Get to Know the Second-Generation Chevy Colorado (2015-2022)

There are a lot of great trucks out there, and the Chevy Silverado is one of our absolute favorites. But sometimes you don’t need the full-size power and design of that iconic pickup. That’s where the Chevy Colorado comes in with its midsize engineering, sleek style, and robust capability, making it the perfect choice for both work and play. If you’ve been looking for a Chevy Colorado for sale in Nashville, you might already have a good sense of what it has to offer, but there are plenty of things you might’ve overlooked. This is particularly true if you’re interested in a pre-owned model and trying to sort through everything available for it over the years. Today, we’ll help simplify things a bit and take you through some of the key highlights and important features of the Colorado during its second generation, which are models from 2015 to 2022. This way, you’ll better understand what’s out there, what will work best for you, and what you should look for.

Overview of the Second-Generation Chevy Colorado

The Chevy Colorado was first released for the 2003 model year as a smaller, compact pickup that gained immediate popularity. In the years that followed, however, drivers seemed to want something larger, and the compact truck segment began to dry up. As a result of this, Chevy suspended the Colorado following the 2012 model year, and it was out of production for 2013 and 2014. During that time, Chevy’s designers and engineers took it back to the drawing board. The result was the 2015 Colorado, which featured an all-new design that was larger, transforming this impressive truck into a midsize model. The immediate popularity of the new Colorado speaks to the success of this redesign and Chevy letting their people take the necessary time to produce something remarkable.

Highlights of the 2015 Colorado

The best place to start with this second-generation Chevy Colorado is with its first model year, 2015. In launching its redesigned Colorado, Chevy gave it two engines you can find as you look at used models: a standard 2.5L EcoTec I-4 that offers 200 hp or a 3.6L V6 that boosts performance up to 305 hp. You can find it with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. The V6 helps push its capability to 7,000 lbs of towing, which is great for getting work done or hauling a boat to the river on the weekend.

You can find Colorado models from the second generation with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, making them perfect for a wide range of tasks. Four trim levels were available for this first year, starting with a Base model with vinyl seating, a six-speaker sound system, and 16-inch wheels. You can also find WT models that have many of the same base features. Additional options were available such as a crew cab, a seven-inch infotainment display, and more. An available LT trim features numerous upgrades like 17-inch wheels, the 3.6L V6 engine, cloth seating, and an eight-inch Infotainment display inside. The Z71 model was the top-end trim for the 2015 Colorado and features more comfortable seating, added details inside and out, and more.

Updates for the 2016 Chevy Colorado

There are plenty of times when going from the first model year for a vehicle to the second doesn’t make much difference, but there are some important points to note about the 2016 Colorado. The biggest addition is that a 2.8L turbo-diesel engine became available, making 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, an impressive figure for any midsize truck. This can be a major benefit if you prefer the reliability and performance of a diesel engine when you’re driving around Nashville and the surrounding area, something you won’t find on many other midsize trucks.

For 2016, Chevy also made a number of smaller improvements. For example, the eight-inch infotainment system now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This might not be earthshaking, but it’s a nice upgrade that can make it worth choosing a 2016 model over one from 2015 if you like listening to your favorite audio and want to keep things simple. Otherwise, the 2016 models are quite similar to those from the preceding year.

New Features for the 2017 Chevy Colorado

The 2017 Colorado has some pretty big improvements that are well worth seeking out. For example, the seven-inch infotainment display can be found in more models, with the larger eight-inch screen still available. For 2017, the available V6 engine is improved slightly and tuned for more horsepower and torque, plus a new eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous six-speed automatic for V6 models. Perhaps the biggest news for 2017, however, is the addition of a new ZR2 trim level with off-road engineering and focus thanks to its incredible two-inch lifted suspension, massive off-road tires, aluminum skid plates, and more. If you’re like us and love a midsize truck for going off-road, then a Colorado ZR2 is the perfect choice, so look for a 2017 or later model to find it.

Details for the 2018-2020 Chevy Colorado

In the years following the addition of the ZR2 to the Colorado, upgrades and changes were relatively minor since Chevy had found a fantastic formula they didn’t need to mess with. The 2018 Colorado has a few new options, like heated exterior mirrors and improvements to make towing easier. For the 2019 model year, Chevy makes the seven-inch infotainment display standard in lower trims, and this is the last year you can find a manual transmission. With its 2020 model, Chevy discontinued the manual transmission in the Colorado, while a remote locking liftgate and EZ-Lift tailgate become standard on LT and higher trims. Overall, changes throughout these years were pretty minor. The loss of the manual transmission is the biggest thing to note.

Highlights of the 2021 and 2022 Chevy Colorado

As the second generation of the Colorado started coming to a close, Chevy gave it an update with exterior restyling and some new options throughout. The 2021 Colorado has refreshed looks that will turn heads when driving around Nashville, so keep that in mind as you consider different pre-owned models. The Base trim is discontinued at this point, making the WT the new standard. For the 2022 model year, Chevy closes out the Colorado’s second generation with a few new options including a Trail Boss package with a dealer-installed one-inch lift for the suspension and skid plates to protect its underbody. If you want a truck with solid off-road potential but you’re not looking to go as hard as the ZR2, then a Colorado Trail Boss is a good one to look for.

Find the Perfect Truck for Nashville

The Chevy Colorado went through a lot of changes during its second generation. This is no surprise, since it spanned eight model years and had tremendous features and options. In some cases, the model year you’re looking at might not have much impact on the things you want, but there are plenty of cases where looking at one model year compared to the one that came before can make a big difference. The right truck for you entirely depends on what you’re looking for and what you need your Colorado to be able to do. That’s why it’s so important to work with people who can help you find the right truck and who offer a massive selection of different models so that you can find exactly what you’re looking for. Then you can drive with confidence, knowing you got the perfect pickup with the performance and features you need.