2015 Chevrolet Colorado

It comes with either a rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive depending on the configuration. There are multiple trim levels to choose from. It starts with the most affordable Work Truck model to the top-end off-road capable ZR2 model. There are two engine options available, a standard 2.5-Liter Inline-4 or a more powerful 3.6-Liter V6 with higher-level trims. You also get to choose between either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual. Prices start at MSRP $24,330, and it competes against the Nissan Frontier, GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma.

The latest Colorado lineup features four trim levels, starting with the Base, Work Truck, LT, and top-end Z71 model. However, the Crew Cab only comes in three trims, with the omission of the Base trim. The few highlighted features are an updated interior with better quality materials, a new OnStar infotainment system, a premium audio system for higher trims, and a range of advanced safety features. 

We Recommend 

The top-end Z71 model is the one we recommend. The Z71 equips the special suspension package enabling better off-road performance, bigger alloy wheels finished in dark theme, premium interior space, and active safety features, all at around $5,000 more than the base WT version. This is truly money well-spent.

For a robust pick-up truck, the powertrain configuration plays one of the most pivotal roles as these trucks will mainly be used for hauling and trailering. The Chevrolet Colorado features a 2.5-Liter inline-4 engine that generates around 200 hp and 191 pound-feet of torque. It sports a 6-speed automatic transmission as an option but comes with a standard 6-speed manual. The ride quality of the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab is better than most of the rivals. Although the torque figure of the base inline-4 is on the lower side, the power comes in smooth and the mid-range is strong. 

The ride quality is slightly on the firmer side, but it is comfortable regardless. The Z71 trim equips a better suspension package that makes it a capable off-roader but does hurt the on-road ride and handling to an extent. The acceleration capability of Colorado is on par with its closest rivals. The truck can sprint 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds and cover a quarter-mile in 15.7 seconds despite its heavier curb weight. Moving on to the payload and towing capacities, the Colorado comes with an impressive 1,489 pounds of payload capacity and around 7,000 pounds of towing capacity. 

Having identical underpinnings, both the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado offer the best-in-class towing capacity. The Toyota Tacoma secured the best payload capacity figure. The Frontier may lack in the payload and towing front, but it has a bigger engine as standard and is comparatively more powerful. The acceleration figures of the Frontier are significantly better than the rivals.

The fuel economy may not be the topmost priority for most of the buyers in this segment. Regardless, the Colorado with its Inline-4 is one of the most fuel-efficient mid-size pickups that you can currently own. It delivers around 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on highways. Packed with a large 21-gallon fuel tank, the range is also one of the best in its segment at 464 miles combined.

Both the GM cousins deliver the best fuel efficiency figures. The Tacoma is not too far behind, but the highway MPG figure is significantly lower than both the Colorado and the Canyon. The Nissan, on the other hand, delivers the worst economy figures out of all the trucks here, and this is mainly because of the bigger and more powerful engine under the hood.

The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab features a redesigned interior with more comfortable seats and upgraded infotainment. The lower WT trims come with cloth upholstery as standard, whereas the higher trims like LT and Z71 feature bucket seats wrapped in leather. The steering wheel is also wrapped in leather and has mounted controls for easy accessibility. 

The cabin feels roomy with adequate space in both rows. However, the rear seats can get cramped for taller passengers as they lack legroom, and the seatbacks are a bit upright too. Moreover, there are multiple storage spaces throughout the cabin for added convenience. The cargo bed has a total volume of 41 cubic feet so that you can carry larger items.

Competitors like the Nissan Frontier Crew Cab offer slightly better space at the back. However, the same cannot be said for the Tacoma as it has the worst rear legroom out of all the trucks here. Moreover, as compared to the Colorado or the Canyon, the Frontier is lacking in terms of bed volume with only 27.1 cubic feet of space. Key interior features include:

• Single Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Heated front bucket seats with 4-way power adjustment
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with Bluetooth, Cruise, and audio setup controls
• Cloth/leatherette upholstery option
• Folding rear bench seat

How intuitive is the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab’s infotainment unit?

With the new generation of the Colorado, the infotainment system is updated and comes with better connectivity features. It now comes with the new OnStar infotainment system. The setup includes an available 8-inch touch screen interface, SiriusXM satellite radio, Wi-Fi Hotspot, OnStar telematics, remote keyless entry, Bluetooth, and 4 USB ports. The truck also comes standard with a 6-speaker audio system that can be upgraded to a premium 9-speaker system by Bose. Highlight infotainment features include:

• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Wi-Fi Hotspot
• 4 USB ports
• Bluetooth connectivity 
• 8-inch touchscreen display
• 6-speaker standard audio system with an upgradable 9-speaker audio system by Bose
• Steering mounted controls

The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab is completely redesigned. It now features a sportier exterior design with bigger wheels and a new bumper design alongside various cargo bed options. The truck still looks as boxy and rugged as the outgoing version. Furthermore, the LED headlights are new and come with the auto high-beam feature. To appeal to a broader audience, it includes an integrated CornerStep and spring-assisted tailgate called 'EZ Lift and Lower.' 

In terms of dimensions, the new truck is wider and longer than before and has two options of cargo beds, a short bed and a long bed. The Z71 version gets more prominent tires and a performance Z71 suspension package with special badges inside and out. The pickup weighs 4,011 lbs, making it the second lightest option in the competition. Overall, we would say that it definitely attracts buyers.

In terms of weight, both the Colorado and the Canyon are nearly identical. The Tacoma is the longest and widest, while both the GM trucks are the tallest. Meanwhile, the Frontier sports the most ground clearance and is also the heaviest truck in the segment. The 2015 Colorado is the longest, and this is reflected both in its interior space and in its cargo capacity. Key exterior features include:

• CornerStep integrated side step
• LED headlights
• Chrome-finished front grille
• Dual exhausts with steel tips
• 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels

The 2015 Colorado comes with trailering support, which is one of the most critical safety features for pick-up trucks. Other than this, it also features many active driver assistance technologies and advanced safety features that not only help in better maneuverability but also keep the occupants safe. These include brake assist, rearview camera, StabiliTrak stability control as standard and Hill Start Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and forward collision alert as active systems. Standout safety features include:

• StabiliTrak Stability Control System 
• Optional Forward Collision Alert
• Optional Lane Departure Warning
• Hill Start Assist
• Fully electronic traction control
• Trailering sway control

The new generation 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab is built on a rugged platform and features a spacious interior cabin with an upgraded infotainment system that keeps you engaged throughout long highway hauls. Also, multiple small-item storage spaces inside make life easier as well. The powertrain is smooth and efficient with adequate towing capacity, even in its base configuration. Moreover, the new Z71 Suspension package enables the truck to have better off-road capabilities. If you desire such things in your mid-size pickup, the 2015 Colorado is the one to go for.