The 2022 Chevrolet Colorado receives minimal updates for the eighth model year of the second-generation mid-sized pickup truck, consisting of package alterations and the introduction of the Trail Boss model (as an available package on LT and Z71 trims).

Notably, the Colorado underwent a light update for the 2021 model year. While the light update was as close to a mid-cycle refresh/MCE as it gets, it was not an official refresh/MCE.

The Chevrolet Colorado is one of the most versatile midsize trucks around. Last redesigned in 2015, it is available as an Extended Cab pickup with a 6-foot-2-inch cargo bed, a Crew Cab with four full doors, and a 5-foot-2-inch bed. Or there’s the longest and most useful model, a Crew Cab with a 6-foot-2-inch bed, which makes the Colorado nearly as handy as some full-size trucks.

All Colorados are available with 2WD, 4WD, or a separate range-topping ZR2 model with off-road hardware that matches the best from Jeep. The Colorado can be optioned with three engines, more than any other midsize truck. There’s a base four-cylinder gas engine, a four-cylinder turbodiesel, or a V6. Most buyers will gravitate to the 306-hp V6. And why not? It offers swifter acceleration than the Toyota Tacoma.

The Colorado rides smoothly, is easy to park, and handles with precision. But while opting for the hard-core ZR2 package boosts the off-road prowess, it also delivers a steeper price, worse fuel economy, and a rougher pavement ride.

Chevrolet offers the Colorado in four trims: Work Truck (WT), LT, Z71, and ZR2. Four-wheel drive adds $3,000-$3,500, depending upon trim and bed/cab configuration. The Z71 is the most popular model, but our pick is actually the LT. We’ll explain why.

WT

Priced at $26,395 (including a $1,195 destination fee), the base WT trim comes with a four-cylinder engine when the Extended Cab option is selected. But the more expensive Crew Cab WT 4X4 and 2WD Crew Cab long bed are powered by the V6. Standard features on the WT include a 7-inch infotainment screen, a 3.5-inch driver information screen, 17-inch steel wheels, single-zone HVAC, two USB-A ports, power window and locks, a four-way power driver’s seat, halogen headlights, a rearview camera, and black manual-folding mirrors.

LT

The LT ($28,895) trim adds many popular upgrades. It continues with a base four-cylinder engine but only in Extended Cab models. The Crew Cab LT trucks receive a standard V6 with the option of a Duramax Diesel. We recommend this trim level as it not only offers the widest variety of engine options, it also includes 17-inch aluminum wheels, body-colored mirrors, door handles, and rear bumper. The LT also has cruise control, an 8-inch infotainment screen, remote keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Other features include cloth seat trim, rear USB ports, a hitch guidance system, and an EZ lift, and a lower tailgate. That last feature is great for those who fill the bed often because it uses a torsion bar spring to reduce the effort needed to close it.

Z71

In the past, “Z71” was strictly an off-road package. But when the Colorado was redesigned for 2015, Chevy made “Z71” into a full trim level, which bundles lots of great off-road equipment mixed with comfort and convenience features. The Z71 ($35,995) comes with remote start, body-colored power mirrors, a manual-sliding rear window with defogger, 4.2-inch color driver information center, and an 8-inch infotainment system with navigation. The Z71 also offers HD radio, HD rearview camera, heated steering wheel, heated seats, cloth/leatherette seats with power lumbar driver’s seat, automatic climate control, and wireless phone charging. Other features include 17-inch bright machined aluminum wheels and all-terrain tires, projector-beam headlights, fog lights, rear park assist, off-road suspension package, hill descent control, transfer case skid plate, and a locking rear differential.

ZR2

Though the letters for these trims seem similar, don’t mistake a Z71 for the ZR2. Priced at $43,795, the ZR2 is a much more hard-core, off-road-focused version of the Colorado. To that end, the ZR2 comes equipped with selectable locking front and rear differentials, a taller off-road suspension with special dampers and increased wheel travel, off-road rocker sill protection, and 265/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires with graphite and oxide gold aluminum wheels.