2017 Chevrolet Colorado

The volume LT trim's standard 2017 gas powertrain is the new 3.6-liter LGZ V6. The broader range also offered 200-hp 2.5-liter gas and 181-hp 2.8-liter diesel engines.

The LT's standard LGZ V6 makes 275 lb-ft; the optional diesel is the range torque leader but is not the scored gas volume configuration.

Car and Driver's instrumented test matches the representative LT V6, eight-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive crew-cab configuration.

The new V6 is responsive and notably lively, but its coarse sound and rougher note during cylinder-deactivation operation keep refinement in the middle band.

The new 8L45 generally shifts quickly, smoothly, and predictably with little hunting, though some tests noted delayed kickdown, preventing a top-band score.

The prompt calls for the maximum conventional rating in any properly equipped configuration, which is achieved by a Duramax model; the scored gas V6 remains rated to 7,000 lb.

This is Chevrolet's published U.S. maximum payload for the 2017 Colorado range; passengers, options, and accessories reduce usable payload.

It covers the era's core towing needs with Tow/Haul mode, a factory trailering package, seven-pin connector, and available integrated brake controller, but lacks modern trailer cameras, steering backup assist, and onboard scales.

Four-wheel drive was broadly optional across the main trims and used a proper two-speed transfer case; LT and Z71 could add automatic Autotrac operation, while ZR2 added selectable locking differentials.

The newly added 2017 ZR2 gives the range genuine halo-level off-road hardware: a lift, wider track, DSSV dampers, skid plates, rock sliders, and independently selectable front and rear lockers.

Three distinct engines cover economy, performance, and high-torque towing needs, including a class-distinctive diesel, but there is no hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or EV option.

The volume gasoline configuration is represented by the common LT Crew Cab 4WD with the new-for-2017 3.6L LGZ V6 and eight-speed automatic. The rear-drive V6 improves by 1 MPG combined.

EPA rates the representative 4WD V6 configuration at 17 MPG city; choosing rear-wheel drive raises that to 18 MPG.

The representative 4WD V6 earns 24 MPG highway, while the otherwise comparable 2WD V6 reaches 25 MPG.

EPA does not publish a distinct total-range field for this gasoline pickup, so range is calculated from the 21-gallon tank and the representative configuration's 19 MPG combined rating.

This is the EPA model-year guide estimate for 15,000 annual miles in the representative V6 4WD configuration, using the fuel-price assumptions attached to the 2017 label.

The gasoline Colorado requires only widely available regular unleaded, with no premium-grade penalty. It is not FlexFuel and cannot use blends above E15, a minor flexibility limitation.

The 2017 Colorado received a four-star overall NHTSA rating, which is mid-band for a truck on the specified 3-to-5-star scale.

The crew cab performed well in most IIHS crashworthiness tests but missed an award and had a Marginal passenger-side small-overlap result. Its structure is substantially better than the sparse crash-avoidance equipment suggests, but it does not merit the top band.

The volume LT had none of the five core ADAS functions as standard. Only forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning were bundled in an optional Safety Package, with no automatic intervention.

There was no automatic emergency braking to test; the optional system only warned the driver. That leaves the Colorado near the bottom of the low band despite earning IIHS's Basic designation for forward-collision warning.

Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert or braking, safe-exit warning, and trailer-aware blind-zone coverage were not offered for 2017.

Optional lane-departure warning could alert the driver, but the truck could neither steer back into its lane nor center itself. Availability only through an LT option package further limits its value.

The 2017 Colorado offered conventional electronic cruise control only, with no adaptive cruise or integrated highway-assist capability.

No hands-free driving system was available on the 2017 Colorado.

Both available headlight systems were IIHS-rated Poor, including the volume LT's reflector lamps and the optional projector lamps. Neither system had curve adaptation or high-beam assist.

The upright cab and large mirrors provide useful rearward sightlines, and a standard rearview camera helps when reversing. The mirrors themselves can obscure vehicles or pedestrians ahead and there was no surround-view camera, keeping it below the excellent band.

The crew cab provides two complete rear LATCH positions, but IIHS rated their ease of use Marginal. The center position has only a tether anchor, and confusing tether hardware reduces usability.

The volume-oriented crew-cab configuration has two front buckets and a three-person rear bench. The less passenger-focused Extended Cab seats four.

The LT crew cab provides generous front headroom for a midsize pickup.

Front legroom reaches the top of the truck normalization band and supports the Colorado's notably spacious cockpit.

Crew-cab rear headroom is only slightly above the bottom of the truck normalization range.

The Crew Cab is usable for adults but remains tight compared with roomier crew-cab pickups; the Extended Cab is substantially tighter.

The representative LT Crew Cab uses the popular short box, while Chevrolet also offered the Crew Cab with a 74-inch long box.

The short bed's capacity is modest on the all-truck scale, although the optional long box expands useful volume.

A deep center-console bin, large under-rear-seat compartment, door storage, and multiple USB ports make daily storage competitive. It lacks a standout feature such as the Ridgeline's in-bed trunk, and the rear-seat folding arrangement drew criticism.

Supportive front seats, an excellent driving position, and a standard power driver's seat suit long drives, but the tight rear bench is less accommodating for three adults. Heated seats and power lumbar required an LT option package.

The ride is balanced and compliant on highways and generally manages rough roads, though an empty bed can produce a busy, choppy response. A light load improves composure.

Road and wind noise are unusually well suppressed for a 2017 midsize truck, though the updated gas V6 can sound coarse under acceleration. Highway cruising remains notably quiet.

LT buyers could add heated front seats, power lumbar, single-zone automatic climate control, heated mirrors, and remote start, while Z71 and ZR2 included heated seats. There were no ventilated seats, heated wheel, or rear climate controls.

The 2017 entry configuration was the gasoline Base Extended Cab 2WD. Its $20,000 vehicle MSRP plus the separately listed $995 destination charge yields $20,995 delivered.

LT was the most common mid-level trim, and the Crew Cab short-box 4WD with the gasoline powertrain represents the mainstream truck configuration. The listed $33,675 MSRP plus $995 destination totals $34,670.

A model-level five-year estimate is used because an accessible exact-trim Edmunds breakdown was unavailable. The estimate includes scheduled maintenance, wear items, and expected repairs, and RepairPal's year-specific data supports the Colorado's broadly average cost profile.

The available Colorado model-level residual analysis projects 62.1% retention. Kelley Blue Book also named the 2017 Colorado a Top 10 Best Resale Value vehicle, supporting above-average retention for this exact model year.

Chevrolet's new-vehicle bumper-to-bumper warranty covered the 2017 Colorado for three years or 36,000 miles, the floor of the truck normalization band.

The gasoline Colorado's powertrain warranty was five years or 60,000 miles, the floor of the truck normalization band.

Two complimentary scheduled-service visits over two years/24,000 miles and five years/60,000 miles of roadside assistance were useful but short of a multi-year comprehensive maintenance plan. The truck also included three-month OnStar Guidance and 4G LTE data trials on equipped LT models.

$34,670 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (62.1% retained, or about $21,530) leaves about $13,140 in depreciation. Add the projected $3,348 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $16,488 in total.

Owner-survey evidence is below average overall, although J.D. Power's result is less negative. The disagreement keeps the score out of the lowest band, but Consumer Reports' model-year verdict prevents an average rating.

Chevrolet was not a leading dependability brand around this model year and its lineup showed broad below-average results in Consumer Reports' 2017 survey. Some Chevrolet models earned J.D. Power segment awards, making the record mixed rather than uniformly poor.

The formal recall count is low, but the single fuel-leak/fire-risk campaign is safety-relevant and the 2017 V6/eight-speed has a documented shake/shudder service-bulletin pattern. That is worse than a clean record but not a high-recall vehicle.

The volume LT's 3.6L LGZ and eight-speed automatic were new to the Colorado for 2017, and the 8L45 developed a well-documented torque-converter shudder complaint. The engine itself is not the principal concern, but the engine/transmission combination cannot be rated as proven or low-risk.

The LT cabin is functional and well textured in places, but extensive hard plastic is below the standard set by the best midsize-truck interiors. Multiple contemporary reviewers specifically criticized the material quality.

Contemporary review evidence describes respectable assembly around the dashboard and seats, without a pervasive panel-gap or rattle problem. Average J.D. Power quality results and scattered owner issues keep it from scoring higher.

Chevrolet's mainstream nationwide dealer footprint gives Colorado owners excellent geographic access to warranty, recall, and routine service. Service experience varies by franchise, so the network's density is a clearer strength than uniform satisfaction.

A high-volume domestic pickup sharing major components with the GMC Canyon benefits from broad OEM and aftermarket supply. Its estimated annual maintenance cost is moderate, supporting a strong rather than exceptional ownership-support score.

The volume LT trim uses the larger 8-inch MyLink touchscreen; Chevrolet's 2017 brochure lists a 7-inch system on lower configurations.

MyLink's clear menus, responsive touch operation, and surrounding physical controls make it unusually easy to use for a 2017 truck, though it lacks the speed and polish of newer systems.

Both phone-projection platforms are standard on LT, but they require a USB cable; wireless projection was not offered.

Voice control is functional and factory GPS navigation is available on LT, but navigation is optional and the system's dated command structure is less capable than modern natural-language assistants.

LT's standard six-speaker setup is adequate, and an optional Bose seven-speaker system supplies a meaningful but modest premium upgrade.

The LT has conventional analog gauges supplemented by a useful color driver-information display, not a full-digital or broadly configurable instrument cluster.

The MyLink system can download infotainment software updates over Wi-Fi, but this is limited-scope infotainment updating rather than feature-adding whole-vehicle OTA capability.

The myChevrolet app supports vehicle location, diagnostics, destination sending, lock/unlock, and remote start on properly equipped trucks, but key functions depend on equipment and OnStar service.

LT provides multiple legacy USB-A and 12-volt connections, with two rear-console USB charging ports on crew cabs; wireless charging is limited to higher configurations and there is no USB-C or household outlet.

Remote keyless entry is standard on LT and remote start is optional in the LT Convenience Package, but the truck retains a traditional ignition key without proximity entry, push-button start, or phone-as-key.

A rear-view camera is standard, but the 2017 lineup offers neither a surround-view camera nor automated parking; assistance is basic by modern standards.

No head-up display was offered on any 2017 Colorado trim.

The representative LT Crew Cab has four full doors, a folding rear bench and useful under-seat storage, but its 35.8-inch rear legroom is tight and IIHS found the LATCH anchors only marginal for ease of use.

Crashworthiness was mostly good and the 2017 structure improved on the driver side, but passenger-side small overlap and LATCH were marginal, headlights were poor, and the optional forward-collision system only earned Basic because it warned without automatic braking.

Supportive front seats, a quiet ride and an open pickup bed suit family trips, but rear legroom is tight, the rear bench is flat, and rear-seat amenities are sparse.

The 308-hp V6, new eight-speed automatic, predictable handling, good forward visibility and standard camera make it approachable daily, though slow steering, high step-in and trucklike ride behavior add effort.

The gas V6's roughly 19-20 mpg combined consumption is ordinary for a midsize pickup but costly beside crossovers and compact commuters; conventional tires and service parts keep it from the low band.

A short-bed crew cab is much easier to place than a full-size truck, with good outward visibility and a standard camera, but its 41.3-foot turning circle and long pickup body still require care in tight garages.

The LT Crew Cab V6 is a serious midsize work tool, rated to tow 7,000 pounds and carry about 1,550 pounds while offering either a short or long bed; only full-size trucks provide materially more headroom.

Its body-on-frame chassis, leaf-spring rear suspension and work-oriented WT alternatives tolerate real use, but the first-year V6/eight-speed combination lacks a strong durability record and owner data identifies transmission trouble.

Multiple bed tie-downs, the standard CornerStep bumper, a low load height, hidden under-seat tool storage and a long-bed option make it useful at jobsites, though it lacks modern onboard export power.

A quiet ride, supportive front seats and roughly 420 miles of EPA highway range make the LT a credible tourer, but tight rear seating and the absence of adaptive cruise or active lane control cap its endurance appeal.

Available 4WD with low range, locking rear differential and substantial tow capacity readily supports trails, boats and campers; the volume LT's low nose limits approach angle, while the new-for-2017 ZR2 greatly expands the lineup's off-road ceiling.

Crew-cab buyers can choose a 5.2- or 6.2-foot bed, fold the rear seat for protected cargo, use hidden under-seat bins, and add a hitch for bulky recreational gear, giving unusually broad flexibility.

The volume LT V6 Crew Cab is stable, predictable, and notably easier to place than a full-size pickup, with a compliant ride and respectable grip, though its responses remain deliberately trucklike rather than sporty.

The electric steering is predictable and communicates useful information near the limit, but its light weighting and slightly slow response prevent it from feeling genuinely engaging.

Normal-road modulation is reassuring, but repeated hard stops expose substantial fade; the measured stopping distances are merely average for the class.

The new-for-2017 308-hp 3.6-liter V6 and eight-speed automatic give the volume LT unusually quick response for a midsize truck, with quick, smooth, predictable shifts, although cylinder-deactivation operation is not perfectly polished.

The eight-speed lowers cruising revs and highway noise, but the V6 sounds coarse under acceleration and becomes rougher when cylinder deactivation engages, leaving refinement below the class's smoother choices.

The representative LT Crew Cab short-box configuration turns in 41.3 ft, near the favorable end of the truck normalization band; choosing the long box increases the diameter by 3.3 ft.

The LT provides a supportive seat, tilt-and-telescoping wheel, clear controls, and an ideal, carlike driving position, but larger drivers may find the front seat confining and the wheel's telescope range limited.

Rapid V6 acceleration, manageable dimensions, and a balanced chassis make this LT more entertaining than a typical work truck, but light steering and the coarse engine note keep it short of enthusiast-grade appeal.

The volume LT was competitively equipped for a 2017 midsize pickup, with an 8-inch MyLink touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, cruise control, 17-inch alloys, SiriusXM, OnStar 4G LTE, cloth trim, and keyless entry. The inexpensive Base/WT grades were more utilitarian, and meaningful convenience and safety equipment remained optional.

At $27,770 for the volume LT Extended Cab, the Colorado paired useful cabin technology with the newly upgraded 308-hp V6/eight-speed and up to 7,000 pounds of gas towing capacity. It delivered notably strong performance and truck capability per dollar, though options could raise crew-cab 4WD pricing quickly.

The lineup stretched from Base and WT through LT, Z71, and the new ZR2, with extended- or crew-cab bodies, short or long beds, rear- or four-wheel drive, and three engines. That unusually broad ladder covered inexpensive work use, mainstream family use, towing, economy, and serious off-roading.

Colorado demand was strong and still rising in the third full sales year of the revived truck. Its 112,996 U.S. sales represented 3.9% annual growth and made it a major midsize-truck contender, albeit still behind the Tacoma segment leader.

Chevrolet carried substantial American-truck credibility and dealer reach, while the Colorado's polished road manners and new ZR2 gave the nameplate useful enthusiast appeal. Its image and resale strength were sound but did not equal the Tacoma's exceptionally loyal, durability-led following.

As a mainstream Chevrolet sold through a large dealer network, the Colorado was negotiable and periodically supported by factory rebates, but its rising demand and strong residual-value standing limited the need for clearance-level incentives. Buyer benefit was therefore useful but not exceptional.

The North American second generation was only in its third model year, and 2017 brought a revised 3.6-liter V6 with an eight-speed automatic, richer base infotainment, and the new ZR2. It was not a full redesign or facelift, but it remained one of the segment's freshest conventional trucks.

The generation entered 2017 with consecutive MotorTrend Truck of the Year awards for 2015 and 2016, added a KBB Top 10 resale-value honor, and was widely praised for refinement and real truck capability. It had beaten Tacoma in a prior comparison, though Honda's Ridgeline won Car and Driver's 2017 head-to-head, preventing a near-perfect score.