With its athletic powertrain and best-in-class towing capabilities, the 2022 Chevy Colorado is tons of fun. What else do you need to know about this midsize truck? Let’s take a closer look.
What’s new for the 2022 Chevy Colorado?
The Colorado doesn’t see any major changes for 2022, but it does look a little sharper with its new front-end design. You’ll also see a new “Chevrolet” logo stamped across the tailgate.
Which 2022 Chevy Colorado is best?
Of the Colorado’s four trim models — the base Work Truck (WT), mid-range LT, sporty Z71, and adventure-ready ZR2 — the one that’s right for you strikes a balance between what you want and how much you want to spend.
The entry-level WT provides sturdy trucking capabilities at a great price. It also comes standard with some smartphone-friendly gear:
- Infotainment system with 7-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Two USB ports
- Six-speaker stereo
- Cloth upholstery
- Air conditioning
- Optional keyless entry
- Optional EZ Lift tailgate
When you choose the Colorado LT, you’ll enjoy a little extra luxury and some infotainment upgrades.
- Bigger, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Four USB ports
- Leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Power-adjustable driver seat
- Optional heated front seats
- Optional automatic climate control
- Optional forward collision mitigation
If you’re looking forward to a little off-road action, the Z71 can help you travel the trail with:
- All-terrain tires
- Off-road-tuned suspension
- Hill descent control
- Locking rear differential
- Wireless charging pad
- Exclusive seating upholstery
Finally, to take your Colorado to the limits, you need the ZR2, which adds extra off-roading gear.
- Standard 3.6L V6 engine
- Raised suspension with off-road-ready dampers
- Bigger all-terrain tires
- Electronically locking rear differential
- Fender flares
- Special front and rear bumper to improve approach and departure angles
- Spray-in bedliner
Depending on trim level, the Colorado offers a few desirable options that may interest you, such as:
- Leather-trimmed seating
- Navigation
What’s under the hood? How much can the 2022 Chevrolet Colorado tow?
The 2022 Chevy Colorado offers three powertrain options:
- 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine (200 horsepower, 191 lb-ft of torque) + six-speed automatic transmission
- 3.6L V6 engine (308 hp, 275 lb-ft) + eight-speed automatic transmission
- 2.8L four-cylinder turbodiesel engine (181 hp, 369 lb-ft) + six-speed automatic transmission
You’ll find the four-cylinder engine on extended cab models. The powerful V6 engine is standard on crew cab models and optional with the extended cab. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but you can add optional four-wheel drive to any Colorado to create an extra rugged ride.
With the turbodiesel engine, the Colorado tows max loads of 7,700 pounds, a best-in-class figure. Depending on body style and equipment, Colorado trucks with the V6 engines can tow a trailer weighing up to 7,000 pounds.
Which is better, Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado?
Chevy was the first American automaker to revive its midsize truck, the Colorado, for a modern audience. Ford followed suit with the Ranger, but, if you ask us, Chevy has really cornered the midsize market.
Compared to the Ranger, the Colorado offers more power via its V6 engine. And the Colorado is also the right choice for off-roading. Whereas the Ranger doesn’t offer any off-road-ready trim models, the Colorado provides two, the Z71 and ZR2.
The Colorado also scores higher in terms of interior comfort. While the Ranger can feel bumpy, the Colorado manages to create a smooth ride over most surfaces. All of this makes the Colorado the clear choice.