Autoblog Offers up 2021 Chevy Colorado Preview + Entry-Level Trim Talk

It was back in October when the 2021 Chevy Colorado off-road ZR2 model saw its reveal, and everyone who had waited patiently got a glimpse of its aggressive front end a bit reminiscent of the Camaro SS. At that time many of us here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis were left wondering about the rest of the lineup, and what form and features to expect. Last week the staff on duty at Autoblog ran a feature that provided more information about the LT and Z71 trim levels.

As you can see here, these versions of the Colorado have front fascias that are a bit more restrained, but still more aggressive than the outgoing 2020 model. The grille is now larger with the lower section flaring outward, a bit reminiscent of what you see on the Chevy Blazer. The crossbar has a very distinguishable split in the middle, and the grille insert sports more detailed mesh. The bumper has more creases and detailing, and evokes a bit more of an off-road vibe than before. The center part of the air dam under the bumper now rises upward for a better approach angle, and the entire air dam is easier to remove, which is a big help for off-road activity.

 

Most of the rest of the truck looks like the outgoing Colorado, as this was a mid-cycle refresh instead of complete revamping. The tailgate has the Chevy logo stamped in the back as it appears on the new Chevy Silverado. Proud production of the model will begin at the end of this month at the factory in Missouri, and the fine details on pricing still have not been officially announced. Along with red tow hooks, the ZR2 and Z71 now gain a Sand Dune metallic paint color, and we'd have to agree that the ZR2 trim is really where the action-packed thrills and add-ons become a reality!

It includes exotic spool-valve shocks, electronic locking diffs on both axles, and one of the wilder front ends ever spotted on a modern truck. The crew cab has a bigger back seat and cool look and practicality of the bed-mounted spare-tire carrier. With the Trailering Equipment package, the base Colorado with the 4-cylinder engine can lug 3500 pounds, and we are all excited about the fact that Trailer-sway control- which applies the truck and trailer brakes if the system senses sway – now comes standard on all Colorados.

As far as tire offerings, there are the brand-new 17-inch x 8-inch Ultra Silver Metallic steel wheels, as well as the 17-inch x 8-inch Bright machined aluminum wheels. For the new model, the addition of the Chrome Appearance Package on LT models includes a chrome grille, outside heated power-adjustable, manual-folding mirrors with chrome caps, chrome door handles, chrome rear bumper, and chrome beltline molding.

2021 Chevy Colorado Billed By Kelley Blue Book as “Best in its Class for Towing, Accounts for Every Budget”

The staff on duty at Kelly Blue Book have always been known for clear, competent, and concise reviews on the latest of everything auto related. This past week they took on the test-drive duty for our prized 2021 Chevy Colorado and loved right off the bat how it is the most customizable of the midsize truck segment. They also gave it an exceedingly high level of praise for the refreshed exterior styling, and very comfortable ride and handling.

New features for this model year are a refreshed front fascia, revised badging, paint colors, and wheel options, and the availability of the Chrome Appearance package now on the LT trim. Here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis you can choose from the smaller 5-foot 2-inch bed, or the larger 6-ft 2-inch version. It comes in 2- and 4-wheel drive, and the KBB staff claims that the Colorado checks off more boxes than most when it comes to overall form and function. They were so impressed by the Colorado's overall capability that Kelley Blue Book named it the midsize Pickup Truck Best Buy of 2020.

 

It was a mix of being the visually most impressive and having the most options when it boils right down to the all-important engine choice. The diesel engine offers up the absolute best-in-class towing capacity for the Chevy brand, and you can configure the truck in more ways than any other in the genre, including stiff competitors such as the Jeep Gladiator, Toyota Tacoma, and Ford Ranger. While on the highway, the Kelley Blue Book test drive staff said that the steering feels surprisingly snug, and not like a typical truck. They simply did not experience the bounce and vibration that you usually can't avoid on the interstate with a vehicle capable of hauling and towing so much.

The 2.8-liter Duramax diesel is an exceptionally good choice for hauling a trailer and for buyers on the hunt for great mileage stats. The 2021 Chevy Colorado also continues to offer truck buyers the cream of the crop with serious off-road equipment, additional skid plates under the most valuable components, and very high-tech Multimatic shocks. The 2021 LT sees an upgraded Infotainment 3 system, and 8-inch touchscreen display. The ZR2 gets a new front fascia that looks more aggressive than ever while retaining the traditional frame and trademark rugged exterior.

We can relate to the sentiment the testing crew has here that rings true: “The ZR2 looks ready to go rock-crawling over the weekend and then get your properly to the office on Monday”. The team also praised the fact that every budget feels accounted for when it comes to this model: the base Work Truck trim is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine brandishing a 5,500-pound towing capacity on the rear-drive model. There is the option to add features such as a spray-in bedliner, fog lights, and cargo-bed storage rails, as well as a low-speed transfer case. Very helpful for long truck beds, Chevy offers rear-parking assist along with the rear-view camera, providing alerts for any foreign objects at the rear of the truck.

2020 ZR2 Bison Deemed as “Stevens Pass Snowfall Conqueror” by Herald-Net

Typical customers here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis have been just like customers across the rest of the nation: 100% crazy for trucks! The 2020 Colorado mid-size pickup is available in a variety of configurations, with choice of extended-cab or crew versions, 3 different bed lengths, 3 engine choices, and the Work Truck, LT, Z71, and ZR2 trim levels. The ZR2 is the quintessential off-road model, and the Bison version is equipped with several awesome assets that give it an edge for the most extreme of conditions.

Mary Lowry of Everett, Washington's Herald-Net publication test drove the ZR2 when her area of Snohomish County was experiencing heavy snow and took the truck to a forest service road near Stevens Pass to put its off-road chops to the test. She was driving the 4WD short-box crew cab model, also equipped with the 2.8-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine and standard six-speed automatic transmission. This proper and off-road-ready setup cranks out 186 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque and boasts a hefty 7,700 lb towing ability.

The Bison performance special edition is the first time that Chevy has collaborated with Michigan-based AEV, which is widely known as the premier entity for off-road additions. The Bison model features a flow-through Chevy lettered grille bar, AEV front and rear bumper, fog lamps, wheel moldings, front and rear floor liners, embroidered headrests, AEV 17-inch wheels, boron steel skid plates for the fuel tank, rear differential, and transfer case. There's even an AEV air snorkel, that can supply filtered air to the engine when plowing through extreme dust.

Mary also highlighted the great comfort factor that she enjoyed by means of a six-way power driver seat, heated front seats with power lumbar adjustment, a rear folding bench seat, heated tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, wireless device charging, 8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay capability, and OnStar services with available Wi-Fi. New for 2020 are key fob operated tailgate lock control and Tire Fill Alert, a real lifesaver during winter months when you don't want pressure to fluctuate dangerously.

Even with all of the extra additives on board to assure that the Bison is the ruler of all off-road domains, the highway ride was still surprisingly smooth, minus a bit of the instability and grippiness that Mary expected from the ZR2. “The fun begins when the pavement ends” when you're at the wheel of the Bison, and the skid plates and rock sliders are some of the most important components when it comes to the protection of the vital elements of the truck that are the first to suffer when pushed to the limit. We guarantee that pushing said limits has never been more fun, and any snow-covered pass standing in your way will be conquered with ease!

2021 Chevy Colorado's Refresh Billed as “Tough-Looking and Eager to Explore” by Motor Trend

As all of us here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis prepare for the fall season and think about the different kinds of terrain that can be conquered with an off-road-ready truck, our thoughts drift towards some of the best terrain ever portrayed on the big screen. One instant classic that crossed our minds during the discussion was “No Country for Old Men”. This was a movie that did a superb job of showing us the Texas and Arizona wilderness, where the cactus and red rock are plentiful and the need for durable skid plates is mammoth.

The folks on staff at Motor Trend took an up-close look in their weekly feature at the 2021 Chevy Colorado, immediately deeming it as tough-looking and bound to be wildly popular. The changes for the 2021 year have a heavy focus on appearance, and a more aggressive look makes the Colorado seem a bit more at home when situated next to bigger Chevy trucks. LT, WT, and Z71 trims see updated front fascia with new logos, layout, and skid plate. The first two are recipients of the Chevy bowtie badge finished in gold, while the off-road-oriented Z71 will be brandishing a black bowtie.

All 2021 Colorados will get a new tailgate featuring embossed Chevrolet lettering, similar to what is seen on the Silverado 1500 and Silverado 2500 HD. The top the line and trail-ready Colorado ZR2 sees and a wider and more open grille as well as skid plates and red tow hooks. It will see the same DSSV dampers from Multimatic that have been billed by many as “phenomenal” as well as the Dune Metallic beige exterior paint option.

There is a competition-ready version of the new Colorado built and on its way to take on the 2019 Laughlin Desert Classic, a world-renowned race that takes place in the sands of southern Nevada. This race consists of desert terrain combined with a short course atmosphere and provides the ultimate rhythm sections that are the biggest tests to the suspension one could fathom. It is a race that has truly reflected what a perpetual state of growth and killer marketing looks like and always provided plenty of dust kicked up, raw adventure, and extreme desert challenge.

Rally Editions and trim levels that provide an urban flair are well-accepted within the current truck climate but we have to admit that we have always had a weakness for off-road models, and the coming 2021 Colorado will be sure to be the favorite of hardcore sand-drift enthusiasts nationwide. We encourage you to check out locations to display your off-road truck's ability such as Persimmon Loup: with a few creek crossings and gnarly elevation factor, it consistently ranks as one of the best in the area!

2021 Chevy Colorado With Facelift Caught Off-Guard by GM Authority Photo Crew

During the dog days of Summer, GM Authority was the first to serve up the red-hot story that the Chevy Colorado was not due for a mid-cycle refresh. Instead, the 2021 model year will see an update to its front fascia, and you can see in the photos here as a prototype is caught testing in plain sight. Just as was expected, the front end is covered with a zebra-stripe and checkered camo, but it's easy to make out the changes to the nose.

The truck pictured in these shots appears to be of the Work Truck trim, sporting the optional 16-inch RS1 Ultra Silver Metallic Cast aluminum wheels. When stacked up against the current model, the biggest change appears to be the actual pattern of the black upper grille insert as well as a redesigned lower fascia, that now has a new cutout situated at the lower end of the bumper cover. After this facelift, an all-new Colorado and Canyon is set to arrive for the 2023 model year, riding on an updated version of the GM 31XX platform that resides underneath the current model.

This updated fascia is expected to land during the second half of the 2020 calendar year for the 2021 model year. Die-hard truck fans here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis have so many reasons to love the Colorado, the truck that undercuts the full-size a bit to be versatile and even off-road ready. As we were looking over other GM Authority news regarding our favorite line, we also came across this awesome video of the Colorado ZR2 Diesel taking on Utah's Little Moab. It is evident here just how the large amount of suspension travel that the ZR2 package helps out the Red-Hot truck in a pinch. It can carry on without any problems where others would be stuck dead in their tracks.

As we look at the current model and wait in anticipation for future Colorado variants to arrive to the lot, one of the other cool happenings over this last year was the new supercharger kit Lingenfelter announced for the ZR2. It offers a major power increase for the 3.6-Liter V6 LGZ engine, taking it from the stock 308 horsepower to 416 horsepower, courtesy of an Edelbrock supercharger hard at work. Hauling, towing, and taking care of all other duties on your to-do list is what trucks are best known for, and the Colorado has all the defined chops to quickly become your favorite!

Why Editors Would Pick The 2019 Chevy Colorado Spotlight: Motor Trend's Mark Rechtin

As the customer of today looks online, on the dealer's lot here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis, and through advertisements highlighting price cuts for trucks, they inevitably narrow their search down to the truck that will best work for them. Experienced auto journalists for publications such as Motor Trend can tend to be a wealth of knowledge regarding the topic, based on sheer hours spent behind various wheels, and the ability to discern what's most important. Mark Rechtin right off the bat bills himself as “not the typical pickup truck buyer”.

He's a middle-aged Suburban Guy with a spouse, a house, and usually the type that ponies up nearly reluctantly to succumb to the latest offerings from the crossover SUV camp. Doing a bang-up job of poking fun at himself, he laments that loading up a Chrysler Pacifica minivan with two-by-fours “ain't exactly masculine”. Since midsize trucks are now the size and overall heft of what a full-size truck was around ten years ago, his first pick was the Chevy Colorado LT, in 2WD Crew Cab, Short Box trim with the segment's latest and greatest 308 horsepower 3.6- liter V-6. He eagerly proclaims that there are many great reasons why it won Truck of the Year in 2015 and 2016, as well as a more recent comparison test on “Gettin' grimy and dirty”!

Mark claims that the Colorado is perfectly rugged even before you get into ZR2 or Bison form, very capable, and always doles out a very predictable and smooth ride. Because of the integrated bumper steps, loading and unloading is a breeze, and with the V-6 and tow package is can haul 7,000 pounds of pure lake-toy or other lug-worthy commodity. He praised the interior of the Colorado immediately for being much roomier than sworn rival Toyota Tacoma's, and also for the layout of controls making perfect sense.

The intuitive infotainment system on board is one of the best in the industry, and tech-lovers everywhere will love the plentiful USB drives on deck. As we find ourselves once again situated smack dab in the middle of summer, the A/C on board the Colorado actually is known for immediately blowing the crystal coldest of the cold. One of the reasons why Mark picked the truck with over-the-top enthusiasm as his favorite was the way in which is effortlessly and flawlessly splits the difference of being a proper truck for work and just plain getting around, a trait that was hard to find in any truck some years back.

The 2019 models now also see the addition of second in-cabin microphone for passenger, and the addition of HD Rear Vision Camera as standard on the LT, Z71, and ZR2 trims. Like all second-generation units of the Chevy Colorado, the 2019 Colorado continues to ride on the GMT 31XX platform, shared with the GMC Canyon and Trailblazer. Trucks on the smaller side are a bit easier to park and maneuver, and this is the absolute perfect choice for someone who is finally ready to take the plunge and call a brand-new and properly-equipped pickup truck their own!

2019 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison V-6 Rendered “Utterly Unstoppable” By MotorTrend Off-Road Test

Scott Evans of Motor Trend was quite right this past week when he lamented in his most recent article that most Americans have probably only seen the bison in a picture of the west, or featured on a menu. These days, the most bison left are situated safely on private ranches and raised for food, but before this, they could be found all over the many areas of vast expanse in the U.S., Canada, and northern Mexico. It is a very proud and deeply-woven heritage, and one that is aptly fitting for the namesake of this year's Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison.

Even though bison are known to spend a fair amount of time standing around, they are most definitely capable of covering a large amount of ground in a pinch. The ZR2 is able to complete absolutely insane jumps and go wherever it damn well pleases for sure, and we'd think it is even more reliable than its tantrum-prone namesake. The full Bison treatment is courtesy of American Expedition Vehicles, the experts who began making pure magic when founder Dave Harriton started modifying TJ Wranglers for himself while a student at the University of Montana. Today, they are a success story with their engineering and design facility in Missoula, and an engineering/vehicle build/warehouse plant in Detroit.

It takes 7.2 seconds for the ZR2 bison to get to 60 mph, which is just a tenth slower than the standard ZR2. It carries its extra 144 lbs of weight extremely well, and all of us here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis have long known that the skidplates strategically placed on the Bison are the ultimate protectors of this well-honed and grunty number! While on the highways leading to the dirty and boulder-rich roads less traveled, the Motor Trend experts confirm that the current model's transmission is way more suited for the long concrete jaunts at 75 mph +.

What the review team really highlights well here is the way in which the ZR2 Bison feels all-in-all unstoppable. It truly possesses top-notch breakover, departure angles, and approach. With the added confidence that bumper reinforcements, locking front and rear differentials, and rock sliders offer, you simply don't ever have to worry about this dune-ready model ever not being able to get you through.

On another expedition carried through this summer, the same team took the ZR2 Bison on a trying off-road jaunt in the Mojave Desert: they encountered rocky hills, sandy riverbeds, and an ample amount of dirt two-track, and never once needed to use the differential locks. In this photo gallery, you can even witness the ZR2 Bison treading quite deep in the water: no terrain-derived threat can even come close to defeating this precisely-crafted and top-ranking rock crawler!

Military Vehicle Based On Chevy Colorado Is In The Works

This past week, both General Motors and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) announced a military spec vehicle- based on the Chevrolet Colorado and powered by hydrogen fuel cells- is in the works. Not sure what that means? A hydrogen fuel cell is a fuel cell that uses both oxygen and hydrogen as fuel to produce electricity and water. The electricity produced is used to power the vehicle and the water is either ejected from the vehicle or captured for other use.

Throughout the last decade, there has been a push for electric vehicles throughout the entire automotive industry due to zero tailpipe emissions and cheaper operation. However, they’re especially significant in the military segment. A fuel-cell vehicle is quiet and its electric motor offers high torque-power delivered almost immediately to the wheels. This allows the vehicle to move through rough terrain quietly. When it comes to charging, a fuel-cell vehicle does not require a station- just a supply of hydrogen. It also has the ability to be used as an electric generator and source of water.

The military has not officially stated whether or not they will use this type of vehicle in active duty, however GM did state that a commercially viable fuel-cell vehicle could be headed this way in the 2020 time frame.

The Colorado-based fuel-cell vehicle will be revealed this October at the Association of the United States Army fall meeting in Washington, D.C.

Guess we’ll see how it goes! Maybe some of this technology will end up on future Chevrolet models!

In the meantime, be sure to stop by Chuck Hutton Chevrolet to check out our current Chevrolet lineup!

Chuck Hutton carries best mid-size pickup

It was no surprise to Chuck Hutton Chevrolet that the 2016 Colorado Extended Cab won the 5-Year Cost-to-Own Award in the mid-size pickup section. The Colorado has always been a customer favorite, offering the ride and interior of a crossover, best-in-class towing capacity, and fuel economy. The Colorado’s sales have always been strong because it offers the perfect balance of work and comfort. Not only does the Colorado offer the lowest 5-Year Cost to Own, but it can handle the demands of work while offering a enjoyable cabin and ride for the weekend.

The Colorado features MyLink connectivity, Apple CarPlay, heated seats and a large touch screen for audio, phone and navigation. It also comes in three different engine styles: 4-cylinder, V6 and diesel. All three choices are available with a 6-speed automatic transmission.