08-11-20
2021 Chevrolet Colorado: Here’s What’s New And Different
Here’s What’s New And Different for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado
The current, second-generation Chevrolet Colorado was initially introduced for the 2015 model year, officially marking GM’s return to the midsize pickup truck segment. Since its introduction, the Colorado has clawed its way to the second best-selling spot in its segment, until the new Ford Ranger pushed it into third place. Though many were hoping that GM would give the Colorado a refresh, that never materialized. Instead, the truck got minor changes and updates throughout its lifecycle. Now, the 2021 model year delivers a few more noteworthy changes – such as a slightly-reworked front end, revised trim levels, packages and more. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on everything that’s new and different about the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado.
Model-Line Changes
On the model line side, the 2021 Colorado does away with the base model. The deletion of the base Colorado trim level means that the Work Truck trim is now the base model. All other trim levels remain, including LT, Z71 and ZR2. Those hoping for a high-end LTZ or High Country trim are – unfortunately – out of luck.
| Trim level: | Base | Work Truck | LT | Z71 | ZR2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment group: | 2SA | 2WT, 4WT | 2LT, 4LT | 2Z7, 4Z7 | 4ZR |
| Trim level: | Work Truck | LT | Z71 | ZR2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment group: | 2WT, 4WT | 2LT, 4LT | 2Z7, 4Z7 | 4ZR |
Exterior
On the outside, the most notable change for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is a slightly-revised front fascia:
- WT, LT and Z71 models feature updated center bars, lower fascias, and skid plates
- ZR2 gets a new front fascia that looks more aggressive than before, while also giving drivers improved visibility, according to Chevrolet
As of this writing, photos of the Colorado WT, LT and Z71 are not available.
The revised front ends also feature new Chevrolet emblems:
- WT and LT wear an all-new gold Chevrolet bowtie logo
- Z71 receives a black bowtie logo
- ZR2 features “CHEVROLET” lettered grille with the “flowtie“, which was previously included on the ZR2 Bison
Additionally, the Colorado ZR2 now features red tow hooks as standard equipment.
The rear of all 2021 Colorado models now features embossed “Chevrolet” tailgates, replacing the traditional Chevy bowtie.
Three new colors join the color palette, while five others are deleted:
New colors:
- Bright Blue Metallic
- Cherry Red Tintcoat
- Sand Dune Metallic
Deleted colors:
- Pacific Blue Metallic
- Silver Ice Metallic
- Kinetic Blue Metallic
- Shadow Gray Metallic
- Cajun Red Tintcoat
There are also some changes to the wheels and tires that are offered, as follows:
New wheels:
- 17-in x 8-in Ultra Silver Metallic steel wheels (RAP)
- 17-in x 8-in (43.2 cm x 20.3 cm) Bright Machined aluminum wheels (RIM)
Deleted wheels:
- 16-in x 7-in (40.6-cm x 17.8-cm) Ultra Silver Metallic steel wheel (RS2)
- 16-in x 7-in (40.6-cm x 17.8-cm) Ultra Silver Metallic cast aluminum wheels (RS1)
- 17-in x 8-in (43.2-cm x 20.3-cm) Dark Argent Metallic cast aluminum wheels (R28)
- 20-in Low Gloss Black aluminum wheels (RTH)
The 16-x7-inch steel spare wheel and tire is being replaced by a 17-x-8-inch steel wheel and tire.
Since the Work Truck trim has been discontinued, so has the optional Work Truck Appearance package, which included:
- 16-inch by 7-inch (40.6 cm x 17.8 cm) Ultra Silver Metallic cast aluminum wheels
- Outside power-adjustable, body-color, remote, manual-folding mirrors
- Spotter mirror
- Body-color rear bumper
- Chrome beltline moldings
- Body-color door handles
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado exterior features the following LPO-level changes:
New LPO items:
- Black tailgate lettering
- Accessory Suspension Leveling Kit
Deleted LPO items:
- Bedliner (VZX)
- Chevrolet Lettered Grille (RZB)
- Grille (VAT)
- RST badge (RIN)
Rounding out the changes is the deletion of the windshield shade band on all models.
Interior
Inside, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado adds the auto-dimming rearview mirror as a standard feature on LT models. In previous model years, the feature was optional on the LT trims, with the manual day/night mirror being standard on LT, Work Truck and base models.
In addition, the LT model gets a new audio system in the form of the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with an 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen, AM/FM stereo, Bluetooth audio streaming for 2 active devices, voice command pass-through to phone, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capable.
The rest of the truck’s cabin remains the same as in years past.
Packages
The remaining changes to the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado involve four packages, as follows.
Addition of Chrome Appearance Package on LT models. The package includes:
- Chrome grille
- Outside heated power-adjustable, manual folding mirrors with chrome caps
- Chrome door handles
- Chrome rear bumper
- Chrome beltline molding
Colorado RST package is deleted for the 2021 model year
Deletion of Colorado RST Special Edition, which was available on LT models and included:
- Black beltline molding
- Spray-on bedliner
- 255/55R20 all-season blackwall tires (QQD)
- (RTH) 20-inch Low Gloss Black aluminum wheels
- CHEVROLET lettered grille
- Rear Black bowtie
- RST Badge (LPO-level item)
- Black bodyside molding (LPO-level item)
- Black Colorado nameplate (LPO-level item)
Colorado Trail Runner Special Edition is deleted for the 2021 model year
Deletion of Colorado Trail Runner Special Edition, which was available on Z71 models and included:
- CHEVROLET lettered grille
- Rear Black bowtie
- 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires (QJ2)
- Accent Lighting (LPO-level item)
- Off-Road rocker protection (LPO-level item)
- Front skid plate (LPO-level item)
- Mid skid plate (LPO-level item)
Looking Ahead
The 2021 Colorado is as close as we’ll get to a midcycle refresh for the current, second-generation model. We expect the Chevrolet Colorado in its current form at least through the 2023 model year. At that point, the vehicle will be overhauled (redesigned and engineered) on an updated version of the same GMT-31XX platform, dubbed 31XX-2.
