The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado lasts around 225,000 miles with some average transmission and wheel noise issues. At $22,325 to $43,750, it’s a great value for a compact truck with a very high towing capacity.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado a Good Used Truck?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Chevrolet Colorado since it’s reliable and has a high towing capacity. Owner reviews praise the low fuel costs, stereo system, along with the strong four-wheel drive system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are strong but simple, the seats are comfortable for a truck, there are also two bed lengths available.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major complaints on the 2021 Colorado. Avoid models from 2015–2018 which have some engine problems. Models from 2019–2022 are much more reliable choices.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is fine from the four-cylinder engine, while the optional V6 and diesel four-cylinder are strong for a small truck.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2021 Colorado is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include cruise control along with a lane-departure warning system.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at 24 MPG, offering 504 miles of range out of the 21 gallon tank. Gas costs are $44 cheaper than average at $192 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Chevy Colorado is a great value since it’s less expensive than other trucks with slow depreciation rates.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Colorado?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is a modern compact truck which has some upscale features and earns high owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Chevy Colorado at 3.9/5, enjoying the simple cabin controls, but doesn’t like the low hanging front end, which limits off-road potential.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Colorado a 4.3/5, praising the high towing capacity, but owners don’t like that there are not a lot of standard safety features.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado include delayed gear changes, excessive wheel noise, along with some frozen stereo system issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other small trucks on the market, leading to average repair costs as the Colorado ages.
Delayed gear changes are the most widespread complaint from 2021 Colorado owners, showing up within the first 2,500 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by software issues. Most dealerships will update the software in the transmission control module for free, while others charge around $100 for the labor.
Excessive wheel noise is another problem found on some Colorado models at around 15,000 miles. The problem is typically caused by worn-out wheel bearings. Replacing the wheel bearings is fairly labor-intensive, costing around $400.
Frozen stereo systems have also been reported by Colorado owners in the first 1,000 miles. There are software updates for the stereo system which improve its reliability. Usually, dealerships will update the software for free during normal servicing, while some charge around $50.
There is only one recall on the 2021 Chevy Colorado, which is better than some competitors. The recall covers incorrect bolts that have been used on the seat belts. Chevrolet will replace the bolts on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Chevrolet Colorado can last around 225,000 miles, which is a bit shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Tacoma. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other trucks, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $579 per year.
As a used 2021 Colorado reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the serpentine belt for $125, ignition coils costing $240, along with the transmission oil cooler lines, which cost around $300.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is good for a truck and has a 7-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen and Bose audio system.
Standard safety features are basic, and only include a rearview camera and teen driver mode.
Optional driver assistance features are available, such as:
- Cruise control
- Forward collision warning
- Rear parking sensors
- Lane-departure warning
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is a good value since it offers decent practicality for the money. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $22,325 to $43,750, making it less than a Jeep Gladiator or GMC Canyon. When new, the price range was $25,200 to $44,200. Depreciation is similar to other trucks, losing about 4% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevy Colorado?
There are four main models of the Chevy Colorado offered, from the entry-level WT, through to the off-road focused ZR2. The Colorado comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Chevrolet Colorado WT is the entry-level model with:
- Vinyl upholstery
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- 7-inch touch screen
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Two USB ports
- Apple CarPlay compatibility
- Android Auto compatibility
- Satellite radio
- Six-speaker audio system
- Teen Driver technology
- Rearview camera
Chevrolet Colorado LT is a step up, adding:
- Cloth upholstery
- Cruise control
- Keyless entry
- 8-inch touch screen
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Additional USB ports
- EZ Lift & Lower tailgate
Chevrolet Colorado Z71 has more features such as:
- V6 engine
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Automatic locking rear differential
- Recovery hooks
- Hill descent control
- Off-road suspension
- Automatic climate control
- Remote start
- Cloth and synthetic leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Voice recognition
- HD Radio
- Wireless device charging
- Rear parking sensors
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is the flagship model, which has:
- Standard four-wheel drive
- Two-speed transfer case
- Transfer case shield
- Full-locking front and rear differentials
- Off-road rocker protection
- Leather-appointed seats
- Power-adjustable passenger seat
- Trailer brake controller
What Engines Come In the Chevy Colorado?
- Firstly, the base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, delivering 200 horsepower and 191 lb.-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, it achieves a combined fuel economy of around 22 MPG. Although not the most powerful, this engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds and can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in about 9 seconds, making it suitable for light-duty tasks and daily commuting.
- The second option is a more robust 3.6-liter V6 engine, which ups the performance significantly. It produces 308 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft of torque, and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination yields a combined fuel economy of 20 MPG. The V6 engine enhances the Colorado’s towing capacity to 7,000 pounds and allows it to sprint from 0-60 MPH in a brisk 6.1 seconds, offering a blend of power and agility for those needing more muscle and speed.
- Lastly, for those prioritizing fuel efficiency and towing capacity, the Colorado also comes with a 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine. This powertrain generates 181 horsepower and a remarkable 369 lb.-ft of torque. It’s coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission and boasts a combined fuel economy of around 25 MPG. The diesel engine stands out with its towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds and a 0-60 MPH time of 9 seconds, making it ideal for heavy towing and long-haul driving.
What Colors Does the Chevy Colorado Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chevy Colorado?
The 2021 Chevy Colorado, known for its robust performance as a midsize pickup truck, also shines in the aspect of comfort, both for the driver and passengers. Its cabin, designed with ergonomic features, offers a pleasant and comfortable ride even during long journeys. The seats in the Colorado are particularly noteworthy, crafted with quality materials that provide good support and cushioning. The front seats are designed to accommodate various body types, making sure that both the driver and the front passenger can enjoy a relaxed posture. For those opting for higher trims, features like heated seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat further enhance the comfort level. This is particularly beneficial for those who use the Colorado as a daily driver, as it offers a more sedan-like ride than a rugged truck experience.
In terms of interior space, the 2021 Chevy Colorado is generous. In Crew Cab models, rear passengers are treated to ample legroom and headroom, making it suitable for adults as well as children. The cabin is also well-insulated, reducing road and wind noise, which contributes to a more serene driving experience. Additionally, the climate control system is efficient, quickly adjusting the cabin temperature to a comfortable level in various weather conditions. The infotainment system, with its intuitive interface, adds to overall comfort by providing easy access to navigation, music, and smartphone integration, keeping passengers entertained and connected on the go.
Overall, the 2021 Chevy Colorado offers a level of comfort that is commendable for a midsize pickup truck. Its thoughtful interior design, coupled with a smooth ride quality and modern amenities, make it an appealing choice for those seeking a comfortable yet capable vehicle. Whether it’s for work-related tasks or family outings, the Colorado manages to provide a relaxing and enjoyable driving experience.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Colorado Have?
The 2021 Chevy Colorado, a popular midsize pickup truck, offers versatile storage space that is both functional and spacious. The truck bed itself provides a significant amount of room, boasting 41.3 cubic feet of space in the standard bed, which is available on the Extended Cab model. This increases to about 49.9 cubic feet in the long-bed variant, typically found on Crew Cab models. These dimensions make the Colorado’s bed quite accommodating for various types of cargo. For instance, it can comfortably fit items like mountain bikes, large toolboxes, camping gear, or even medium-sized furniture pieces such as a loveseat or several large moving boxes. This makes the Colorado an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts, DIY hobbyists, or those who frequently transport larger items.
In addition to the generous bed space, the 2021 Chevy Colorado also offers smart interior storage solutions. The cabin is designed with practicality in mind, featuring numerous small storage areas that are perfect for keeping personal items secure and organized. These include door pockets, a center console, and glove compartment, which are ideal for storing smaller items like wallets, mobile phones, water bottles, and notebooks. The rear seat area in the Crew Cab models also provides additional space, which can be used for stowing shopping bags, toolkits, or emergency equipment like first aid kits and road flares. These small but thoughtful interior storage spaces add to the overall utility of the Colorado, making it not just a vehicle for transporting large items but also a convenient daily driver that keeps essentials within easy reach.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Chevy Colorado was launched in 2015, and will be replaced by the third generation in 2023.
2015: Fully redesigned for the second generation after not being offered for three model years.
2016: Four-cylinder engine offered, and Apple CarPlay is optional.
2017: Stronger V6 engine, updated 8-speed automatic transmission, and the ZR2 model was launched with an off-road suspension.
2018: New 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2019: Updated rearview camera, improved stereo system, and additional USB ports.
2020: Remote locking tailgate added.
2021: New front bumper added, and the entry-level model was discontinued.
How Does the Chevy Colorado Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is a nice compact truck, offering a lot of features for the money, and decent reliability ratings as it ages.
The Toyota Tacoma is another small truck, which costs around $4,500 more. Off-road performance is better in the Toyota Tacoma, while the Chevy Colorado has more legroom in the backseats. We recommend the Toyota Tacoma since it’s the longest-lasting small truck on the market.
The Ford Ranger is another compact truck available in the same price range. Interior materials are slightly nicer in the Ford Ranger, while the Chevy Colorado offers better engine choices. We recommend the Chevy Colorado since it’s more capable of towing and hauling.
