Highlights of the Second-Gen Chevy Colorado

If you’re looking for a used Chevy Colorado for sale, you’ll quickly find that you have plenty of options to choose from. This midsize pickup has been around since the 2004 model year when it replaced the S-10, a truck that was tough and capable but didn’t handle particularly well and whose brakes were starting to show their age. The Colorado provided a much more comfortable ride, and it quickly became a favorite among truck drivers looking for something a little more nimble than a full-size model like the Silverado 1500.

While the first generation was a big improvement over what came before, it’s pretty definitively out of date today. Since it ended in the 2012 model year, even the newest models from this era are well over a decade old at this point and are lacking in the kinds of convenience features and safety tech that modern drivers are looking for. If you want to choose an older Colorado, you’re much better off sticking with the second generation. After a two-year hiatus, the second-gen Colorado premiered for the 2015 model year and ran through 2022.

Just by looking at it, you can tell that this generation is significantly more modern than its predecessor. And that aesthetic is backed up by the improved powertrain lineup and new features that you’ll find on this new-and-improved truck. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of this generation of the Colorado and what specific years you should keep an eye out for if you’ve got your heart set on a particular feature or trim.

Towing Capacity

The 2012 Colorado offered a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 lbs, but only if you were willing to opt for a V8 with a fuel economy rating of just 16 MPG, allowing you to go just 304 miles on a tank of gas. The 2015 Colorado not only brought that towing capacity up to 7,000 lbs, but it did it with a V6 that delivers 21 MPG and ups your range to 441 miles. The very next year, Chevy added a diesel-powered turbo 4-cylinder engine to the Colorado’s lineup, allowing it to tow up to 7,700 lbs with an engine that can provide 25 MPG and 525 miles of range on a full tank. This thrifty powertrain continued to be the best option for both towing capacity and fuel economy throughout the rest of the second generation’s run.

Cabin Technology

The interior of the first-generation Colorado was low-tech by today’s standards, with no screens, no driver assistance, and no rearview camera. While it did have Bluetooth connectivity, that was about it. In this regard, the 2015 model was a huge step forward. All trims came standard with a screen (a 4.2-inch screen on the Base and Work Truck, and an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims) and a rearview camera, while optional features include Sirius Satellite radio, a built-in navigation system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a system that can read your texts out loud for hands-free communication.

The tech continued to improve from year to year as the second generation continued, so if this is a top priority for you, you should pay close attention to the model year. Here’s a timeline of some of the major tech upgrades during the Colorado’s second generation:

• 2016: Apple CarPlay was added to the lineup and comes standard on LT and Z71 trims. Android Auto wasn’t available at the start of this model year, but it was announced that it was in development and due to be added later in the year.
• 2017: The LT and higher trims got Android Auto, which allows phone projection for most types of smartphones. Teen Driver mode became standard, making it easier for parents to teach their teenage children how to drive.
• 2018: Two new features became available: heated side view mirrors keep frost at bay while Active Tow helps you align your truck’s hitch with your trailer.
• 2019: A touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto became standard on all trims, down to the entry-level Base. Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were available on the LT trim.
• 2021: Available rear parking assist detects obstacles while you’re in reverse and warns you to prevent collisions.

Off-Road Capability

The Colorado has long been a great truck for heading off-road. Its durable build can withstand the elements while its smaller size is better able to handle twists and turns than full-size trucks. The Z71 trim has offered drivers an off-road-ready option since the first generation, adding a specialized suspension tuned for rough surfaces, a locking rear differential to help with traction in sticky situations, and underbody shielding to protect vital components from damage. But starting in the 2017 model year, the Colorado got an even more rugged trim added to the lineup.

The ZR2 goes even further than just adding specialized equipment. It actually changes the shape of the Colorado’s body, with a wider stance for added stability, modified bumpers and wheel arches, and a hood scoop. It also has a two-inch factory lift to help you roll over obstacles like rocks and tree roots that might otherwise cause a problem, as well as additional skid plates, to fend off obstacles that are still high enough to be an issue. The ZR2 also features Multimatic shocks to keep your ride smooth even when the trail gets bumpy and lockable front and rear differentials that will help you keep rolling, even if you get a wheel spinning in the mud or stuck in a rut.

Accessible Cargo Bed

An open cargo bed is one of the defining characteristics that make a truck a truck. Being able to easily load and unload that bed isn’t something that every pickup offers, but the second-gen Colorado has plenty of tricks up its sleeve to make that task as smooth as possible. One simple yet elegant solution was introduced for the 2015 model year as a standard feature across all trims: the CornerStep rear bumper. Instead of adding a costly extra component to serve as a step, this design feature simply leaves a gap in the bumper where you can put your foot to get a boost up into the cargo bed.

Available throughout the second generation, the EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate can be closed with one hand, coming in handy when your arms are full. For the 2020 model year, this feature became standard on the LT trim. That same year, another useful feature was introduced: a keyfob-operated lock for the tailgate. While the tailgate had been lockable across all trims since the start of the second generation, the ability to operate the lock from a distance made it even more convenient.

Find Your Second-Gen Colorado Today

From the start of its run until the very end, the second-gen Colorado had plenty to offer. Not only did this generation introduce incredibly useful tech features like smartphone projection and advanced safety features, but it also saw the truck get more powerful, more efficient, and more capable off-road. While any used model from this generation that’s been taken care of with regular maintenance is sure to be a reliable option, we hope that this guide has helped you hone in on which years you should be keeping an eye out for. If you have a clear idea of what features you want and what traits you prioritize, you should have no problem choosing a Colorado that’s ideal for your needs.