Flash Drive

2015 Chevrolet Colorado

April 13, 2015 - Featured, Flash Drive - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2015 Chevrolet Colorado 4WD Z71 Crew Short Box

The all-new Chevrolet Colorado pickup is available in crew and extended cab versions.
The all-new Chevrolet Colorado pickup is available in crew and extended cab versions.

Engine: 3.6-liter V-6, 305 horsepower 269 lb-ft torque

 Transmission: 6-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 17/City—24/Highway—20 Combined

Base Price: $34,115

As Tested: $36,710

Performance:

Solid performance; strong, but not a sports car

Pleasant highway ride and driving manners

Smooth shifting auto transmission

Manual shifting capability

2WD, 4Hi, and 4Low drive modes

Two engines are available: a 305 hp V-6 and 200 hp I-4.
Two engines are available: a 305 hp V-6 and 200 hp I-4.

Hill descent control

Impressive fuel economy; our best was 26.5 mpg

Comprehensive info screen includes engine hours and trans fluid temp

 Comfort:

Outstanding front legroom, better than many full-size trucks

Power lumbar support for driver and front passenger

Dual-zone, three-temp heated front seats

Wide vinyl armrest on top of deep console bin

Thick, nicely contoured leather steering wheel

Low floor hump

Very good headroom

Front seat room is expansive and rear seat room on the four-door crew cab is adult-friendly.
Front seat room is expansive and rear seat room on the four-door crew cab is adult-friendly.

Wide rear armrest

Front seats need to be up a ways to accommodate large adults in back

 Utility:

Excellent cargo retention features

Easy open/close tailgate thanks to torsion bar

Three-part front door bins, although bins are small

Split, folding rear seat folds almost flat

One seatback pouch

Big cargo lamp

Very small rear door bins

7,000 lb. towing capacity

 WOW Factors:

Spacious interior; great for four big adults

CornerStep rear bumper notch for easy bed access

The Z71 4WD Crew Short Box is the top Colorado model.
The Z71 4WD Crew Short Box is the top Colorado model.

Lots of adjustable cargo rings

A very strong value in its market segment

 Whines:

Only 44-inches between bed wheel tubs; larger items need to rest atop tubs

Hard plastic on door panels and dashboard

 Bottom Line:

The all-new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado pickup is a midsize pickup that’s ideal for urban customers seeking a versatile pickup that’s as much car as it is truck. The Colorado is rugged enough for truck activities, but space and comfort features are aimed at daily driving and hauling family instead of farm goods.