The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado enters the midsize truck battleground with a bold strategy: make the most powerful engine standard across the lineup. By equipping even the base Work Truck (WT) trim with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine pumping out 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, Chevy has positioned the Colorado as a torque king in its class. But while it dominates on paper in raw power and towing capability, cracks start to show when you dig deeper into the truck’s practicality, interior design, and feature offerings.
In a segment where the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma have both undergone significant updates, the 2025 Colorado faces an uphill battle to remain the go-to choice for midsize truck enthusiasts.
Engine and Performance: Undeniable Muscle, Questionable Edge
Chevrolet’s decision to standardize the high-output 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims is commendable. Producing 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, this engine outmuscles the competition in standard power figures. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Colorado delivers confident towing performance with a best-in-class capacity of 7,700 pounds (tied with the Jeep Gladiator).
Key Performance Takeaways:
- Engine Output: 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque
- Towing Capacity: Up to 7,700 lbs (ZR2 trims capped at 6,000 lbs)
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
While the engine excels in pulling heavy loads and tackling steep grades with impressive gear-holding logic, it lacks the refinement and exhaust note of rival powertrains. Additionally, Ford’s Ranger Raptor and Toyota’s Tacoma TRD Pro Hybrid still offer superior top-end performance in their specialized trims.
Off-Road Credibility: ZR2 Steals the Show
If off-roading is a priority, the Colorado ZR2 and its Bison package will immediately catch your attention. These trims feature a 3-inch lift, Multimatic DSSV dampers, locking front and rear differentials, and 33-inch off-road tires. The ZR2 Bison goes even further with 35-inch Mud/Terrain tires, boron steel skid plates, and Jounce Control Dampers.
For hardcore off-road enthusiasts, these upgrades make the ZR2 Bison one of the most capable trucks in its class. However, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Ford Ranger Raptor still have an edge with superior powertrains and more refined interior layouts.
Interior and Technology: Function Meets Frustration
Inside, the Colorado shows both its strengths and its flaws. The 11.3-inch infotainment screen paired with Google Built-in provides an intuitive user experience, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Physical buttons for climate control and audio are a welcome touch, contrasting with the screen-heavy layouts in some competitors.
Interior Highlights:
- 11.3-inch Infotainment Screen with Google Built-in
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Tilt-and-Telescoping Steering Wheel (Z71 and above)
- Comfortable Front Seats
Unfortunately, interior quality takes a hit in lower trims, with hard plastics dominating the cabin. Rear-seat accommodations are average at best, and installing a child seat is unnecessarily complicated due to awkward anchor placements.
While the ZR2 and Z71 trims improve material quality with padded surfaces and colorful stitching, they still can’t match the premium vibe of the Ford Ranger or Toyota Tacoma in their upper trims.
Practicality and Cargo: Limited Versatility
Unlike the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier, the 2025 Colorado offers only one cab and bed length: a four-door crew cab with a 61.7-inch bed. This limits the truck’s appeal to buyers needing a longer bed for more cargo flexibility.
Cargo and Payload Specs:
- Payload Capacity: Up to 1,710 lbs (WT trim)
- Bed Length: 61.7 inches (no long-bed option)
The ZR2 trims, with their added weight and off-road hardware, suffer from significantly reduced payload capacity, dropping to 1,310 lbs.
Fuel Economy: Power Comes at a Cost
While official EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2025 Colorado are still pending, we expect figures to align closely with the 2024 model:
- Trail Boss/Z71 (4WD): 17/20/18 mpg city/highway/combined
- ZR2: 17/17/17 mpg
- ZR2 Bison: 16 mpg combined
These numbers fall short of the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid and the Ford Ranger’s EcoBoost engines, both of which offer better efficiency without sacrificing power.
Trims and Pricing: From Work Truck to Trail Warrior
The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado is available in four trims, plus the optional ZR2 Bison package:
- WT ($33,495): Base trim with solid standard tech and safety features but bland interior materials.
- Trail Boss ($41,395): Off-road-focused with a 2-inch lift, locking rear differential, and trailering package.
- Z71 ($45,395): Offers more comfort and technology, including keyless entry, remote ignition, and wireless charging.
- ZR2 ($51,195): Ultimate off-roader with Multimatic DSSV dampers, locking front and rear differentials, and skid plates.
- ZR2 Bison (Optional Package): Adds rugged 35-inch tires, steel skid plates, and enhanced dampers.
For most buyers, the Z71 trim offers the best balance of comfort, tech, and off-road capability. If off-road performance is your top priority, the ZR2 or ZR2 Bison is the obvious choice.
Safety: Comprehensive Across All Trims
Every 2025 Colorado comes equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane-Keeping Assist
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Optional advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera, are available on higher trims.
Final Verdict: Still a Strong Contender, But Not Perfect
The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado delivers best-in-class power, impressive towing capacity, and outstanding off-road capability in its ZR2 trims. Its intuitive infotainment system and advanced safety tech also earn high marks.
However, it falls short in key areas:
- No long-bed option
- Hard plastic-heavy interior
- Mediocre fuel economy
- Limited engine choices compared to rivals
If raw power and off-road capability are your top priorities, the Colorado ZR2 or ZR2 Bison won’t disappoint. But if you’re looking for better interior quality, efficiency, or cargo flexibility, the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, or even the GMC Canyon might offer a more well-rounded package.
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