2022 Chevy Colorado
One of the best things about choosing a Chevy truck is the tremendous amount of freedom and flexibility you have in finding one that is perfect for you. Not only do you have amazing full-size options available in the Silverado models, but you can also pick one of the absolute best midsize trucks on the road. The 2022 Chevy Colorado is an amazing example of everything a Chevrolet pickup should be, at a smaller size that works well for a lot of truck owners. Perhaps best of all, the incredible ZR2 trim makes it one of the most popular and accomplished off-road trucks available anywhere.
In terms of power and performance, there are three different engines available for the Colorado, which gives you the perfect amount of freedom without overwhelming you with options. The standard 2.5L engine offers 200 hp while the available 3.6L V6 engine boosts that up to 308 hp for improved performance; there is even a 2.8L turbo-diesel engine available if you are interested in a diesel engine. Although this is a midsize truck, it can still get a lot of work done thanks to up to 7,700 lbs of maximum towing capacity, and up to 1,550 lbs of payload, so you can load up with everything you need to take with you.
If you are interested in going off-road, then the Chevy Colorado is a terrific choice, particularly with the available ZR2 trim. This comes with a specially-tuned off-road suspension for a fantastic combination of travel and overall handling on the trail, thanks to the Multimatic DSSV damping system. With the 2022 model, you now have more options than ever for a great Colorado to take off-road, thanks to the available Trail Boss package. Offered on trims other than the ZR2, this includes a 1-inch suspension level from the factory, skid plates, and elimination of the front air dam for better clearance on the front end.
MSRP: $25,435 [a]
Max Towing (lbs): 7,700
Max Payload (lbs): 1,550
Torque (lb-ft): 191-369
Performance
When looking at any kind of vehicle, you always want to make sure it has an engine that is powerful enough to make it enjoyable to drive. The engine is, arguably, even more important in a truck because it needs to deliver enough power for daily driving and for handling any towing or other work you need to get done. While you will not find the kind of power in a midsize truck that a heavy-duty model might have to offer, there are still some great engines on offer here.
Your Gas Options
The 2022 Chevy Colorado has three different engines to choose from, so you can get exactly the right level of power for what you need to do. For most trim levels, the starting engine is a 2.5L 4-cylinder option that offers 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque. This engine comes paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which comes together to create a solid and reliable driving experience. If you want more power than that, then you can choose an available 3.6L DOHC V6 engine that delivers an impressive 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, which comes paired with an 8-speed automatic for a smooth and responsive overall ride.
Your Diesel Option
Although a diesel engine is not necessarily right for everyone, we still love that one is available for the Colorado since many other midsize trucks lack such an option. You can choose a 2.8L Turbo-Diesel that delivers 181 hp and a massive 369 lb-ft of torque, which comes paired with a 6-speed automatic. Not only does this engine provide you with a great driving experience, but it is also highly fuel efficient, with an estimated 20 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. By comparison, the standard 2.5L engine gets an estimated 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway, while the available V6 gets a similar 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.
Capability
For most of us, the major selling point for owning a great truck is not just getting from point A to point B like it is with other vehicles. A pickup delivers something much more than that. With a truck, you can get a tremendous amount of work done thanks to its ability to have a lot of weight loaded onto it or pulled behind it. While a midsize pickup like the Chevy Colorado will not be able to handle as much weight as a larger truck, you can get a Colorado with plenty of muscle.
Towing Capacity
The towing capacity of the Chevy Colorado depends greatly upon the engine you choose for it: a more powerful engine can pull more weight behind it. Different configuration options can also impact how much weight you can tow behind you, but the engine generally makes the biggest difference. For example, if you choose the standard 2.5L engine, then it can handle up to 3,500 lbs of towing capacity when properly equipped. By comparison, a Colorado with the available 3.6L V6 engine, and the right configuration, can handle up to 7,000 lbs of towing. If you want the greatest towing capacity possible, then you should consider the available 2.8L diesel engine, which can handle up to 7,700 lbs when properly equipped.
Payload Capacity
Maximum payload for a truck can be a bit more complicated since so many factors impact it: anything that adds weight onto a pickup will reduce how much more weight you can load onto it. The engine impacts maximum payload on a truck, as do other configuration options, like the bed length and cab size, so you have to look at everything together to determine which setup is best for you. Depending on how it is configured, the Colorado can have between 1,367 lbs and 1,550 lbs of payload capacity, which demonstrates the importance of looking at the different specs on individual models.
Off-Road Features
Even though a lot of people like to focus on SUVs that are designed with off-roading in mind, a midsize truck can be one of the best options for hitting the trail. The Chevy Colorado is a particularly great example of this, and it has been a favorite among many off-roaders for decades now. For the 2022 model year, the Colorado is actually better than ever as a trail-ready truck due to the inclusion of the Trail Boss package that gives you additional options to choose from when leaving the city behind.
The ZR2 Trim Is Your Best Off-Roading Choice
You could argue that the best option for an off-road Colorado is still the ZR2 trim, and we would be hard-pressed to disagree, though we love that there are now more ways to take this truck onto the trail. The ZR2 trim features an off-road suspension, including a Multimatic DSSV damping system that allows for excellent travel and handling while on the trail and a surprisingly comfortable ride in even the roughest conditions. Four-wheel drive is standard on the ZR2, with an Autotrac 2-speed transfer case that is shielded by underbody protection, along with driver-selected full-locking front and rear differentials. The ZR2 has increased clearance and track width, with 17-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires for excellent control.
The Trail Boss Package Will Amplify the Other Trims
While we still love the ZR2 trim, one of the great things about the 2022 Colorado is that Chevy has added a new Trail Boss package for the LT and Z71 trims. This includes a factory-installed 1-inch suspension-leveling kit to bring the front-end up to level with the rear wheels, plus skid plates located at the front and midsection under the Colorado. You also get 17-inch wheels, red tow hooks, and the front air dam is eliminated with this package in order to help improve front-end clearance while on the trail. Altogether, the ZR2 trim may be a better choice if you are looking to do some serious off-roading, but this package makes for a great option.
When You Want a Midsize Truck, Visit North Park Chevrolet
The 2022 Chevy Colorado checks all of our boxes as the best midsize truck on and off the road. In terms of power, the choice of three different engines, including a diesel option, really lets you get the kind of performance you are looking for, which translates to fantastic towing and payload options so you can get work done or enjoy the weekend. The Chevy Colorado has long been a fantastic choice for an off-road pickup, thanks to the amazing ZR2 trim and everything it brings to the table. With the Trail Boss package now available on other trims, however, the 2022 model has become even better than ever, and you have a lot of freedom to get the perfect trail truck.
Here at North Park Chevrolet, we are incredibly pleased to offer the 2022 Colorado and the rest of the fantastic Chevy lineup. If you know that a midsize truck is perfect for you, then we can help you find the right combination of features with everything you need. On the other hand, if you are just starting your search for the ideal pickup, then we can take you through all of your options to ensure you find the right one. No matter what you are looking for in your next truck, we will help you find it and make sure you drive away completely happy. Call or come visit us at North Park Chevrolet today to learn more, and let us show you how easy it is to shop for your next pickup.