Three Chevy Colorado Options You’ll Want to Opt For

There are plenty of reasons to love the 2016 Chevy Colorado. The nameplate is a multiple-time award winner, it’s rugged and powerful, and it’s affordable.

One attribute that often gets overlooked is the number of options and choices available for the pickup. We’ve explored some of our favorite Colorado options, and you may be itching to get your hands on the truck when you’ve finished reading…

Duramax Engine

For starters, we have to point out that the Colorado’s two other engines are certainly capable. The 3.6-liter V6 engine offers several best-in-class specs, including horsepower (305), towing capacity (7,000 pounds), and fuel economy (18 city/26 highway mile per gallon efficiency), and it includes 269 pounds-feet of torque, to boot. Meanwhile, the 2.5-liter I-4 engine also offers best-in-class numbers in horsepower (200), torque (191 pounds-feet), and fuel economy (20 city/27 highway), as well as an impressive 3,500-pound towing capacity.

However, the true heavy hitter is the Duramax 2.8-liter Turbo-Diesel engine. The vehicle offers incredible fuel economy, including 22 city/31 highway. This is due to the 21-gallon fuel tank that can deliver a highway range of 651 miles (on two-wheel-drive versions).

“The Colorado Duramax diesel is in a league of its own,” Sandor Piszar, director of Chevrolet Truck Marketing, said when the system was first announced  “Colorado’s gas models already led the segment in fuel efficiency, and the new diesel – which no other non-GM competitor offers on a midsize truck – gives customers even greater freedom to go where they want with fewer fill-ups.”

The vehicle can also deliver an incredible 7,700 pounds towing capacity, 181 horsepower and 369 torque. The unit is accompanied by the Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission, which teams up with a vibration absorber to help reduce noise.

“Simply put, there’s no other midsize truck that can do what Colorado can with its all-new Duramax diesel,” Piszar added. “Along with greater capability and efficiency, it expands the Colorado lineup to give customers more choices and the capability of exploring more possibilities on and off the road.”

To top it all off, the Colorado has received a Certificate of Conformity for the vehicle and the accompanying engine, deeming it issue-free in regards to emissions. This has been a long-term plan for the brand, and we’ll certainly see similar engines included in Chevy’s other impressive trucks.

“A diesel engine was part of the Colorado’s portfolio plan from the very beginning, meaning the chassis, suspension and other elements of its architecture were engineered to support its capability,” Scott Yackley, the truck’s assistant chief engineer, said in a press release. “That means there are no compromises with the Colorado diesel. It offers exceptional capability delivered with a confident feeling of control.”

To acquire the Duramax engine, customers will have to dish out an additional $3,730 over the 3.6-liter V6 model. Although, considering the power specs (and the assumed money saved on fuel), we’re sure you’ll be willing to dish out the extra cash.

GearOn Accessories System

“The GearOn system is a Bed Party for functionality!”

Jennifer Goforth, GM’s global accessories engineer, couldn’t have described it better.

There are a number of ways you can equip your Chevy Colorado, and it starts by opting for the GearOn’s technology. The patented management system will allow owners to manipulate their cross rails, bed divider, and tie-down rings, allowing you to store practically anything. Whether you have to store snowboards for the ski slope or bikes for that summer trip, you won’t have any issue fitting them in your Colorado’s bed. There’s also a GearOn Utility Rack, allowing for overhead storage.

“[W]e began working on accessories from the beginning, making it a collaborative effort between engineers and designers—and then marketing,” Goforth told Sue Mead of TruckTrend.com  “What happens when an owner buys aftermarket can impact the vehicle in some negative way, rather than an application that was designed for the vehicle, tested, and backed by Chevy. For Colorado, we wanted accessories to be different and worked to identify customer wants and needs, collaborating and brainstorming for pickup bed functionality.”

“It’s not just mountain bikes, but just about any passion you can name, from kayaking, fishing, dirt bikes, and more,” added Tony Johnson, the Chevy Colorado marketing manager. “It’s a truck for those who need the versatility of a pickup to support their work and lifestyle interests but don’t need a full-size truck to do it.”

Furthermore, the package also adds in an EZ Lift and Lower tailgate (making loading and unloading considerably easier), off-road assist steps (helping your shorter occupants enter the vehicle), and classy gloss black 18-inch wheels.

Convenience Package

Looking for that added bit of security? You’ll have it with the Colorado’s Convenience Package. Besides the previously-mentioned EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, you’ll also have access to numerous safety and security features.

It starts with the remote keyless entry, which allows you to easily access and operate your pickup without the use of the key. Of course, the key needs to be handy, as the vehicle will sense whether the appropriate driver is trying to operate the truck. When coupled with the theft-deterrent system, you can be assured that any unwanted occupants are staying out of your vehicle.

“Many people like the ‘can-do’ spirit of a truck, but they want a vehicle that is easier to maneuver in traffic and easier to park at work or at home,” Johnson said in a press release. “For them, bigger is not necessarily better.

“Also, they don’t want to give up the latest in convenience and safety features, which aren’t available on current midsize pickups. For those customers, the new Chevrolet Colorado is the perfect choice.”

The Colorado offers three excellent engine options (including the impressive Duramax diesel), plenty of innovative accessories, and a convenience/protection package. The best part is that all of these options are relatively affordable to add on, especially considering the 2016 Colorado’s incredible $20,100 MSRP!