2024 Chevrolet Colorado Review, Pricing, & Pictures | U.S. News

2024 Chevrolet Colorado

#5 out of 9 in Compact Pickup Trucks

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$29,500 - 46,800

MSRP

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2024 Chevrolet Colorado Review

7.9/10

U.S. News Rating

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado is a well-rounded small pickup with a smooth ride and engines that get the job done. Chevy also offers off-road versions of the Colorado rugged enough to rise to the occasion when life takes you off the paved path. However, some rivals have nicer cabins and more configurations.

Pros

  • Excellent tow ratings

  • Responsive, appealing infotainment interface

  • Capable off-road trims 

  • Pleasant handling

Cons

  • Lackluster cabin materials

  • Just one cab style and bed size

What's New for 2024

  • Off-road-focused ZR2 Bison debuts

  • Midrange engine option discontinued

  • Seats 5

  • 17-20 City / 19-25 Hwy

  • RWD, 4WD

  • 237 - 310 horsepower

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Chevrolet Colorado Rankings

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado's #5 ranking is based on its score within the Compact Pickup Trucks category. Currently the Chevrolet Colorado has a score of 7.9 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 17 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

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Expert Rating

Our rating is established through qualitative research and analysis of Chevrolet Colorado reviews, as well as hard data points that speak to the Colorado’s safety, reliability, fuel economy and cargo capacity. This rating is continually updated based on the latest information that comes in from our research and data sources.

7.9

U.S. News Rating

  • Performance 8.2
  • Fuel Economy 7.7
  • Interior 7.0
  • Value 8.0
  • Safety N/A
  • Reliability N/A
  • Critics' Rating 8.5

Thinking of leasing a Chevrolet Colorado?

The U.S. News Best Price Program saves users an average of $1,824 off the MSRP, and a lower price equals lower monthly lease payments. That means you could see a savings of $90 a month on a 36-month lease.

Drive & Performance 8.2/10

The Colorado is a good choice if you're looking for a truck that feels reasonably manageable from behind the wheel. It tracks straight, maintains its poise in turns and is easy to maneuver by class standards. The ride quality is comfortable on most road surfaces, but it can become jittery and/or bouncy over rougher terrain.

There are two available engines, both being versions of the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The engine in the WT and LT models produces 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. With all other trims, the engine produces 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Both facilitate capable acceleration, but the standard power plant flags a bit at higher speeds. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard across the range and provides seamless gear shifts.

Three of the Colorado's six main trims are geared toward off-roading, so there's no shortage of choices if you want a model sturdy enough to bust trails. The Colorado is also at the front of its class regarding towing, able to pull up to 7,700 pounds, while its hauling capacity gets up to 1,710.

Fuel Economy 7.7/10

The 2024 Colorado returns an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive. With four-wheel drive, it gets 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. These estimates are about average for a compact pickup.

Thinking of leasing a Chevrolet Colorado?

The U.S. News Best Price Program saves users an average of $1,824 off the MSRP, and a lower price equals lower monthly lease payments. That means you could see a savings of $90 a month on a 36-month lease.

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Interior 7.0/10

The 2024 Colorado's interior quality is middling. You'll find plain-looking plastics and hard touch points in the lower trims. Things improve a bit as you ascend the trim range, but some competitors have nicer cabins. All Colorado models are Crew Cabs that seat five people. Accessing the cabin is a breeze, and the front seats provide good sightlines. The second row provides OK room for most adults, but it may be a bit snug for taller passengers.

Chevy streamlined the Colorado's configuration with its 2023 redesign, and it now comes with just a 5-foot-2-inch bed. The sidewalls are tall, and the bed floor is high, so loading and unloading heavy items into the cargo bed can be challenging. You can upgrade the bed with options like multiple tiedown points, in-bed lighting, a household-style power outlet, a spray-on bed liner, movable bed rails, the EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate, in-bed storage compartments and a tailgate with locking storage compartments.

Value 8.0/10

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado has an average value rating for the compact pickup truck segment. We determine value based on the vehicle's estimated total cost of ownership, along with the vehicle's MSRP for its base and top trims.

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Safety N/A

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2024 Colorado an overall rating of four out of five stars for all but the ZR2 Bison models, which remain only partially tested. The Colorado comes with a good number of standard driver-assistance features, including lane-departure warning and pedestrian and cyclist detection.

For installing child safety seats, there are two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats and a tether anchor for the rear middle seat.

Quality and Reliability N/A

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado does not have a predicted reliability score at the time of writing.

Critics’ Rating 8.5/10

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado receives a critics' rating that is average for the class. This rating, which is driven by our qualitative research, represents the overall tone and recommendation level that the automotive press places on a car.

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Pricing

How Much Is a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado?

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado starts at $29,500 for the base WT trim. Standard equipment includes features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an 11.3-inch touch screen. The LT kicks off at $31,900, adding amenities such as proximity keyless entry and a remote locking tailgate. The rugged Trail Boss (base MSRP: $37,300) includes an upgraded engine and all-terrain tires. The Z71 model, which is priced from $40,200, gains synthetic leather upholstery, while the ZR2 trim (MSRP: $46,800) brings in a spray-on bed liner and dual-zone automatic climate control. The new-for-2024 ZR2 Bison ($58,500) rules the range, offering 12.2 inches of ground clearance and numerous off-road performance enhancements.

Which Is the Best Chevrolet Colorado to Buy?

The LT offers excellent value and should satisfy most buyers. The LT comes with features like proximity keyless entry, push-button start, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, a six-speaker stereo and wireless smartphone integration. Its cabin also features a front center console and rear air vents. Standard driver-assistance features include forward automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist and automatic high-beam headlights. This trim also unlocks multiple option packages that aren't available with the entry-level WT model.

Pricing by Model

Trim
Price
2WD Work Truck

$29,500

2WD LT

$31,900

4WD Work Truck

$32,800

4WD LT

$35,200

4WD Trail Boss

$37,300

4WD Z71

$40,200

4WD ZR2

$46,800

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.

Want to trade-in or sell your current car? Get an instant cash offer that can be used toward the purchase of your next car.

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U.S. News Expert Review

Jasmine Sayles is the Associate Vehicle Testing Editor for U.S. News Best Cars.

Driving the Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss for a week didn't feel much different than commuting with an SUV. Plus, it has the added capability of a compact pickup truck, with its considerable towing and payload capacities. However, opting for the GMC Canyon or Honda Ridgeline will have you driving off with a more upscale vehicle.

What We Like

Performance was the true standout trait of this Chevy. The Colorado is longer than most SUVs, but driving it was a more-pleasant experience than being behind the wheel of some larger SUVs. The infotainment system was pretty straightforward to use, and I appreciated having physical climate and volume controls. I’m also fond of the slot in between both of the front cup holders where you can put your phone.

What We Don’t Like

My gripes with the Colorado all pertain to its cabin. I appreciate Chevy's inclusion of a large grab handle on the passenger-side front pillar, but it would be nice to have one on the driver's side as well. Legroom is pretty limited in the rear, and the front door pockets are split into two, which takes up valuable space. The steering wheel-mounted controls have a learning curve, especially with the volume and audio selectors on the back of the wheel. There's also no physical headlight button, so turning them on and off requires you to click through the infotainment screen.

How It Drove

The Colorado drives a lot like an SUV. It felt secure when I took it around corners, and the suspension kept the ride pretty compliant over road bumps. I also found parking the Colorado to be a breeze, and its turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 310 horsepower didn’t leave me wanting for muscle.

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Is the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado a Good Truck?

Yes, the 2024 Colorado is a good compact pickup truck. It tows up to 7,700 pounds, so it has the goods to pull trailers and campers without losing its breath. This Chevy has two solid engine options and is a poised partner in everyday driving. The cabin features a sizable 11.3-inch touch screen with crisp graphics, and wireless smartphone integration is standard. The Colorado provides decent passenger room, but the interior is underwhelming when it comes to build and materials quality. Available amenities like heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control make it a comfortable choice, and off-road-focused trims like the Trail Boss and ZR2 Bison boost its capability in dirt and mud.

This Chevy may be sized just right if you need something smaller than its sibling, the full-size Silverado 1500. If you want a truck that drives more like an SUV and doesn't require a high towing capacity, consider a unibody compact pickup like the Hyundai Santa Cruz or Honda Ridgeline.

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2023 vs. 2024 Chevrolet Colorado: What's the Difference?

The Colorado gains a new trim, the ZR2 Bison, for the 2024 model year. It's the most off-road-capable model in the lineup and includes 35-inch tires, a higher ground clearance and other performance amenities. Also, there are only two engines for 2024 — a 237-horsepower turbo-four and a 310-horsepower version of the same engine — compared to the three offered in 2023.

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

  • 2024: new ZR2 Bison trim debuts; engine choices reduced to two 
  • 2023: fully redesigned with a revamped exterior and updated cabin, more engine choices, a standard 11.3-inch touch screen, several newly standard and available driver-assistance features and a new Trail Boss trim; cabs reduced to single Crew Cab, short-bed configuration
  • 2022: no notable changes
  • 2021: refreshed exterior styling; WT introduced as new entry-level model
  • 2020: Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system replaced MyLink interface

If you're considering an older model, read our 2021 Colorado, 2022 Colorado and 2023 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.

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2024 Chevrolet Colorado Versus the Competition

Chevrolet Colorado vs. Ford Ranger

Ford redesigned the Ranger for 2024, making it a stronger competitor for the Colorado than the previous model. Like the Chevy, the redesigned Ranger has a single Crew Cab body style. Its standard 10.1-inch infotainment display is smaller than the Chevy's, but you can upgrade to a 12.4-inch version. Rated to pull up to 7,500 pounds, the Ranger tows slightly less than the Colorado, but with a three-engine lineup offering between 270 and 405 horsepower, the Ford has access to more power. The Colorado is the better choice.

Chevrolet Colorado vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz

Smaller than the Colorado, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is a great pick if size and towing capability aren't primary considerations. The Colorado has a 5-foot-2-inch bed; the Santa Cruz's is much more petite, measuring 4-feet-1 inches. The Santa Cruz has a lower base price than the Colorado and provides better handling, superior gas mileage and a more upscale interior. However, with a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds, the Hyundai can't match the Chevy's pulling power.

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2024 Chevrolet Colorado Model and Trims

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado comes in six trims: WT (Work Truck), LT, Trail Boss, Z71, ZR2 and ZR2 Bison. The WT and LT come standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder generating 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful version of this engine, tuned to produce 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, is optional in the WT and LT and standard in all other trims. Every Colorado has an eight-speed automatic transmission. WT and LT trims are available with rear- or four-wheel drive; all other trims are four-wheel drive only.

The Colorado WT starts at $29,500. In addition to the 237-horsepower engine, it has 17-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat, a four-way manually adjustable passenger seat, an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, an 11.3-inch touch screen, wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, Bluetooth, a six-speaker stereo and two USB ports.

The Colorado's standard driver-assistance features include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, a rearview camera, Teen Driver and a rear-seat alert.

The WT Convenience package adds a center console, a rear window defogger, a sliding rear window, a remote locking tailgate and cruise control. The WT Convenience package II adds a power-adjustable driver's seat and the EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate.

With a base price of $31,900, the Colorado LT gains a front center console, rear air vents, proximity keyless entry, a rear USB port, alloy wheels and a remote locking tailgate.

The LT Convenience package adds a sliding rear window, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, LED fog lights and the EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate. The Convenience package II adds the upgraded 310-horsepower engine, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, remote start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and wireless device charging. The Convenience package III comes with synthetic leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and tail lights, two household-style power outlets, a heated steering wheel, a rear center armrest, two additional USB ports, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and reverse automatic emergency braking.

Starting at $37,300, the Colorado Trail Boss loses proximity keyless entry but gains the 310-horsepower engine, an off-road suspension with a 2-inch lift, 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, a two-speed transfer case, an automatic locking rear differential and hill descent control.

The Colorado Z71 will set you back $40,200. It ditches the 2-inch lift but adds LED exterior lighting, heated power-adjustable side mirrors, cloth and synthetic leather upholstery, red recovery hooks, proximity keyless entry, rear USB ports and two household-style power outlets (one in the cabin and one in the bed).

In addition to being available with some of the optional features from lower trims, this model's Convenience package III adds genuine leather upholstery, driver's seat memory settings, a rear center armrest, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and reverse automatic emergency braking.

The Colorado ZR2 starts at $46,800. It adds on-demand front and rear locking differentials, 33-inch all-terrain tires, a trailering app, a trailer brake controller, a trailer hitch, trailer wiring, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a spray-on bed liner and a power-assist tailgate. Upgraded dampers are available.

Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison

Starting at $58,500, the ZR2 Bison gains steel plates and rocker protectors, 35-inch mud/terrain tires, a heavy-duty winch-capable front bumper and 12.2 inches of ground clearance.

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.

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2024 Chevrolet Colorado Safety

NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Side Crash

Rollover

Not Rated

2024 Colorado Crash Test Results

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave all 2024 Colorado models expect the ZR2 Bison an overall safety rating of four out of five stars, with four stars in the frontal crash test, five stars in the side crash test and three stars in the rollover test. The ZR2 Bison earned the same rating in the former two tests but remains unrated for rollover.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not crash tested the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado.

Safety Features

Standard driver-assistance features:

  • Forward collision warning
  • Forward automatic emergency braking
  • Pedestrian and cyclist detection
  • Lane-departure warning
  • Lane-keep assist
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Rearview camera
  • Teen Driver (lets you do things like set audio volume and speed limits for secondary drivers)
  • Rear-seat alert (reminds you to check the back seats for kids or pets before you exit the vehicle)

Available driver-assistance features:

  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Reverse automatic emergency braking
  • Reverse pedestrian detection
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Surround-view camera system
  • Rear parking sensors

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Warranty

Chevrolet covers the 2024 Colorado with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

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Specs and Features

You'll likely have a soft spot for the Colorado's tech. The touch screen is sized to impress and delivers crisp graphics and quick responses. Physical controls govern many features, with buttons that are easy to identify and access. However, you must still use the touch screen to access certain amenities.

  • Standard infotainment features: an 11.3-inch touch screen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, Bluetooth, a six-speaker stereo and two USB ports
  • Available infotainment features: two rear USB ports and wireless device charging
  • Additional standard features: an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and push-button start
  • Other available features: a seven-speaker Bose stereo, a sliding rear window, cruise control, proximity keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, interior ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a sunroof 

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

Exterior Colors
DrivetrainRear Wheel Drive
TransmissionAutomatic
EngineTurbocharged Gas I4
Horsepower (Net @ RPM)237 @ 5600

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Why You Can Trust Our Reviews

U.S. News & World Report has been ranking the best cars, trucks and SUVs since 2007, and our staff has more than 75 years of combined experience in the auto industry.

This 2024 Colorado review combines 17 professional reviews with concrete data like performance specs, fuel economy estimates and safety ratings and incorporates applicable research for all models in this generation, which launched for 2023. Check out excerpts from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

READ MORE 

"While it was the newest kid on the block for a year, the Colorado now faces worthy competition from newer trucks such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma."

"While it was the newest kid on the block for a year, the Colorado now faces worthy competition from newer trucks such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma."

Car and Driver
READ MORE 

"Depending on your needs, you may be dismayed by the Colorado's single crew-cab, short-bed configuration or its gas-only four-cylinder engine lineup. Based on our experience, though, this may be one of the best trucks in the midsize segment."

"Depending on your needs, you may be dismayed by the Colorado's single crew-cab, short-bed configuration or its gas-only four-cylinder engine lineup. Based on our experience, though, this may be one of the best trucks in the midsize segment."

Motor Trend
READ MORE 

"The Colorado has become the freshest truck in the mid-size class, with better power, tech, styling, features and handling than anything else on the market -- for now."

"The Colorado has become the freshest truck in the mid-size class, with better power, tech, styling, features and handling than anything else on the market -- for now."

Cars.com (2023)

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2024 Chevrolet Colorado

29,500 - 46,800

 MSRP

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