The 2026 Chevy Colorado is here, and with it comes the same great reliability and utility that the Chevrolet name is known for. With these new models out, you may be tempted to get one, but with the 2025 models also being relatively new, it's easy to get conflicted. We'll break down what you can look for on both year models so you know what to expect.
Key Takeaways:
- The Colorado is a great handyman truck. It isn't the largest in the family, but it can tow a surprising amount, at 7,700 pounds.
- While this is a truck, certain trims will turn this into an off-road monster, making it perfect for off-road enthusiasts. These trims are the Trail Boss and the ZR2.
- This truck also gets a decent amount of mileage, coming with an EPA-rated 21 MPG combined. This makes it a viable option if you need to do some road trips, and it won't bankrupt you for doing so.
Is Chevy making a 2026 Colorado?
Yes, Chevy is making a Colorado for 2026.
For 2026, the Colorado comes with minimal new features, but they are just enough to make it stand out from the previous year. But other than this, the model is mostly a carryover from the year before.
Some things that were added were a standard sliding rear window, rear defroster, and cruise control for the WT and Trailboss trims. The Advanced Trailering package is now standard on the Trail Boss and Z71. While the ZR2 gets standard perforated leather seats with ventilated front cushions, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging.
The Colorado comes powered by a turbocharged 2.7L I4. This engine makes 310 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. This engine may be on the smaller side, but it is mighty as it has a 7,700-pound towing capacity. Making it the best in its class.
Being that this is a smaller engine, it does come with some decent gas mileage to round out how good this engine is. As per the EPA, you can get up to 21 MPG combined, helping you save some time and money at the pump.
What is the difference between a 2025 and 2026 Chevy Colorado?
The difference between the two years is the colors and wheels.
When looking at the two models, the 2026 model does come with some new wheels. One of them is the 17-inch Beadlock capable wheels with Tech Bronze decorative ring. This gives the model some flare than last year's iteration didn't quite have.
There are some new colors that also joined the field, with all the colors that you can find in both years below.
Chevy Colorado Colors
| Color Options |
2025 Chevy Colorado |
2026 Chevy Colorado |
| Snowdrift Metallic |
Available |
Available |
| Radiant Red Tintcoat |
Available |
Available |
| White Sands |
Not available |
Available |
| Harvest Bronze |
Available |
Not available |
| Reef Blue Metallic |
Available |
Available |
As you can see, most of the colors do carry over, but there is one in each year that remains exclusive for the year it's on. While the 2026 model's color is more flashy, the 2025's is a bit more muted, but sometimes, that's all you need.
How Many Trim Levels Are Seen from the 2026 Chevy Colorado?
For 2026, the Colorado comes in 5 trims.
While in 2025, the ZR2 almost edged it out, the Trail Boss was the go-to trim, and for 2026, it was the same. This is because it "comes with 32-inch all-terrain tires and fender flares that make it look tough, and it offers more suspension travel than lesser trims." In 2025, it was much of the same story. With them noting that it "delivers almost as much mud-flinging fun for a lot less."
Should I buy a 2025 or 2026 Chevy Colorado?
When it comes down to it, both models are great, and that's the technical truth because they are both nearly identical. The only main difference is cosmetic features, which makes it so that you don't have to pick based on features. No matter which year you want, you're bound to find something that suits you. Come on down to Banner Chevy for some of the best inventory around. We want to help make sure you get the perfect vehicle without spending extra.