which gets up to 7,700 lbs of max towing when properly equipped.

The 2017 Chevy Colorado

There are two significant updates for the 2017 Colorado that you should consider when looking at used models. Chevy’s engineers revised the available V6 engine, boosting horsepower and torque slightly for a sportier ride. Also, a new eight-speed automatic transmission became standard with the Colorado’s V6 for 2017, creating a fun and highly responsive drive.

The second big update is the addition of a new trim level for the Colorado: the ZR2. While the Z71 provides some light off-road features and equipment, the ZR2 is a dedicated off-road trim designed to go far beyond what many other midsize trucks can do. It adds a two-inch lifted off-road suspension, a wider track, and Multimatic DSSV shock absorbers to greatly enhance its performance in rough conditions. Aluminum skid plates help protect the underside, creating a truck that’s ready to go anywhere you can imagine.

The 2018 Chevy Colorado

Similar to 2016, updates for the 2018 Colorado are minor, which means you can see it as an extension of what was added for 2017. Some new features, like heated side mirrors, have become available, which are great for cold mornings when they can easily fog up. A new Active Tow system makes it easier to connect to a trailer, which is worth looking for if you plan on doing any sort of heavy towing with your Colorado.

The 2019 Chevy Colorado

Once again, updates for the 2019 model are minimal in terms of performance, but several new features are worth noting. The MyLink system was replaced by a new Chevy Infotainment 3 system designed to enhance functionality and support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is also the last year a manual transmission has been offered in Colorado as a standard for the I-4 engine; following 2019, only automatic transmissions are available.

The 2020 Chevy Colorado

The Colorado continues to improve in small ways as it enters the new decade, with the same three engines on offer and a six-speed automatic transmission standard, though the V6 and diesel come with the eight-speed automatic we mentioned earlier instead. A Chevy Infotainment 3 Premium system becomes available for 2020 with Navigation support and a slick eight-inch display. Other new optional features are comparatively small, quality-of-life changes such as a remote-locking rear tailgate. Otherwise, the features are the same as in the previous year.

The 2021 Chevy Colorado

After a few changes from the previous years, the 2021 Colorado gets a bit of a shakeup in the form of new styling and revised looks. Bold, aggressive appearances are at the forefront with this update, and for 2021, the Base trim has been dropped. The Colorado starts with the WT, the LT, the high-end Z71, and finally the off-road ZR2 model. Naturally, this change improves the overall starting features of the Colorado since the WT is now the standard trim with that seven-inch infotainment display and other great available features, making this a particularly good spot to look for a used model with some modern comforts.

The 2022 Chevy Colorado

The final model year for the Colorado’s second generation sees little in the way of changes or updates, reflecting a new model coming over the horizon, the Colorado has become the best it can be. One thing to watch for, however, is the addition of a Trail Boss package for the Colorado, available for LT and Z71 models. The Trail Boss adds off-road capability to the truck for those wanting a taste without the full ZR2 trim, including a one-inch suspension lift and skid plates on the underside. If the ZR2 is way beyond what you need but still want a truck prepared to handle rough circumstances, a 2022 Colorado with the Trail Boss package is a great choice.

Find the Used Chevy Colorado That’s Perfect for You

As you can see, changes from one model year to another are often pretty minimal, only one or two things, but the difference can still be tremendous. If you want a manual transmission in your truck, for example, then it’s essential that you look at a Colorado from 2019 or earlier since it was discontinued after that point. Similarly, the significant change for the 2016 model year was just one thing, but since that one thing was an available diesel engine with enhanced towing capabilities, that’s a big deal. This is why it helps to shop with people who can assist you in exploring different Colorado models to ensure you drive away in a robust and reliable pickup that you’ll enjoy for many years to come.