Chevrolet Colorado - Motortrends Truck Of The Year for 2024
Chevrolet Colorado - Motortrends Truck Of The Year for 2024
Posted on December 11, 2023
MotorTrend has honored the Chevrolet Colorado as the Truck of the Year for 2024. This recognition arrives at a time when Chevrolet has strategically introduced the Colorado, following up on its success in the midsize truck segment back in 2015. The 2023 model launch, featuring a brand-new Colorado lineup and notable off-road editions like the ZR2 and the upcoming ZR2 Bison, perfectly coincided with MotorTrend relocating its Truck of the Year competition to Michigan. This relocation provided an enhanced testing ground, particularly highlighting the Colorado's off-road capabilities.
Unlike its predecessor, the third-generation Colorado stands as a genuinely new model, boasting a longer-wheelbase frame derived from the Silverado, a 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a more robust and off-road-oriented suspension. Although the body configuration options have reduced to solely offering a crew-cab/short-box combo due to low demand for other configurations, the Colorado had already been leading the midsize truck class before its 2023 update.
In terms of functionality, the Colorado's utility features include standard corner bed steps, multiple tie-downs, accessory mounting points, a power outlet, and a convenient stowage box in the tailgate. Evaluations with heavy payloads and towing capacity up to 7,500 pounds demonstrated commendable handling without compromising performance. Off-road, especially with the ZR2 variant equipped with specialized shocks, differentials, and advanced technology like the Off-Road Performance app, the Colorado showcased unparalleled capability in its class.
Design-wise, the 2024 Colorado presents a refreshed interpretation of the Silverado's design language, featuring modern interior touches with digital instrumentation and functional screens. While some design choices received praise, concerns were raised about certain features being relegated to digital controls and initial production issues like buzzes and rattles.
Engineering advancements, including the Multimatic spool-valve shocks on the ZR2 variant, showcased superior off-road capabilities compared to competitors like the Ranger and Tacoma. However, criticisms were directed at the four-cylinder turbo engine's performance, transmission behavior, and minor technical glitches in early production units.
Despite some criticisms, the Colorado's value proposition remains strong, offering a range of features at competitive price points, especially with off-road variants like the ZR2 and Trail Boss. Moreover, safety features, although not fully tested by authorities yet, encompass a suite of driver-assistance technologies.
Efficiency-wise, while the Colorado offers a lineup of turbocharged four-cylinder engines, its fuel economy ratings vary across models, with certain variants falling short compared to previous iterations and rival models in the market.
In conclusion, the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado emerged as MotorTrend's Truck of the Year due to its impressive blend of off-road prowess, functional design, engineering advancements, value for money, and safety features, marking a significant achievement for the midsize truck segment.