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2018 Chevrolet Colorado review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Chevrolet Colorado highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Top towing capacity in the class
  • Simple interior and controls
  • ZR2 version’s off-roading capability

Cons

  • Front seat comfort for bigger people
  • Less practical in-bed storage than rivals
  • Easy to damage front air dam

Mileage (EPA estimate)

16 city, 18 highway, 17 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $19,998 - $24,998*

View our Chevrolet Colorado inventory
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The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado offers towing and off-roading talent

Chevrolet’s midsize pickup offers extended-cab and crew-cab styles with a choice of gas four-cylinder, gas V6, and turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engines. Four-wheel drive is optional, and the 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 model is purpose built for off-roading.

Depending on the configuration, the 2018 Colorado will tow 7,700 pounds and carry 1,574 pounds of payload. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories. Helpful features include rear bumpers with integrated steps and a tailgate that is easy to lower and lift. Chevy designs the cargo bed for two-tier loading and includes multiple tie-down points.

The Colorado has a touchscreen infotainment system with satellite radio, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and access to a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wi-Fi hotspots require a data plan to activate and may also require a compatible device. See the owner’s manual or manufacturer website for more information. Driver assistance features include optional forward collision and lane departure warning systems. This year, Chevrolet adds Active Tow technology to help drivers align the truck with a trailer, and heated exterior mirrors debut.

In 2018, the Chevy Colorado’s main rival was the Toyota Tacoma. In many ways, the Colorado is more capable and sophisticated, but the Honda Ridgeline is easier to live with as a daily driver.

All Chevrolet Colorado years

What is new for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado?

  • Enhanced safety features including advanced driver-assistance systems.
  • Improved fuel efficiency ratings across all models.
  • Updated infotainment system with larger touchscreen and smartphone integration.
  • New trim options available for greater customization.
  • Removal of the base engine option, now standardizing on a more powerful engine.

2018 Chevrolet Colorado trims

Curious how Chevrolet Colorado trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 200-hp, 191-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
  • Vinyl Seats
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Power Seats
  • Manual Transmission
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • View our Chevrolet Colorado inventory

Work Truck:

LT:

Z71:

ZR2:

Chevrolet Colorado photos

What We Like

Towing capacity: When properly configured and equipped with its optional 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, the Colorado can tow 7,700 pounds.

That is significantly more weight than its rivals. In addition, the more common 3.6-liter V6 can handle as much as 7,000 pounds.
If you’re buying a midsize truck to tow things, the Colorado is a good choice.

Infotainment system: Chevrolet equips the Colorado with a standard touchscreen infotainment system that includes Bluetooth® connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A 7-inch display is standard, and an 8-inch display is available. With the larger screen, the Colorado offers access to connected services including a Wi-Fi hotspot.

All you need is a paid subscription to the services.

Driving character: Colorados equipped with the V6 engine feel quick, and this midsize truck rides better than some full-size pickups. The suspension is firm, though, which helps the Colorado to feel secure and somewhat athletic when taking corners. The steering and brakes are capable, too, but lack feedback to the driver. The Colorado ZR2 is quite capable when traveling well away from civilization, but other Colorados have a front air dam that limits their off-roading talent.

What Needs Improvement

Lacks refinement: The Colorado is a simple, affordable truck. So it is not surprising that it lacks refinement. Engine, road, and wind noise are constant companions. The interior, though well screwed together, is made of plastic that looks and feels inexpensive. Still, these traits might make you more inclined to treat it like a truck, unconcerned about dust, dirt, and damage.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.3 out of 5

27 customer reviews
The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado offers impressive performance with strong power and smooth handling, complemented by modern technologies like touch screens and connectivity. Reliability and cabin noise are mixed, with some rough shifts reported. The interior space and styling are appreciated, though fuel economy and maintenance costs receive criticism. A versatile midsize truck.

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Chevrolet Colorado an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Chevrolet Colorado 6th out of 8 among Midsize Trucks.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Chevrolet Colorado

Chevrolet Colorado features and specs

Curious how Chevrolet Colorado trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Z71 4D Crew Cab 2WD

Standard Features

  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Side Airbags
  • ABS Brakes
  • Cruise Control
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Air Conditioning
  • Rear View Camera
  • Rear Defroster
  • Traction Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Remote Start
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Android Auto
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • AM/FM Stereo

Optional Features

  • Remote Start
  • Leather Seats
  • Smart Key
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Bed Liner
  • Tow Hitch
  • Long Bed
  • Running Boards
  • Bed Cover
  • Navigation System
  • BOSE Sound System

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

200

Torque (ft-lbs)

191

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

21

Wheelbase

128.3"

Overall length

212.7"

Width

74.3"

Height

70.7"

Leg room

F 45"/R 35.8"

Head room

F 41.4"/R 38.3"

Front tires

255/65R17

Rear tires

255/65R17

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

350/7700 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Chevrolet Colorado FAQ

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