2016 CHEVROLET COLORADO REVIEW
If you prefer to work with trucks or a general fan of them, then you need to consider the new make that Chevy Colorado has posed in 2016 in your list of options. Here is a comprehensive review of the vehicle to give information on the car’s specs. Those who have a glimpse on it or have gone for a ride in the mid-size truck will talk of how it is pleasant to drive in it, a better interior and more vigorous on the pump. Offering a diesel engine is one of the major upgrades that the Chevy has brought giving high performance and economizes on the fuel.
The Chevrolet Colorado 2016 competes against 2016 Toyota Tacoma V6 and Frontier and it outdoes them in a variety of features from packaging to the interior to how you position yourself while driving. The specs on the diesel upgrade are not that satisfying when you consider a 2.8-liter four cylinder generating 181 horsepower. But the engine’s torque amounts to 369 pound-feet, more than you can get on the V6 therefore more towing tasks yet still and smooth on the highway. The engine is quiet, something that you may not expect in a truck with such power when compared to the gasoline counterpart. This is enabled by the extra low-end grunt and the standard six-speed automatic transmission has a considerable pace in changing the gears.
You need to be connected everywhere including your car, thanks to the Apple CarPlay that has come as an upgrade with an 8-inch touchscreen and integrates with your phone applications. The full size Silverado 1500 has the Apple CarPlay for the 2016 model so you can contend for the two models. If you want to go for more horsepower, Silverado engine capacity is 5.3 liters and the difference in price is small.
Style, Trim Levels and Available Options
The mid-size pickup has body styles comprising of two and four-seat extended cab, and five-seat crew cab styles. There are four trim levels which include the Base, Work Truck models, LT and the top ranking Z71.
The Base is the entry level which is only offered on the extended cab. Here are the standard features: automatic headlights, 16-inch wheels with steel rims, air conditioning, daytime running lights, a manually reclined four-way power driver seat, vinyl upholstery with floor covering, rear-seat delete, front bucket seats, an adjustable steering wheel that is tilt-only, power windows, a camera that enables rear view and a six speaker audio system AM/FM enabled with a color display that is 4.2 inches and it is USB enabled.
Work Truck model is available in both crew and extended cabs’ body styles, adds jump seats that can be folded, cloth upholstery and floor and carpeting mats. It also has WT Convenience package which includes an EZ-lift tailgate, a convex mirror that the driver can use to spot and enhance visibility, cruise control, remote keyless entry and a theft-deterrent system. The appearance package comprises of 16-inch wheels, side mirrors that can be power adjusted and chrome beltline trim. Audio system package has a basic MyLink system, Bluetooth enabled audio and phone connectivity, Pandora internet radio and OnStar 4G LTE WiFi.
The LT also borrows from Work Truck model features and includes both convenience and appearance packages. The wheels are 17 inches, has an overhead console, a tilt and telescoping adjustable steering wheel that is wrapped in leather, illuminated visor mirrors, Wi-Fi enabled and the MyLink interface is an upgraded version with an 8-inch touchscreen. Options include foglights, rear window defroster, remote start and a rear window that slides.
The Z71 adds the LT packages including LED daytime running lights, tinted 17-inch alloy wheels surrounded by grille, tires for all-terrain, step bars and fender flares.
Performance
There are three engines that are available for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. At the entry level, the engine is a 2.5 – liter four cylinder that outputs 200 horsepower. An addition six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Base and the extended-cab WT models which economizes the fuel to a range of 20-27 mpg. The six-speed automatic gives 22 mpg combined for two-wheel drive and 21 mpg combined for the four-wheel. The four cylinder models are capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds.
The LT and Z71 crew cab have optional 2.8-liter turbocharged four cylinder diesel engine with 181 hp and 369 lb-ft torque. A standard six-speed automatic is available with turbocharged four cylinder diesel engine with 181 hp and 369 lb-ft torque. A standard six-speed automatic is available with deluxe trailering package that has an exhaust brake and a trailer brake controller.trailering package that has an exhaust brake and a trailer brake controller.
While on the road
The Chevrolet Colorado is confident while on the road but has a less truckish quality than you would expect. Handling is good and you don’t have to lean much while riding around turns. If you are in an area where four wheel drive is required, the airdam hanging on the low front might hinder you from engaging and you might be forced to remove it. It is a good truck if you need to carry luggage for farming purposes or while going out and you need plenty of stuff to carry while you are away.