2015 Chevrolet Colorado

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos GM Media

The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado is an all-new midsize pickup with the style and versatility of a truck and the refinement, maneuverability and efficiency of a crossover, Colorado is tailored to the needs of customers in North America with distinctive design cues and a quiet, comfortable interior that offers car and crossover amenities.

Exterior
The Colorado’s North American design is unique, with a confident stance and a sporty demeanor. Taller bedsides, for example, are exclusive to North America and match the aggressive, raked belt line of the cab, creating a distinctive proportion that reinforces the truck’s athleticism while better securing items stored in the bed.

Models and trim levels include Work Truck, LT and Z71. The off-road-inspired Z71 features a gunmetal grille surround a change from the chrome standard on the other models projector headlamps and 17-inch aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires.

Cab and bed configuration choices include an extended cab model with a 6’ 2” bed, a crew cab with a 5’ 2” bed and a crew cab with a 6’ 2” bed. With the tailgate down, the 6’ 2” bed allows hauling of 8-foot-long items.

A WT Appearance Package is available on WT models and includes 16-inch aluminum wheels, body-color outside mirrors, spotter mirror and body-color door handles. The EZ-Lift-and-Lower tailgate is included with the WT Convenience Package, which also includes remote keyless entry, theft-deterrent system and cruise control.

Interior
The interior of the 2015 Colorado is designed to be comfortable, is thoughtfully equipped and well connected. A bold, upright instrument panel with large controls and a center console with a floor-mounted shifter similar to those found in midsize cars and crossovers.

Cabin designers paid exceptional attention to detail and premium appointments, including a sculpted headliner that enhances headroom, halo lighting on key controls for easier view and an open area at the front of the center console for easier phone charging. The Z71 model features exclusive color and trim details, including embossed seatbacks and contrast stitching.

Connectivity
Chevrolet MyLink is standard on LT and Z71 models. It combines with OnStar to bring connectivity technology to Colorado, myLink complements the safety and security of OnStar with information and entertainment that’s seamlessly connected, allowing intuitive smartphone integration into the vehicle so that hand-held phones may be safely stowed while driving.

Complementing MyLink to enhance connectivity is new OnStar with 4G LTE featuring a standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. It provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected. The hotspot is on whenever the vehicle is on and comes with a three-month/three-gigabyte data trial, whichever comes first.

Capability
The Colorado delivers the capability expected of a Chevy truck, engineered to offer better payload performance. Like the Silverado, the Colorado has a fully boxed perimeter frame, which provides the strength to support its capabilities, as well as a confident, smooth and quiet ride.

Another Chevy truck feature offered on the Colorado is the G80 automatic locking rear differential, it gives drivers a traction advantage when needed. It is standard on Z71 and available on WT and LT.

The four-wheel drive system employs an electronically controlled transfer case that allows the driver to shift from 2WD to 4WD. The driver can select from three modes, 2WD, 4WD HI or 4WD Lo.

Engines
The 2.5L and 3.6L engines offered in the Colorado are based on proven designs found in other Chevrolet vehicles, but tuned uniquely for truck duty, including more torque at lower- and mid-range rpm levels for a more confident feeling of power when the Colorado is loaded or pulling a trailer.

The 2.5L four is rated at 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque, with approximately 90 percent of the peak torque available from 2,000 rpm to 6,200 rpm. The 3.6L engine is rated at 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque.

All models are matched with a six-speed automatic that complements the truck-tuned engines with features that make hauling and trailering easier and more comfortable, including auto grade braking and a tow/haul mode. Extended cab 2WD WT models equipped with the 2.5L engine are also available with a six-speed manual transmission.

Safety
Colorado is designed to help keep occupants safe on the road, employing a number of active and passive safety features. Standard features include, six air bags, including head curtain side air bags, large rearview mirrors, standard rear-vision camera system for greater visibility and safety, StabiliTrak stability control system with rollover mitigation technology, trailer sway control, hill start assist and hill descent control on Z71 models.

Summary
The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado has the can-do spirit of a truck, but is a vehicle that is easier to maneuver in traffic and easier to park at work or at home, also it offers the latest in convenience and safety features, which aren’t available on current midsize pickups. Work and lifestyle accessories were developed in tandem with the Colorado to match the truck’s capabilities with integrated functionality and designs to complement its distinctive styling.

The Estimated fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg City and 24 mpg Highway with the 3.6L SIDI DOHC V6 WT engine. Manufacturer’s suggested starting retail price is $34,115.00, for the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado 4WD Z71 Crew Short Box, the one I drove included the Audio System Premium Bose, Chevrolet MyLink Audio System with 8 Inch Diagonal Color Touch and Navigation, Bed Liner Spray On and Trailering Equipment Package, and it came in at $36,710.00 including destination charge.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com

 

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Chevrolet.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

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