2022 Chevrolet Colorado Extended Cab

　　

2022 Chevrolet Colorado Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　After a handful of minor changes last year, the Chevrolet Colorado carries on with minimal fuss in 2022. Chevy's midsize truck doesn't need much tweaking and remains a standout in its class for impressive towing and hauling strength, combined with satisfying tech, comfort and daily usability. The optional Trail Boss package returns, last seen six years ago. For 2022, it includes 17-inch gloss black wheels, black exterior trim, skid plates, a 1-inch suspension lift that levels the front end with an unladen bed, and removal of the lower front airdam to improve clearance.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$176/mo  for Colorado Work Truck

　　Colorado Work Truck

　　Work Truck 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $25,200 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab 5.1 ft. SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $27,100 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $29,100 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab 6.2 ft. SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $29,400 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.1 ft. SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $32,100 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.2 ft. SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $33,000 MSRPLT 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $27,700 MSRPLT 4dr Crew Cab 5.1 ft. SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $29,700 MSRPLT 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $31,400 MSRPLT 4dr Crew Cab 6.2 ft. SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $31,900 MSRPLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.1 ft. SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $34,400 MSRPLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.2 ft. SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $35,300 MSRPZ71 4dr Crew Cab 5.1 ft. SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $34,800 MSRPZ71 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $36,500 MSRPZ71 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.1 ft. SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $38,000 MSRPZ71 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.2 ft. SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,600 MSRPZR2 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $42,600 MSRPZR2 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.1 ft. SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $44,200 MSRP

　　vs

　　$219/mo

　　Avg. Compact Truck

　　The Colorado and its GMC Canyon mechanical twin helped inspire the current crop of midsize trucks, injecting life into a class that languished with aging Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier and Honda Ridgeline models. Today, those updated rivals offer compelling alternatives to the Colorado, and compete for space with newer arrivals like the Jeep Gladiator and Ford Ranger, and more left-field choices like the Hyundai Santa Cruz and all-electric Rivian RT1. Read our Expert Rating for a deeper analysis of the Colorado's strengths, as well as our impressions of living with a Colorado for more than 50,000 miles.

　　

What's it like to live with?

zzdcar tested a Colorado ZR2 for more than two years and over 50,000 miles. Read our long-term Colorado ZR2 test to learn how the truck fared off-road, towing loads and threading the urban jungle. Note that our truck was a 2017 model, but the 2022 Colorado is of the same generation and most of our reporting still applies.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Colorado drive? Our 4WD ZR1 test truck had the available 3.6-liter V6 engine. At our test track, 0-60 mph took 7.3 seconds, which is a respectable time for a midsize truck. On inclines, there's no real issue of the transmission hunting for gears, but it is occasionally reluctant to downshift on flat roads. The brakes are predictable and easy to control in routine driving.

　　Body roll is tamed by the firm suspension tuning, so you can hustle the Colorado along a curvy road with confidence. Thinking about going off-road? The low front airdam limits off-road clearance, but you can remove it in about 30 minutes. Even with a single-mode traction control, the Z71 can cope with wheel lift in rocky terrain because of the standard locking rear differential.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Colorado? The Colorado offers a better ride quality than many competitors in its class, and it smooths out large bumps and small cracks with equal ease. Climate control and seat adjustability are basic, but drivers used to piloting pickups should be comfortable. The front seats are firm and nicely shaped, but larger drivers might find them a little confining. The rear bench is harder and its backrest is a bit too upright. The heated seats and steering wheel work well and are easy to operate.

　　The Colorado's cabin lets in a bit of wind, road and engine noise, but nothing close to levels that will cause passengers to raise their voices. The tall gearing of the eight-speed transmission does a lot to keep the engine quiet when cruising.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below