Trucks have always been reliable work companions, but they were also uncomfortable and difficult to maneuver. Nowadays, not only are they at least as dependable as before, but they also rival SUVs in terms of comfort, technology, safety, and even off-road capability. The Chevrolet Colorado is an excellent example of a modern truck that can do everything from hauling large loads to taking you and your family and friends on a road trip. It also has excellent build quality, meaning getting a pre-owned one will likely be a great investment.
The Chevy Colorado has been in production since 2003, with all recent models being part of its second generation that was first introduced in 2015. In other words, any post-2015 model you choose is similar to the latest. Our team here at Applegate Chevrolet has put together a list showcasing why some of the previous-generation Colorados make excellent pre-owned vehicles.
The 2017 model improved on previous ones by introducing a V-6 engine variant, plus a new trim for off-road enthusiasts. Being a midsized truck means the Colorado delivers excellent towing and hauling performance while being highly maneuverable and easy to drive on the highway and in city traffic. It’s also comfortable on long drives due to the well-adjusted seats and excellent wind, engine, and road noise insulation.
The base engine of the 2017 Chevy Colorado is a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder that can produce up to 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque with the help of a six-speed automatic transmission. This power output can get the job done if you don’t plan on undertaking major towing jobs or venturing into steep, off-road territory. It can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is more than enough for a medium-sized trailer.
Those who want extra power can go for the V-6 option, which is a 3.6-liter that can deliver up to 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This doubles the towing capacity, pushing it to 7,000 pounds and making it more appropriate for light and medium towing jobs. If towing and hauling performance is your goal, you can search for a pre-owned diesel version with an output of up to 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque and an impressive 7,700-pound towing capability.
Different trims appeal to different drivers, so you can look for a pre-owned 2017 Chevy Colorado model that fits you. The available trims are:
The following year’s version of the Chevrolet Colorado built on the previous model’s reputation as a dependable, multi-purpose midsized truck and added some new features. It’s similar to the 2017 edition. But the main improvement was that some features only available on select trims became standard on all trims. These features include the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and the 7-inch touch screen, which were only available in the 2017 model’s WT trim and up.
As with the previous year’s version, the trim you choose largely depends on what you plan on doing with the truck. The base trim is a bare-bones version that still covers most things you need in a truck. The following two trims add extra comfort and infotainment features, and the top two trims add off-road capability while including even more features. The same three engines are available, and you can look for a pre-owned model with the engine and features that suit your needs and preferences.
The 2019 version added multiple technology features and was the first Colorado to feature the Infotainment 3 system, making it easier to connect your smartphone, access infotainment features, and personalize your vehicle based on your requirements. It also has a built-in navigation system and multiple downloadable apps for news, music, sports, weather, and more. Another welcome addition was a very responsive voice control system that helps you access various features without taking your eyes off the road.
Another tech enhancement of the 2019 version was the rear-view camera. While both previously mentioned models have a standard rear-view camera feature, this one has a high-definition camera that makes it easy to see what’s behind your vehicle.
The Chevy Colorado is an excellent vehicle to buy pre-owned. Besides its superb build quality, the newer models are still based on the 2015 models. Although you’ll get a used vehicle, the older models won’t differ much from the latest editions. If one of the abovementioned models piques your interest, we would be happy to help you pick out a truck that meets your needs. You can check out various used Chevy Colorado trucks and choose the one that suits you best by visiting us at Applegate Chevrolet.