Certified 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Z71

The Chevrolet Colorado comes with a choice of three engines. The standard truck comes with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine making 200 horsepower, while an optional 3.6L V6 makes 305 horsepower. The new Duramax turbodiesel is a 2.8L four that boasts 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.

All three engines provide good fuel economy for a truck. The Colorado is rated at 27 mpg on the highway for 4-cylinder 2WD models, with the V6 truck coming in at 26 mpg highway in 2WD trim and an impressive 31 mpg from the diesel. Despite this, the truck is still able to tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped with the Duramax diesel engine and a tow package.

The Colorado is available in three basic body styles: extended cab long box, crew cab short box and crew cab long box. While the extended cab has rear hinged back doors and a small pair of rear seats, the crew cab features four-doors and rear seats big enough to comfortably sit adults, even on long drives. 4-wheel-drive and 2-wheel-drive variants are available in any of the three body styles.

There are four trim levels for the Chevrolet Colorado: Base, WT, LT and Z71. Base models are only available on extended cab variants and while they obviously feature the fewest amenities, bells and whistles, they still have several notable features. Base models come standard with four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock brakes, a six-speed manual transmission, power adjustable mirrors, a sliding rear window, a rearview camera and a chrome rear bumper.

WT trims are similar to the base model but can be ordered with the crew cab. The WT trim also adds heavy-duty suspension, an improved infotainment system and an automatic transmission.

The LT trim adds a little bit of luxury to the mid-sized pickup. A four-way power adjustable driver's seat is standard, as are 17-inch wheels, a body-colored rear bumper, an 8-inch color screen, remote entry and a leather wrapped steering wheel.

For buyers who want a Colorado with improved off-road capabilities, there's the Z71 off-road package, including heavy-duty suspension, a locking rear differential, some underbody protection, a powered front passenger seat, automatic climate control and an automatic liftgate.

Safety features on the Colorado include Stabilitrak stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes. There are six airbags in the Colorado including dual stage front airbags. A rearview camera is standard, as are 4-wheel disc brakes.

Small Truck Utility

Three Engine Choices, All Featuring Good Fuel Economy

Car-like Ride And Handling

Technology Laden Features

Following full redesign in 2015, the Chevrolet Colorado enters 2016 with a new 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel 4-cylinder. The unit includes an exhaust brake, trailer brake control, and a 2-speed electric transfer case. Inside there's a new display for the driver, and a sliding rear window is now standard.

Chevrolet calls the Colorado a "mid-sized" pickup truck, but it's actually the smallest pickup truck built by GM, slotting below the Silverado and Silverado HD. That said, the Colorado is available in a couple of cab and bed styles, allowing it to stretch out and haul more cargo depending on the individual trim ordered with the vehicle. Starting under $21,000 the Chevrolet Colorado competes closely with the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier as a truck that can both haul cargo and drive around in the city without any serious concerns about parking or street size.