Chevrolet Colorado


The Chevrolet Colorado and its counterpart, the GMC Canyon, is a series of compact and later mid-size pickup trucks marketed by American automaker General Motors. They were introduced in 2004 to replace the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC S-15/Sonoma compact pickups. It is named for the U.S. state of Colorado. Along with rival Ford Ranger, the GM twins were the last compact pickup trucks on sale until 2012.

First generation (2003–2012)

The Chevrolet Colorado and its twin, the GMC Canyon were jointly designed by GM's North American operations, GM's Brazil operations, and Isuzu. Isuzu, which participated in the design process, began selling its own version worldwide in 2002. In late 2005, Isuzu offered a version in North America called the Isuzu i-series. This North American model Isuzu shared North American powertrains, styling, and equipment with the Colorado/Canyon twins and differed from Isuzu's worldwide offering. All Chevrolet, GMC, and Isuzu versions worldwide are based on the GMT355, itself the basis for the GMT 345-based Hummer H3. Most vehicles for markets outside North America are manufactured at a GM plant in Rayong, Thailand, as well as at a GM plant in São José dos Campos, Brazil. All North American-market vehicles were manufactured by Shreveport Operations.
The cooperation between GM and Isuzu to build a light-duty truck and offer it in North America returns to an original arrangement the two companies had in the 1970s with the Chevrolet LUV, a rebadged Isuzu Faster.
The Colorado/Canyon offer both manual and automatic transmissions. GM also offers either a rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive drivetrain with standard, extended, and four-door crew cab body styles. Most models come with the LK5 I4 engine as standard, but a more powerful 3.5 I5 comes with the Z71 package on four-door versions and is optional on all others. The 4-door Z71s also get the 4-speed automatic transmission standard. This package was later dropped in favor of LT2 and LT3.
A ZQ8 edition is available with a lower and more road-tuned "sport" suspension than the standard Z85 and comes with 17 inch wheels, color-matched bumper and grille, and low profile fender flares. There is also a Xtreme edition of the ZQ8 which has a different front bumper, rear bumper, side skirts, fender flares, grille, headlights, and 18 inch wheels. The Xtreme edition is basically a continuation of a trim package from its predecessor, the Chevrolet S-10.
For 2007, Colorado/Canyon was facelifted and offered new engines, which include the LLV I4 and LLR I5 which were both introduced due to numerous head problems, new colors — Deep Ruby, Pace Blue and Imperial Blue, and new tires and wheels. Minor changes to the grille and interior for the LT and LTZ models; the LS models kept the same pre-facelift look, similar to the facelift of the TrailBlazer in 2005 & 2006. In addition, the "Colorado" & "Canyon" badges were phased out from the doors in favour of GM's corporate logo. For model year 2009, the Colorado was facelifted again and a LH8 V8 is offered, producing and. For the 2010 model year the GM badges were phased out, although a few 2010 models had the GM logo on the doors.
In 2009, both trucks, as with most 2009 General Motors vehicles, received a Bluetooth hands-free phone system for the first time as optional equipment. The six-disc in-dash CD changer was discontinued as well, leaving the single-disc CD/MP3 player, as well as a standard A/M-F/M only radio, with two, four, or six-speaker audio systems. Most later trucks received alloy wheels as standard equipment, with optional polished and chrome-plated wheels, in sixteen, seventeen, or eighteen-inch diameters. Only later base-model trucks, with the exception of the base received sixteen-inch steel wheels, and were a new wheel design. In addition, most newer trucks also featured standard SiriusXM Satellite Radio, when equipped with a CD/MP3 player.
Colorado/Canyon U.S. sales peaked in 2005 at 163,204 units, surpassing the perennial segment leader, the Ford Ranger, by almost 35% and just 3.3% behind the new best-seller, the Toyota Tacoma. In 2006, however, while still leading the Ford pickup by 27.5%, Colorado/Canyon's sales lagged their Toyota competitor's by almost 34%. One 2005 Canyon owned by successful U.S. Senate candidate Scott Brown became famous as it was widely featured in his TV advertisements.
SG Automotive manufactures a clone of the Colorado called the Huanghai Plutus in China

Engines

YearsEnginePowerTorque
2004–2012 4JK1-TC Turbo I4@3600 rpm@1800-2200 rpm
2004–2012 4JJ1-TC Turbo I4@3600 rpm@1400-3400 rpm
2006–2012 4JJ1-TCX VGS Turbo I4@3600 rpm@1400-3400 rpm
2004–2006 LK5 I4 @ 5600 rpm @ 2800 rpm
2007–2012 LLV I4 @ 5600 rpm @ 2800 rpm
2004–2006 L52 I5 @ 5600 rpm @ 2800 rpm
2007–2008 LLR I5 @ 5600 rpm @ 2800 rpm
2009–2012 LLR I5 @ 5600 rpm @ 4600 rpm
2009 LH8 V8 @ 5200 rpm @ 4000 rpm
2010-2012 LH9 V8 @ 5200 rpm @ 4000 rpm

Safety

In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal offset test the Colorado is given a "Good" overall score, however the crew cab is rated "Acceptable". In the side impact test, the Colorado crew cab is rated "Poor" with or without side curtain airbags. Side curtain airbags were made standard on all 2010 models; side torso airbags are not offered.

Isuzu i-series

The Isuzu i-series mid-size pickup truck line was manufactured from 2005 to 2008. Launched at the 2005 New York International Auto Show, for the 2006 model year, the i-series replaced the Isuzu Hombre, which had been out of production since 2000. Like the Hombre, which was based on the compact Chevrolet S-10 / GMC Sonoma, the i-series was based on the Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon. Two models were offered at launch: the i-280, powered by the 2.8 L I4 engine, and the i-370, powered by the 3.7 L I5 engine. The i-280 was available only with an extended cab, while the i-370 could be had with either an extended cab or crew cab. The i-280 was replaced by the i-290 for 2007 with the introduction of a 2.9 L engine.
The sales for the i-series were poor, with just 1,377 sold from the start of production through February 2006 according to Automotive News. As part of Isuzu's withdrawal from the United States market after the 2008 model year, the i-series was discontinued.

Second generation (2012–present)

The second-generation Chevrolet Colorado was shown at the 2011 Bangkok Motor Show. It is available in three different cab styles: regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab and may either be rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

Australian and New Zealand markets

The Colorado was revealed at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show and went on sale in June 2012 in both Australia and New Zealand, sourced from the Rayong factory in Thailand. In Australia and New Zealand the Colorado is badged as a Holden. Only one engine is offered, the 2.8L turbo diesel, built by GM in the Rayong Factory. It is available in four trim levels: DX, LX, LT and LTZ. Single cab and crew cab models are available as either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
The upgraded Brazilian Chevrolet S-10 dual-cab was released as the facelifted Colorado model for the Australian and New Zealand markets in 2017 with GM's MyLink infotainment system including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. The model is built in right-hand-drive at the GM Thailand plant.
A Thunder Edition is available on 4x4 LX, LT and LTZ models. Among the features included with the pack are a nudge bar and towing kit, front carpet floor mats and a one-piece rear carpet floor mat, a bonnet protector, slimline weather shields and "Thunder" badging.
Production of the Colorado in Thailand is due to end by the end of 2020.

Trim levels

The US-spec model was revealed on November 20, 2013 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Production began at Wentzville Assembly in 2014, and vehicles started arriving at dealerships nationwide by mid-late 2014, as an early 2015 model year vehicle. It competes with other midsized pickup truck offerings, such as the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma. The US spec model features a different front fascia, with its design being similar to the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, and different engines. General Motors' Wentzville assembly plant received a $380 million expansion of 500,000 square feet that was constructed to support the new Colorado's assembly. In September 2014, GM added workers to the Wentzville factory after it received advanced orders of 30,000 Colorado/Canyons from its dealerships.
For the initial launch, the Colorado was available with either a 2.5 L Ecotec I4 engine or the 3.6 L LFX V6 engine. The 2.8 L Duramax LWN turbodiesel engine was added in 2016, and is a first for its class ever in the US market. It is also available in three cab configurations: extended cab with a bed, crew cab with a bed, or crew cab with a bed, with four-wheel drive being optional.
Sixteen-inch or seventeen-inch steel wheels or alloy wheels are available, as well as a decor package for the W/T model that adds a chrome front grille and body-colored door handles and side view mirrors.

Trim levels

The base Colorado trim level includes the following standard equipment: sixteen-inch steel wheels, vinyl seating surfaces, an A/M-F/M stereo with auxiliary audio input and a six-speaker audio system, power windows and door locks, a 2.5L EcoTec Inline Four-Cylinder gasoline engine, a six-speed manual transmission, carpeted flooring, and a chrome front grille. This model is available exclusively as an Extended Cab.
The W/T includes the same standard equipment as the base Colorado trim level, but has more optional equipment, such as a seven-inch color touch-screen MyLink radio, cloth seating surfaces, keyless entry, sixteen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, color-keyed door mirrors, an automatic transmission, and a 3.6L V6 gasoline engine. It is available as either an Extended Cab, or as a Crew Cab with either a Short Box or a Long Box.
The LT adds the following equipment to the base Colorado and W/T trim levels: seventeen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a 3.6L V6 gasoline engine, an automatic transmission, an eight-inch color touch-screen MyLink radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, OnStar with 4G LTE Wi-Fi Connectivity, cloth seating surfaces, and keyless entry. Optional equipment includes a 2.8L Duramax Inline Four-Cylinder Turbo Diesel engine, remote start, a rear-view backup camera system, a premium Bose seven-speaker audio system, a GPS navigational radio with MyLink, and chrome exterior accessories. It is available as either an Extended Cab, or as a Crew Cab with either a Short Box or a Long Box.
The Z/71 is the top-of-the-line trim level, and adds the following equipment to the LT trim level: unique aluminum-alloy wheels, vinyl and cloth combination seating surfaces, and a black front grille. Optional equipment is the same as the LT. It is available as either an Extended Cab, or as a Crew Cab with either a Short Box or a Long Box.
Later 2015 Colorado and Canyon models offered 4G LTE Wi-Fi capabilities through the OnStar system, standard on higher trim levels, and optional on lower trim levels. For 2016, trucks equipped with the eight-inch MyLink or GMC IntelliLink touchscreen infotainment system received standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
Starting with the 2017 model year, base Colorado and Canyon models received a standard seven-inch Chevrolet MyLink touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth for hands-free calling and wireless stereo audio streaming, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, an A/M-F/M radio, and auxiliary and USB audio inputs, along with a six-speaker audio system. Most models also included a rear backup camera system. OnStar with 4G LTE Wi-Fi capabilities was optional on base Colorado and Canyon models.
The 6-speed manual transmission was discontinued during the 2019 model year and is no longer available in the Colorado or Canyon.
Starting with the 2020 model year, both the 2WD Z71 Extended Cab and 2WD Z71 Crew Cab Long Box models will be removed from the lineup, along with the RST and Redline edition, as both will be combined with the Luxury edition.
The ZR-2 is the "Off-Road" trim level, and adds the following equipment to the Z/71 trim level: 2" taller suspension, 3.5" wider track, 31" off-road tires, unique aluminum-alloy wheels, leather-trimmed seating surfaces, functional rock sliders, Multimatic DSSV position sensitive shock absorbers, aluminum skid plates to protect radiator, oil pan, and front differential, locking front and rear differential, high approach angle front bumper. Optional equipment is the same as the LT and Z/71 trim levels, except for the availability of a rear bed-mounted light bar. It is available as either an Extended Cab with a long box, or as a Crew Cab with a Short Box.
The 2021 model year Colorado will receive a refreshed look and a updated grille in line with the Chevrolet design language, but will see its level trims reduced to four: Work, LT, Z71, and ZR2. The 2WD base trim is eliminated.
In Mexico, there are 3 available configurations: the WT Double Cab, with a 2.5L engine, 6 speed automatic transmission, and rear wheel drive; the LT Double Cab, with a 2.5L engine, 6 speed automatic transmission, and rear wheel drive; and the LT Double Cab, with a 3.6L V6 engine, 8 speed automatic transmission, connectable four wheel drive transmission and four wheel drive.

GMC Canyon

The all-new GMC Canyon was introduced on January 12, 2014. GMC introduced in an official press and video release and made its public debut the following day at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Sales started at dealerships in the second quarter of 2014 as a 2015 model.
The Canyon offers the same features as its cousin, but will have a higher MSRP and more options. It also sports a front grille design that closely resembles its full-size sibling, the GMC Sierra. The Canyon comes in three trims and either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The base model is only available with the 2.5 L Ecotec I4 engine, a 6-speed manual transmission, and two-wheel drive.
Optional features will include active aero grille shutters, available OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with on-board wifi, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and an available Teen Driver feature that limits speed and audio volume.
On February 16, 2015, GMC posted spyshots of a Canyon with Denali styling, indicating plans to add the mid-size truck to the Denali lineup as a 2016 model.
Both the Canyon and Colorado received a facelift for the 2021 model year, prior to the debut of a third generation in either the 2023 or 2024 model years.
GMC also saw its level trims reduced and renamed for the 2021 model year: Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, and Denali. The SLE and SLT trims are eliminated.

Colorado ZR2

The ZR2 concept was shown at the 2014 LA Auto Show. Due to positive feedback, a production ready version was introduced two years later at the 2016 LA Auto Show, which joined the 2017 lineup.
The Colorado ZR2 offers the same amenities as its brother the Z71, but is heavily tailored towards off-road performance. The ZR2 model is available in 2 body configurations; crew cab with 5 ft bed or extended cab with 6 ft bed. Engine options are the 3.6 L LGZ V6 engine and the 2.8 L Duramax LWN turbodiesel engine.
Chevrolet designed many new parts specifically for the ZR2 to improve off-road performance. New features and parts standard or optional on the ZR2 include:
The 2018 Colorado ZR2 was featured in of Motor Trend Head 2 Head, where it faced off against a 2017 Ram Power Wagon.

Colorado ZH2 (Military Truck)

and U.S. Army TARDEC partnered in 2016 to develop and successfully test the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 fuel cell electric truck, with low acoustical and heat signatures as well as the advantages of on-board water production, exportable electric power and off-road capability.

Infantry Squad Vehicle

The US Army's Infantry Squad Vehicle is heavily-based on the diesel variant of the ZR2, with 90% of the vehicle coming from commercial off-the-shelf components.

Engines

Sales

Awards and recognition