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 news, Chevrolet news, and ongoing GM news coverage.
Source: 2021 Chevrolet Colorado: Here’s What’s New And Different
