The state of Colorado is home to some of the nation’s tallest mountains, expansive forests, plains, canyons, rivers, and deserts. It is home to big cities, small towns, and ghost towns. Its people are just as diverse; from the born-and-raised to the transplants to the yearly slope seekers from around the globe, Colorado knows variety.
Vehicle models, like the Chevrolet Colorado, are often given names of geographical locations. Maybe Chevy chose to name its midsize truck the Colorado because it sounded nice paired with Silverado, the Colorado’s full-size counterpart. But it’s nice to think the meaning behind the truck’s name is deeper than just phonetics.
Perhaps Chevrolet named its midsize truck after the state of Colorado because of its versatility. If a truck has the capabilities of roaming city streets just as easily as backwoods and sandy deserts, and if it must be named after a geographical location, shouldn’t that geographical location encompass city streets, backwoods, and deserts? No matter how the Chevrolet Colorado got its name, there’s no denying the versatility of this truck—not to mention the fact that it’s loaded with technology, safety, and off-road features.
GAS OR DIESEL
This truck was designed to be versatile, and the engine availability reflects that. Three engines are available with the Chevrolet Colorado. Its standard is a 2.5-L, 4-cylinder engine. This engine gives owners 26 mpg on the highway, 200 hp, and 191 lb-ft of torque. It’s capable of towing 3,500 lbs with a max payload of 1,444 lbs. The engine features continuous variable valve timing and direct injection to maximize power when you need it and offer improved fuel economy.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more towing capability, consider the available 3.6-L DOHC V6 engine for your Colorado. It gives owners 25 mpg on the highway, 308 hp, and 275 lb-ft of torque. This engine is capable of towing a maximum of 7,000 lbs on all Colorado models except the ZR2. Its max payload is 1,578 lbs. It also features variable valve timing and direct injection.
Finally, Chevy offers a diesel option for its Colorado with the Duramax 2.8-L Turbo-diesel. Get ready to hit the open road with this engine as it gives 30 mpg on the highway with a max highway range of 630 miles per tank. Tow a whopping maximum of 7,700 lbs with 2WD models with a maximum payload of 1,510 lbs. The Duramax 2.8-L Turbo-Diesel pumps out 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Once you establish the right power for you, consider the level of luxury or the image you’d like to portray with your Colorado with its different models.
PERSONAL TOUCH
Depending on your personal desires and business needs, Chevrolet has a Colorado model that fits the bill. Chevrolet offers four different models of the Colorado, including its WT (Work Truck) model, as well as eight special editions.
The WT model features the 2.5-L engine or available 3.6-L V6 engine, which is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The WT’s Extended Cab is great for carrying two crew members in the back, and the Crew Cab carries three crew members in the back with a fold-down bench seat.
The LT gives owners a little bit of flare and style. It features body-color bumpers, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and chrome beltline moldings. Its EZ Lift power locking tailgate is an LT detail that shouldn’t be overlooked. LT owners also get a bit more comfort and convenience with luxuries such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel audio controls, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch color touch screen.
The Z71 model is great for accessing remote sites with its automatic locking rear differential, fog lamps, projector-beam headlamps, and 17-inch wheels.
For those working at completely off-the-grid jobsites, perhaps the ZR2 is your best bet. This Colorado model has both rear and front electronic locking differentials, a Multimatic DSSV Damping System, and its 2-inch lift and 3.5-inch wider stance gives the model plenty of clearance to bound rocky paths.
The Colorado’s eight special editions include those that are specific to presentation such as the ZR2 Dusk for bold impressions, the ZR2 Midnight with a sleek black exterior, the RST with black beltline and bodyside moldings for a dramatic look, the Redline Edition with Redline-specific badging, the Custom with Dark Argent Metallic-painted features, and the Z71 Midnight with a spray-on bedliner and all-weather floor liners.
Other special editions specific to off-roading include the ZR2 Bison with steel skid plates and an American Expedition Vehicles’ (AEV) snorkel for extreme off-road experiences and the Trail Runner with skid plates and tubular rocker protectors.
TECH FOR BUSINESS
As you consider what model Colorado is best for you, you’ll need to determine if your business requires mobile office connectivity, giving employees the ability to access documents or orders online while in the cab of the Colorado. A shift is happening on the jobsite, and if there’s one thing becoming more and more handy/essential in everyday business operations, it’s technology.
As a fleet owner, you need to be sure your fleet vehicles are capable of handling your technology needs and then some, whether that means in-cab WiFi or multiple USB ports. The Colorado features available 4G LTE WiFi with connection of up to seven devices—that’s enough for mobile devices for every worker in the cab plus a tablet and a laptop. Does your business provide Apple or Android phones to all employees? Well the Colorado has your drivers covered with Apply CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. But the Colorado’s technology doesn’t stop at convenience and connectivity.
KEEP ‘EM SAFE
Ensuring your drivers are safe on the road is the most important aspect of fleet operations. The Colorado is available with safety technology to help prevent costly accidents and prolonged downtime. The Colorado LT and Z71 models feature an available safety package that include Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, and Rear Part Assist (also available on the WT Convenience Package). All Colorado models come standard with a Rear Vision Camera, StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control, six airbags, and a high-strength steel safety cage.
WHAT’S IN A NAME
The Colorado is just as easily a work fleet vehicle as it is a recreational vehicle; it was designed that way. You’ll be just as comfortable driving the truck through mountain streams and dusty paths as you would be driving through construction sites and city alleys. The Chevrolet Colorado has a little something for every application—be it rocky, sandy, or concrete—much like its eponym has a little something for everyone—be it mountains, dunes, or city lights.
It’s possible the folks at Chevrolet didn’t put that much thought into naming of the Colorado. Perhaps the name is just a great complement to its flagship truck, the Chevy Silverado. After all, the names do sound great when said together. If that is the case, what a pleasant coincidence that a truck versatile enough to scale all the varied terrains in the Centennial State would also bear its name.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Find out more about the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, visit www.chevrolet.com.
