Used 2020 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab

The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado is a midsize pickup truck, but that’s okay. Although full-size pickups (like the Colorado’s stablemate, the Chevy Silverado) tend to get most of the attention, there’s still a large and accommodating place in the pickup world for midsize trucks.

For many buyers, the Colorado has all the interior space they require, plus adequate cargo and towing capacities, performance and handling abilities, and several tech features. All at relatively reasonable prices. We’d recommend a mid-level trim, since the more expensive models might make a Silverado a better choice.

The midsize truck scene is expanding with the resurrected Ford Ranger, while an all-new Ram Dakota is due later in 2020. Other rivals include the ever-dependable Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier and the Colorado’s re-badged sister — the GMC Canyon.

Considering Chevy has been making pickups for decades and is one of the big names in trucks, it probably isn’t surprising to learn that the 2020 Colorado has a stable and well-planted ride, with sufficient punch even when the cargo bed is full. Although the base 4-cylinder gasoline engine has to work the hardest under such conditions.

The 2.8-liter diesel engine is a particularly smart choice for those seeking the best towing option as well as for buyers wanting optimum fuel economy. Its healthy torque output is also a boon when the tarmac ends and the Colorado driver goes off on a different adventure. The off-roading ZR2 is a well-engineered alternative to Toyota’s Tacoma TRD trucks. It’s designed to go rock-crawling over the weekend and then perform the usual commute during the week.

Despite some cheaper-looking plastics in the lower parts of the cabin, the 2020 Colorado generally has that tough air of a truck that can carry out serious duties. This is also blended with tech features that can (depending on trim) include an 8-inch touch screen, smartphone integration and Wi-Fi.

The crew cab’s rear seats can split and fold, allowing for plenty of interior cargo space. There’s also a substantial stowage area beneath those seats. A pickup truck is meant to be super-useful and the Chevy Colorado sticks to that script.

The traditional body-on-frame truck construction approach brings specific benefits, such as towing abilities. These rugged bones translate to a muscular exterior design, underlined by a family resemblance to the bigger Silverado. The ZR2 off-roading model features a lifted suspension (for greater travel), wider track, revised bumpers and a skidplate.

The 2020 Colorado is available with an extended or a larger crew cab, while bed choices run to 5.1 feet and 6.2 feet. The smaller bed handles 41 cubic feet, the longer bed holds 50 cubic feet; only the Ford Ranger does better. And Ford had the advantage of using the Colorado as a benchmark.

DURAMAX DIESEL
This turbocharged 2.8-liter engine is a gem. Muscular yet refined, it also achieves excellent fuel economy. An exhaust-braking feature enhances control on downhill stretches while reducing brake wear.

COLORADO ZR2
It probably starts in childhood, that desire to splash around in muddy puddles. And as we grow older, the wild landscape becomes bigger and more demanding. Luckily, our inner dust devil is well served by the ZR2, thanks to some serious off-road equipment including Multimatic shocks, independently lockable front and rear differentials, and additional under-body protection.

There’s a version of the 2020 Colorado to suit almost any budget and set of demands. The base model comes with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, two USB ports, 7-inch infotainment display, 6-speed manual transmission, vinyl seat and floor covering, plus welcome features like the CornerStep rear bumper, locking tailgate and cargo-box lighting.

Work Truck models don’t offer much more, but become eligible for a greater number of options. The LT trim adds an 8-inch touch screen, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped/tilt/telescope steering wheel, satellite radio and rear parking sensors.

The Z71 has some off-road equipment like a dedicated suspension setup, all-terrain tires and a locking rear differential, while the ZR2’s equipment list is even more specialized.

Many items that are standard in higher trims of the 2020 Chevy Colorado range are optional further down the ladder, such as the EZ-lift tailgate, Wi-Fi and the remote-locking tailgate. From the Work Truck level upward, the Colorado can be ordered with a crew cab, all-wheel drive, and a choice of engines.

Other extras include a spray-in bedliner, 7-speaker Bose audio setup, fog lights, cargo-bed storage rails, and a low-speed transfer case for the all-wheel-drive system.

A base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine motivates the Chevrolet Colorado with 200 horsepower. Rear-drive (RWD) versions link up to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic; there’s no manual option with all-wheel drive (AWD).

This engine is okay for the purpose, but it’s worth spending extra to obtain either the 308-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 or the 2.8-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel for a more pleasurable driving experience.

The diesel makes 180 horsepower, but delivers the best torque of the 2020 Colorado range. And torque (that feeling of muscle when pressing the accelerator) is arguably the more important quality. It also results in the range’s highest towing figure and the best fuel-consumption figures: 23 mpg combined (RWD).

The 3.6 V6 connects to an 8-speed automatic transmission; the 2.8 diesel deploys a 6-speed automatic.

2.5-liter inline-4
200 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
191 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/26 mpg (manual, RWD), 19/24 mpg (AWD)

3.6-liter V6
308 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
275 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 mpg (RWD), 17/24 mpg (AWD), 16/18 mpg (ZR2)

2.8-liter turbodiesel inline-4
186 horsepower @ 3,400 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/30 mpg (RWD), 19/28 mpg (AWD), 18/22 mpg (ZR2)