A midsize truck is a handy tool for many people. With enough bed space to handle a significant amount of cargo, and enough towing and payload capacity to handle a decent load, the Chevy Colorado is a fantastic choice for the modern driver who needs a little more than the average sedan can provide. While a midsize truck won’t have the capacity to move actual mountains, it will cheerfully move most small and midsize trailers, tools, equipment, and help your friends and family move on the weekends. And with the addition of various family-friendly features and creature comforts, the 2020 Chevy Colorado is an easy choice for those looking to mix business with pleasure.
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The engine is the powerhouse of every truck, so naturally, anyone looking at a midsize truck like the 2020 Chevy Colorado needs to know what kind of power to expect. The Colorado does not disappoint in this respect. With a powerful standard option and two available next-level engines, Chevy has drivers covered in this department.
The standard engine for most trims is a 2.5L 4-cylinder. This engine provides towing for up to 3,500 pounds and offers 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque. Its reasonable fuel economy gives drivers 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. A six-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive come standard with this engine, as well. This is substantial power for a standard engine, but for those who need a bit more, there are available upgrades.
Optional on the lower trims and standard on the ZR2 trim is the 3.6L DOHC V6 engine, which provides a best-in-class 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. The result is a sturdy yet well-mannered engine that can tow up to 7,000 pounds. With this engine under the hood, drivers can anticipate 18 MPG for city driving and 25 MPG for highway driving. Additionally, this engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Lastly, for diesel die-hards, Chevy has equipped the 2020 Colorado with an impressive option. This Duramax 2.8L turbodiesel engine includes best-in-class fuel mileage of 30 MPG on the highway and can tow an impressive 7,700-pound maximum load. With 186 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, this engine will roar. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, driving, and hauling is a breeze. But no matter which engine the Colorado is equipped with, it is a strong and useful vehicle.
Chevrolet appreciates that every driver has an individual set of wants and needs. For that reason, the 2020 Chevy Colorado is highly customizable, with many trims, and several box and cab configurations. Most trims are offered with a choice of extended cab or crew cab. Crew cab drivers can choose from a 74-inch long box or a 61.7-inch short box. Then there’s the choice between rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. But for many drivers, the most significant decision is between trims and any additional options. And once again, Chevy makes sure that every driver has something to enjoy.
The Base model is the entry-level trim for the 2020 Chevy Colorado. It is offered only as an extended cab with the standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with a rear-wheel drivetrain. Perched on 16-inch steel wheels, it hits many of the high points that drivers take for granted, such as power-operated windows, air conditioning, a rearview camera, and a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Two USB ports are included, and the workmanlike interior features an easy-clean, durable vinyl floor coverage and upholstery.
Stepping up to the Work Truck trim opens a suite of options. WT and above trims include a choice of engines, choice body, and box type, and four-wheel drive. It also adds cloth upholstery to the seating, with a carpeted floor. Foldable seats and under-seat storage are helpful additions for drivers with smaller items to stow. Drivers can add the Chevy EZ Lift tailgate, which takes the slamming and wrenching out of opening the bed. Remote keyless entry, cruise control, and a technology package including OnStar and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot can be added as options to the WT, as well.
The LT trim climbs to 17-inch alloy wheels and adds more luxury to the Colorado. The front seats are heated with a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and the adjustable steering wheel is leather-wrapped. The infotainment system is replaced by an 8-inch touchscreen model that includes satellite radio access and additional USB ports. While the Base and WT include standard rearview camera, the LT adds forward collision alerts and lane departure warnings to the safety technology suite. With all of these trims and the differences between them, Chevy Colorado drivers can get exactly what they need from their truck.
If the roads regularly traveled are unpaved, or you have the desire to roam far and wide, the 2020 Chevy Colorado has a midsize truck for you. The Z71 is designed to take on some off-road challenges, while the ZR2 is a fully loaded wilderness beast. The Z71 features all of the comforts of the LT but hits the road on all-terrain tires. It is designed with the Chevy Z71 Off-Road Suspension package for taking on rocky roads and deeper puddles. The locking rear differential and hill-descent control help drivers keep everything moving accordingly, even when the road isn’t made of brand-new asphalt.
Next is the Colorado ZR2, wider, taller, and wilder than any of the other trims. The standard engine for the ZR2 models is the 3.6L DOHC V6, though drivers can opt for the 2.8L Duramax turbodiesel. The specially-designed chassis provides 48mm of additional lift, and an off-road raised suspension includes specially designed dampers and Multimatic shocks. The transfer case from Autotrac and the tubular-designed rocker protection design ensure the ZR2 is ready for action the minute the engine turns over.
The front and rear bumper are replaced by signature ZR2 versions, to improve approach angles. Front and rear electronic locking differentials keep it cool, with skid plates and rock sliders on board to take the brunt of the chaos. The ZR2 stands two inches wider than other trims, giving it a greater base of support, as well. Front and rear wheel flares are added to this trim for a more aggressive appearance and functionality.
Chevy offers the 2020 Colorado ZR2 in three special editions: Dusk, Midnight, and Bison. Each of these editions updates the appearance and functions to make it bolder for the most passionate drivers. The ZR2 Dusk Special Edition includes 17-inch gloss black aluminum wheels, with a full-size glass black spare. It also includes an off-road sports bar with the ZR2 logo and off-road lights for greater visibility. The ZR2 Midnight Special Edition includes the 17-inch gloss black wheels and spare, along with a special black exterior shade. The sports bar and off-road lights are also included in this package.
The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison is the product of an extraordinary collaboration between Chevrolet and American Expedition Vehicles. This model isn’t just made for off-roading; it is intelligently designed for the roughest, most challenging paths. The 17-inch wheels are accompanied by wheel flares that were specifically designed by the team at AEV for the Colorado Bison. The front and rear bumpers, which accommodate greater approach ranges, are special-edition AEV stamped steel, with front winch provisions and rear recovery points.
Additional AEV equipment includes five hot-stamped Boron steel skid plates, which provide coverage for the front and rear differentials, engine oil pan, fuel tank, and transfer case. Special fog lamps are installed, with AEV-edition logo front and rear floor liners giving the interior that rugged appeal. Overall, the Colorado offers many packages that enable the best off-road experience for all adventurous drivers.