2021 Chevrolet Colorado: Here’s What’s New And Different

A comprehensive guide to all the changes and updates.

The current, second-generation Chevrolet Colorado was initially introduced for the 2015 model year, officially marking GM’s return to the midsize pickup truck segment.

Looking for a new Chevy Colorado?  Visit Ron Westphal Chevrolet on the corner of Routes 30 & 34 in Aurora or drop by our website www.WestphalChevy.com.

Since its introduction, the Colorado has clawed its way to the second best-selling spot in its segment, until the new Ford Ranger pushed it into third place. Though many were hoping that GM would give the Colorado a refresh, that never materialized. Instead, the truck got minor changes and updates throughout its lifecycle. Now, the 2021 model year delivers a few more noteworthy changes – such as a slightly-reworked front end, revised trim levels, packages and more. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on everything that’s new and different about the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado.

Model-Line Changes

On the model line side, the 2021 Colorado does away with the base model. The deletion of the base Colorado trim level means that the Work Truck trim is now the base model. All other trim levels remain, including LT, Z71 and ZR2. Those hoping for a high-end LTZ or High Country trim are – unfortunately – out of luck.

2020 Chevrolet Colorado Trim Level Structure
Trim level: Base Work Truck LT Z71 ZR2
Equipment group: 2SA 2WT, 4WT 2LT, 4LT 2Z7, 4Z7 4ZR
2021 Chevrolet Colorado Trim Level Structure
Trim level: Work Truck LT Z71 ZR2
Equipment group: 2WT, 4WT 2LT, 4LT 2Z7, 4Z7 4ZR

Exterior

On the outside, the most notable change for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is a slightly-revised front fascia:

  • WT, LT and Z71 models feature updated center bars, lower fascias, and skid plates
  • ZR2 gets a new front fascia that looks more aggressive than before, while also giving drivers improved visibility, according to Chevrolet

As of this writing, photos of the Colorado WT, LT and Z71 are not available.

The revised front ends also feature new Chevrolet emblems:

Additionally, the Colorado ZR2 now features red tow hooks as standard equipment.

The rear of all 2021 Colorado models now features embossed “Chevrolet” tailgates, replacing the traditional Chevy bowtie.

Three new colors join the color palette, while five others are deleted:

New colors:

  • Bright Blue Metallic
  • Cherry Red Tintcoat
  • Sand Dune Metallic

Deleted colors:

  • Pacific Blue Metallic
  • Silver Ice Metallic
  • Kinetic Blue Metallic
  • Shadow Gray Metallic
  • Cajun Red Tintcoat

There are also some changes to the wheels and tires that are offered, as follows:

New wheels:

  • 17-in x 8-in Ultra Silver Metallic steel wheels (RAP)
  • 17-in x 8-in (43.2 cm x 20.3 cm) Bright Machined aluminum wheels (RIM)

Deleted wheels:

  • 16-in x 7-in (40.6-cm x 17.8-cm) Ultra Silver Metallic steel wheel (RS2)
  • 16-in x 7-in (40.6-cm x 17.8-cm) Ultra Silver Metallic cast aluminum wheels (RS1)
  • 17-in x 8-in (43.2-cm x 20.3-cm) Dark Argent Metallic cast aluminum wheels (R28)
  • 20-in Low Gloss Black aluminum wheels (RTH)

The 16-x7-inch steel spare wheel and tire is being replaced by a 17-x-8-inch steel wheel and tire.

Since the Work Truck trim has been discontinued, so has the optional Work Truck Appearance package, which included:

  • 16-inch by 7-inch (40.6 cm x 17.8 cm) Ultra Silver Metallic cast aluminum wheels
  • Outside power-adjustable, body-color, remote, manual-folding mirrors
  • Spotter mirror
  • Body-color rear bumper
  • Chrome beltline moldings
  • Body-color door handles

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado exterior features the following LPO-level changes:

New LPO items:

  • Black tailgate lettering
  • Accessory Suspension Leveling Kit

Deleted LPO items:

  • Bedliner (VZX)
  • Chevrolet Lettered Grille (RZB)
  • Grille (VAT)
  • RST badge (RIN)

Rounding out the changes is the deletion of the windshield shade band on all models.

Deletion of Colorado RST Special Edition, which was available on LT models and included:

  • Black beltline molding
  • Spray-on bedliner
  • 255/55R20 all-season blackwall tires (QQD)
  • (RTH) 20-inch Low Gloss Black aluminum wheels
  • CHEVROLET lettered grille
  • Rear Black bowtie
  • RST Badge (LPO-level item)
  • Black bodyside molding (LPO-level item)
  • Black Colorado nameplate (LPO-level item)

Deletion of Colorado Trail Runner Special Edition, which was available on Z71 models and included:

  • CHEVROLET lettered grille
  • Rear Black bowtie
  • 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires (QJ2)
  • Accent Lighting (LPO-level item)
  • Off-Road rocker protection (LPO-level item)
  • Front skid plate (LPO-level item)
  • Mid skid plate (LPO-level item)

Looking Ahead

The 2021 Colorado is as close as we’ll get to a midcycle refresh for the current, second-generation model. We expect the Chevrolet Colorado in its current form at least through the 2023 model year. At that point, the vehicle will be overhauled (redesigned and engineered) on an updated version of the same GMT-31XX platform, dubbed 31XX-2.

Though the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has delayed various GM refreshes, pushing back the 2021 Traverse and 2021 Equinox to the 2022 model year, GM Authority has confirmed with GM spokespeople that the 2021 Colorado is still on track for its launch in spring 2020. Given that the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri is currently idled as a result of the virus, it’s unclear when the revised truck will actually come to market.

We’ll keep our ears to the ground and report back when we know more, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for the latest Chevrolet Colorado newsChevrolet news, and ongoing GM news coverage.

Source: 2021 Chevrolet Colorado: Here’s What’s New And Different

2021 Chevrolet Colorado Configurator Now Live

2021 Chevrolet Colorado2021 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado has arrived, slotting in as the seventh model year for the latest second-gen pickup. Now, interested buyers and fans can suit theirs to taste using the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado online configurator.

Call Ron Westphal Chevrolet at 630-898-9630 to order your 2021 Colorado!  Or, visit our website anytime.

Head over to the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado configurator and give it a try!

There are three body configurations on offer, including Extended Cab / Long Box, Crew Cab / Short Box, and Crew Cab / Long Box. Per changes for the 2021 model year, which delete the base-model trim level, the revised 2021 Chevrolet Colorado trim level cadence is as follows:

  • Work Truck
  • LT
  • Z71
  • ZR2

Both RWD and 4WD are available. There are three engines to choose from, including the 2.5L four-cylinder LCV, which produces 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, the 3.6L V6 LGZ, which produces 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, and the turbodiesel 2.8L four-cylinder LWN Duramax, which produces 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.

Standout packages include the Redline Special Edition, which adds in 18-inch High gloss Black painted aluminum wheels, a spray-on bedliner, red recovery hooks, a new grille, black Off-Road assist steps, a black grille and Bow Tie badge, and red stripes for the mirrors, and the Z71 Midnight Edition, which adds all-weather floor liners 17-inch Black-painted wheels, 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac all-terrain tires, Black Bow Tie badging, and a spray-on bedliner.

As a reminder, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado brings a mild refresh for the nameplate, with a few small updates to the exterior, interior, and powertrain. Although the ’21 Colorado is not considered a full mid-cycle refresh (or “mid-cycle enhancement” as it is known in General Motors parlance), it’s as close as it gets. Changes and updates include an updated front fascia with new trim-specific badging and lettering, a few revisions to the exterior paint options and wheel options, and revisions to the various packages on offer.

Source: 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Configurator Now Live