2022 Chevrolet Colorado

2022 Chevrolet Colorado Overview

Is the Chevrolet Colorado a Good Truck?

Yes, the Chevrolet Colorado is a good truck. It has powerful available V6 and diesel engines, a comfortable ride, and better handling than you expect from a compact pickup truck . It has a class-leading tow rating, and there’s a specialty off-road trim that’s one of the best trail runners in the class. The front seats are roomy and supportive, and the infotainment system is user-friendly.

This truck isn’t without its faults, however. The base four-cylinder engine fails to impress, and the cabin feels cheap (though it looks good). Additionally, most competitors have more standard driver assistance features and a higher maximum payload.

Should I Buy the Chevrolet Colorado?

The Colorado has a lot going for it, and it’s priced competitively with its classmates, so you should at least give it a look. Truck buyers are notoriously brand-loyal, so if you’re a Ford Ranger or Toyota Tacoma person, you probably won’t see any reason to buy this Chevy over one of those. But for those new to the segment, the Colorado is a fine choice.

Depending on your wants and needs, you may also want to give the Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator some consideration, as they do things a little differently than most other trucks.

Find a 2022 Chevrolet Colorado for sale near you »

2022 Chevrolet Colorado Dimensions and Weight

• Length: 17 feet, 9 inches to 18 feet, 9 inches
• Height: 5 feet, 10 inches to 6 feet
• Curb weight: 3,935 to 5,206 pounds

Why You Can Trust Us: 40 Reviews Analyzed

Our car reviews include everything you need to know before heading to the dealership. We combine the opinions of the automotive press with quantifiable data like crash test results and reliability scores to form a complete picture of every vehicle we rank.

This 2022 Colorado review incorporates applicable research for all models in this generation, which launched for 2015.

U.S. News & World Report has been ranking the best cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007, and our staff has more than 75 years’ worth of auto industry experience combined. To keep our reviews unbiased, we don’t accept expensive gifts or trips from car companies, and an outside company manages our advertising.

2021 vs. 2022 Chevrolet Colorado: What's the Difference?

There’s only one change to the 2022 Colorado, and it’s minor: There’s a new Trail Boss package that you can add to LT and Z71 models. It includes a 1-inch suspension-leveling kit, front and mid skid plates, 17-inch ZR2 accessory wheels, and some styling updates. Otherwise, the 2022 Colorado is virtually identical to the 2021 model.

Compare the 2021 and 2022 Colorado »

Here are the key changes for the Chevrolet Colorado over the last few years:

• 2022: no major changes
• 2021: base trim discontinued; exterior styling updates
• 2020: Infotainment 3 interface replaced MyLink system
• 2019: no major changes
• 2018: upgraded base infotainment system introduced

If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2019 Colorado , 2020 Colorado , and 2021 Colorado reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to learn about savings and discounts you can find on new vehicles.

Pricing

How Much is a 2022 Chevrolet Colorado?

The Colorado WT, which is the base trim, starts at around $25,000 for the Extended Cab/long bed configuration. That's a reasonable starting price for a compact pickup . Models with the Crew Cab and short bed start at about $27,000, while models with the Crew Cab and long bed start at around $30,000.

The range-topping Colorado ZR2 starts at about $42,000 for Extended Cab models. ZR2 models with the Crew Cab and short bed start around $43,000. That's comparable to several rivals' top-trim prices.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Chevrolet dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Chevrolet deals page .

Chevrolet Colorado Versus the Competition

Chevrolet Colorado vs. Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger finishes just a bit ahead of the Colorado in our compact pickup truck rankings . These two have some similarities, such as their uninspiring interior materials and intuitive infotainment systems. The Ranger’s Crew Cab body style is roomier than the Colorado’s, however.

The Chevrolet can tow slightly more and has dedicated off-road trims, but the Ford has a higher maximum payload and offers plenty of features that turn it into a capable off-roader. The Ranger has only one engine option, a turbo-four that slots between the Colorado's V6 and diesel engine in terms of output.

Compare the Colorado and Ranger »

Chevrolet Colorado vs. Chevrolet Silverado

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size pickup truck , and you wouldn't be wrong to think of it as the Colorado's big brother. As you can probably guess, the Silverado is bigger than the Colorado. It offers a longer bed, and it can tow and haul significantly more. It also has a much larger interior, and its Crew Cab's rear seats can easily accommodate adult passengers. Features-wise, these two are pretty similar, though the Silverado offers many more driver assistance aids.

You'll pay for all of these advantages though, as the Silverado's base price is several thousand dollars more than the Colorado's. At the high end of the trim lineup, the difference is even greater. And while it does offer more capability and interior space, it has a larger footprint, which can make it harder to fit into tight areas.

Compare the Colorado and Silverado 1500 »

Compare the Colorado, Ranger, and Silverado 1500»

Colorado Performance: Ready for Work and Ready to Play

Colorado Engine

The Colorado’s base engine is a 200-horsepower four-cylinder, but you can upgrade to a 308-horsepower V6 or a 181-horsepower turbodiesel. The four-cylinder and diesel engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 gets an eight-speed.

The four-cylinder engine is fine for driving around, but the Colorado is noticeably slower and less capable with it under the hood. The available V6 and turbodiesel powertrains are better options. With the V6, this Chevy is quick off the line and has more than enough juice on the highway. The diesel is smooth, and it unlocks the Colorado's highest towing capacity. What's more, most class rivals don't offer a diesel powertrain.

Colorado Gas Mileage

This Chevy pickup gets decent gas mileage for the compact pickup truck class when outfitted with the base engine and rear-wheel drive: 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Ratings are nearly identical with the V6, coming in at 18/25 mpg city/highway. Models with the turbodiesel are significantly more fuel-efficient, earning 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. With every powertrain, ratings drop by about 1 mpg in four-wheel-drive models.

Colorado Ride and Handling

The Chevy Colorado has impressive handling for a truck, as it feels balanced around turns and doesn't lean much. Ride quality impresses as well, and even with an empty bed, the suspension does a pretty good job of soaking up road imperfections.

Colorado Off-Road Performance

The Z71 and ZR2 models are the ones to look at if you plan to do a lot of off-roading. Thanks to an array of specialty features, these trims are extremely capable when the pavement ends. These options include locking front and rear differentials, hill descent control, and a heavy-duty suspension system.

The ZR2 and ZR2 Bison (an option package you can add to the ZR2 trim) are better equipped for extreme off-roading than the Z71, and these are the trims you want if you’re after something that might keep up with the Jeep Gladiator or the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.

You can learn more about the Colorado’s off-road abilities in the Which Colorado Model Is Best for Off-Roading? section.

Colorado Towing and Hauling Capacity

This Chevy's towing capacity varies according to what’s under the hood. When equipped with the turbodiesel engine, the Colorado's highest capacity is 7,700 pounds, which is tied for the best rating in the class. V6-powered models aren't far behind, with a max tow rating of 7,000 pounds. Colorados with the base engine sit well below the other two, enabling a maximum capacity of 3,500 pounds.

When properly equipped, the Colorado can haul up to 1,550 pounds. That's subpar for the class, though not by a lot. As with towing capacity, the specific payload capacity of each model varies according to which engine you select. The cab/bed combination and drivetrain selection also affect payload rating.

To learn more about this Chevy’s towing and hauling abilities, check out the Which Colorado Model Is Best for Towing and Hauling? section below or the Towing and Hauling section of the Performance page.

Read more about performance »

Colorado Interior: Not Flashy or Fancy

Colorado Interior Quality

This Chevrolet won't wow you inside. It has a functional design, but the cabin is littered with cheap materials and hard plastics, giving the Colorado a low-rent feel.

Colorado Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

The Colorado is light on driver assistance features, but it has plenty of infotainment tech. The Infotainment 3 system is intuitive and user-friendly. The touch screen and the surrounding physical controls are easy to reach from the driver's seat, and the system responds quickly to inputs.

• Standard infotainment features: a 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio system
• Available infotainment features: wireless device charging, an 8-inch touch screen, a seven-speaker Bose audio system, HD Radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, additional USB ports, and navigation
• Other available features: automatic climate control and remote start

For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay? and What Is Android Auto?

Colorado Cargo Space

Colorado Extended Cab models come with a 6-foot-2-inch long box, which is slightly longer than what other compact pickups offer. The Crew Cab body style lets you choose between the long box and a 5-foot-2-inch short box.

The Colorado also comes with helpful features like steps built into the corners of the rear bumper and accompanying hand grips in the bed rails. An EZ Lift & Lower tailgate is available.

The bed isn't wide enough for sheets of plywood to rest between the wheel wells, though in fairness, that's the case in several class rivals as well. The bed’s sidewalls are high, which can make it tough to load items without dropping the tailgate.

How Many People Does the Colorado Seat?

The Colorado seats four in Extended Cab models and five in Crew Cab models. The front seats are comfortable and provide plenty of head- and legroom. The driver sits up high, with a good view of the road.

The rear seats are more cramped. In Extended Cab models, the two rear seats are little more than jump seats, and adults will likely be uncomfortable there. Crew Cab models are roomier in the back, but they still aren't as accommodating as some rivals' rear seats.

Colorado and Child Car Seats

This Chevrolet features two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats, and Crew Cab models have an upper tether for the rear middle seat.

Read more about interior »

Colorado Reliability

Is the Chevrolet Colorado Reliable?

The 2022 Chevrolet Colorado has a predicted reliability score of 85 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

Chevrolet Colorado Warranty

Chevrolet covers the Colorado with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Read more about reliability »

2022 Chevrolet Colorado Safety

Score: 8.1/10

Crash Test Results

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2022 Chevrolet Colorado an overall safety rating of four out of five stars, with five stars in the side crash test, four stars in the frontal crash test, and three stars in the rollover test.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not yet crash tested the 2022 Colorado.

Safety Features

Standard driver assistance features:

• Rearview camera
• Teen Driver (lets you do things like set speed and audio volume limits for secondary drivers, as well as monitor their driving performance)

Available driver assistance features:

• Cruise control
• Rear parking sensors
• Forward collision warning
• Lane departure warning

Where Is the 2022 Chevrolet Colorado Built?

Chevrolet builds the 2022 Colorado in Missouri.

Which Chevrolet Colorado Model Is Right for Me?

The 2022 Chevrolet Colorado comes in four trims: WT, LT, Z71, and ZR2. First you have to decide which cab and bed best suit your needs. Every model is available in two configurations: Extended Cab/long bed and Crew Cab/short bed. Every model except the ZR2 also offers a Crew Cab/long bed combination.

Next, you’ll want to select a powertrain. You have three engine options: four-cylinder, V6, and turbodiesel. The payload doesn’t change too much, regardless of choice. However, the powertrain you pick will significantly affect the truck’s towing capacity.

Once you've chosen a cab, bed, and powertrain, you can pick a trim level. The LT is one of the best values in the lineup. It comes standard with several infotainment features that are optional or unavailable in the WT trim, as well as an EZ Lift & Lower tailgate. Buyers looking for the best off-roaders in the lineup will want to skip straight to the top two trims: the Z71 and the ZR2.

Note: The prices listed below are for the 2021 Colorado , as Chevrolet has not yet released pricing data for the 2022 model.

Chevrolet Colorado Powertrain Options:

• Base engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque; starts at $21,300 (standard in WT and LT)
• Available engines:
  • 3.6-liter V6 with 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque; starts at $26,685 (available in WT, LT; standard in Z71 and ZR2)
  • turbodiesel 2.8-liter four-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque; starts at $36,615 (available in LT, Z71, and ZR2)
• Drivetrain: standard rear-wheel drive; available four-wheel drive
• Transmission: six-speed automatic (base and turbodiesel); eight-speed automatic (V6)

Chevrolet Colorado Appearance Packages:

• Redline Special Edition (prices start at $2,690): 18-inch black-painted aluminum wheels, a spray-on bed liner, off-road step bars, red tow hooks, black body moldings, and a black grille and badge
• Chrome Appearance package (prices start at $300): chrome door handles, grille, rear bumper, outside heated power mirrors, and beltline moldings
• Colorado RST Special Edition (prices start at $2,995): black body moldings, an RST badge, 20-inch black-painted aluminum wheels, and a spray-on bed liner
• Custom Special Edition (prices start at $1,135): 18-inch painted aluminum wheels and body-colored grille, door handles, rear bumper, and power outside mirrors
• Tonneau and Step package (prices start at $1,195): black off-road assist steps and a soft roll-up tonneau cover
• Z71 Midnight Edition (prices start at $2,600): black emblems, a body-colored grille, a spray-on bed liner, all-weather floor mats, 17-inch black-painted wheels, and 31-inch all-terrain tires
• ZR2 Dusk Special Edition (prices start at $3,215): off-road lights and sport bar, 17-inch gloss-black painted aluminum wheels, and a 17-inch spare wheel
• ZR2 Midnight Special Edition (prices start at $3,215): black paint, off-road lights, 17-inch gloss-black painted aluminum wheels, and a 17-inch spare wheel

Chevrolet Colorado Performance Packages/Options:

• Power package (prices start at $1,850; available in all trims): a performance air intake and a cat-back performance exhaust
• Performance Skid Plate package (prices start at $375; available in WT, LT, and Z71): front and mid skid plates
• Trail Boss package (available in LT and Z71): a 1-inch suspension-leveling kit, front and mid skid plates, 17-inch ZR2 accessory wheels, black emblems, red tow hooks, and elimination of the front air dam
• Colorado ZR2 Bison (prices start at $5,750; available in ZR2): a trim-specific front bumper with winch and a rear bumper with tow hooks, trim-specific fender flares, 17-inch wheels, contoured floor liners, skid plates, and fog lamps

Chevrolet Colorado WT

The Colorado WT starts at $25,200 for the Extended Cab/long bed configuration. WT models with the Crew Cab and short bed start at $27,100, while models with the Crew Cab and long bed start at $29,400.

Standard features include a rearview camera, Teen Driver, and the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with a 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio system.

Chevrolet Colorado LT

The Colorado LT sports a starting price of $27,700 for the Extended Cab/long bed configuration. LT models with the Crew Cab and short bed start at $29,700, while models with the Crew Cab and long bed start at $31,900.

The Colorado LT adds an EZ Lift & Lower tailgate, cloth upholstery, cruise control, keyless entry, an 8-inch touch screen, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and additional USB ports.

Chevrolet Colorado Z71

The Colorado Z71 is one of the two off-road trims in the lineup. Models with the Crew Cab and short bed start at $33,800, while models with the Crew Cab and long bed start at $37,600. Extended Cab/long bed models start at $35,500.

The Z71 comes standard with a 308-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It comes standard with some off-road-oriented features such as an automatic locking rear differential, recovery hooks, hill descent control, and an off-road suspension.

In addition to the lower trims' standard features, the Z71 comes with automatic climate control, remote start, cloth and synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, voice recognition, HD Radio, wireless device charging, and rear parking sensors.

Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

The Colorado ZR2 starts at $41,600 for Extended Cab models. ZR2 models with the Crew Cab and short bed start at $43,200. The ZR2 isn't available in the Crew Cab/long bed configuration.

The ZR2 is the most rugged off-road trim in the lineup, and it's the only one to come standard with four-wheel drive. Other features include a two-speed transfer case, a transfer case shield, driver-selectable full-locking front and rear differentials, and off-road rocker protection. The ZR2 also comes with genuine leather-appointed seats, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and a trailer brake controller.

Which Colorado Cab Style Is Right for Me?

Like most compact trucks , the Colorado offers two cab styles: Extended Cab and Crew Cab. Extended Cabs seat four people and have small rear-hinged rear doors, and Crew Cab models seat five and have full-size front-hinged rear doors.

The Extended Cab should work just fine for anybody who rarely carries more than one passenger. Its rear seats aren't that spacious, but they are suitable on short drives. The downside is that it's tough to get in and out because the rear-hinged doors are small, as is the opening they reveal. The Extended Cab body style only comes with the long bed.

The Crew Cab is the easy choice for anyone who will often have passengers in the back seat. Crew Cabs have full-size rear doors and a rear middle seat, as well as more legroom. Still, even in Crew Cab models, the rear seats aren't exactly cavernous, and some rival pickups have more passenger space in the back.

Which Colorado Bed Length Is Right for Me?

Crew Cab Colorado models give you a choice between a 6-foot-2-inch and a 5-foot-2-inch bed. Extended Cab models only come with the longer bed. Because of its extra length, the longer box is helpful if you regularly haul large items; it's also a couple of inches longer than most rivals' longest bed option, as those generally top out at an even 6 feet.

The longer bed can make the Colorado a bit unwieldy if you pair it with the Crew Cab, however. This combo gives the Colorado an overall length of nearly 19 feet. Still, that’s about 7 inches shorter than a full-size pickup like the Silverado 1500 in Double Cab/standard bed or Crew Cab/short bed configuration.

Which Colorado Model Is Best for Towing and Hauling?

The best work truck in the Colorado lineup is the WT with the Extended Cab and V6 engine. This configuration with two-wheel drive gets you a towing capacity of 7,000 pounds and a 1,530-pound payload capacity. The four-wheel-drive version has a slightly lower payload rating (1,500 pounds) but the same towing capacity.

Colorado models with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds and haul up to 1,435 pounds. That's an unimpressive towing capacity, as even many compact SUVs can match it. Still, you can probably get away with picking this engine if you only need to tow a small trailer.

If you need to pull more weight, you're better off with either of the other two engines. Colorado models equipped with the 2.8-liter turbodiesel can tow up to 7,700 pounds, which is tied for the highest capacity in the class. The diesel Colorado has a maximum payload capacity of 1,490 pounds. Models with the 3.6-liter V6 can tow up to 7,000 pounds and haul up to 1,550 pounds.

One last thing to note if you’re focused on towing and hauling: The ZR2 model is significantly less capable than the rest of the lineup. Despite offering the diesel and V6 engines, its maximum towing capacity tops out at 5,000 pounds, and its max payload is just 1,350 pounds.

Which Colorado Model Is Best for Off-Roading?

While every Colorado model offers four-wheel drive, and the Z71 even has some off-road-oriented features, the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is the clear lead dog in the Colorado pack when it comes to off-roading, and it's arguably the most impressive off-road vehicle that Chevy makes.

Outfitted with standard four-wheel drive, the ZR2 is available with either the V6 or the turbodiesel engine. It has a 2-inch suspension lift, and its front and rear tracks are 3.5 inches wider than the standard Colorado.

The ZR2 includes driver-selectable electronic locking front and rear differentials, an off-road-specific dynamic damping suspension, a transfer case shield, off-road rocker panel protection, 31-inch off-road tires, and modified bumpers for better ground clearance and approach/departure angles.

For those who want to up the ante, check out the ZR2 Bison edition. Developed in conjunction with American Expedition Vehicles, the Bison features AEV bumpers, wheel moldings, contoured interior floor liners, and 17-inch wheels. Wrapped around those are 32-inch off-road tires. The Bison also gets unique AEV skid plates for the front and rear differential, engine oil pan, transfer case, and fuel tank.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Chevrolet dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Chevrolet deals page .

See 2022 Chevrolet Colorado specs and trims »

The Final Call

The 2022 Chevrolet Colorado doesn’t see any major updates, probably because Chevy didn’t want to mess with a formula that’s working. This is a contender in the compact pickup truck class , with a diverse powertrain lineup, impressive ride quality, and class-leading towing ability. There are certainly some rough edges, such as the Colorado’s low-rent cabin materials, but overall, this truck does a lot more things correctly than not.

Don't just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

• "The 2022 Chevrolet Colorado satisfies shoppers who want the versatility of a traditional pickup without the compromise of a full-size truck. … The 2022 Colorado's comfy driving position and robust infotainment system are offset by a dearth of driver-assistance tech and its cheap-looking cabin, but those shortcomings should be less offensive to anyone seeking a more conventional truck experience." -- Car and Driver
• "In the midsize truck segment, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado works hard when it comes to truck form and function. With striking refreshed looks, the Colorado also provides truck shoppers with the most powertrain choices in the category. The diesel engine earns the Colorado best-in-class towing capacity. The Ford Ranger, Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma do not offer diesels and are less customizable when it comes to cab and bed combination options. The Colorado can be purchased with the long and short bed with either Crew or Extended cab. Both the Z71 and ZR2 trims provide robust capability, while the on-road ride quality feels surprisingly comfortable. With its well-rounded credentials, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado makes for a competitive opponent in a contentious segment." -- Autotrader (2021)
• "We like the Colorado a lot. The crew-cab cabin is spacious, and the tech interface is straightforward and effective. Compared to the Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma, the Colorado occupies a nice middle ground. It provides a little bit of something for everyone and compromises very little along the way." -- Edmunds (2021)