“We love our Colorado it is just the right size for us to haul stuff but yet fancy enough to use for good.”
2017 Chevrolet Colorado: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado is the arrival of the ZR2, a dedicated off-road trim with specialized suspension and locking front and rear differentials. Other updates include a new V6 and eight-speed automatic, standard Teen Driver, and an automatic four-wheel-drive setting on certain trucks.
About the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado
2nd-generation US Colorado (2015-2022), third model year; launch year for the ZR2 trim
Chevrolet positioned the Colorado as a midsize pickup that delivers real truck utility without full-size bulk. Its identity spans commuting, business use, towing, hauling and off-road travel, supported by extended- and crew-cab layouts and gasoline or diesel powertrains. The range’s main distinction was breadth: simple work-focused trucks, more comfortable everyday versions and two increasingly capable trail-focused trims, topped by the purpose-built ZR2.
The 2017 Colorado ranges from the basic, work-focused base and Work Truck models to the better-equipped LT with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Z71 combines trail-focused hardware with heated front seats, while the new ZR2 goes further with a raised suspension, special Multimatic dampers and added underbody protection.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
V6-equipped Work Truck, LT and Z71 models receive a new 308-hp 3.6-liter V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic instead of the previous V6 and six-speed automatic. Gasoline 4WD versions above Work Truck also gain an automatic four-wheel-drive setting.
Safety
Teen Driver becomes standard on every Colorado trim. It lets an owner set certain driving limits and review a report on driving behavior.
Structural
The new ZR2 trim adds a roughly 2-inch suspension lift, a 3.5-inch wider track, Multimatic dampers, locking front and rear differentials, rocker-panel protection and underbody skid plates for demanding off-road use.
2017 Chevrolet Colorado specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd / Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd / Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd / Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | 2WD | 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Diesel | Gas / Diesel | Gas / Diesel | Gas | Gas / Diesel |
| MPG City | 17–22 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 17–20 mpg | 19 mpg | 18–22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24–30 mpg | 24–30 mpg | 24–28 mpg | 26 mpg | 25–30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 181–308 hp | 181–308 hp | 181–308 hp | 200 hp | 181–308 hp |
| Torque | 191–369 lb-ft | 191–369 lb-ft | 275–369 lb-ft | 191 lb-ft | 191–369 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7000–7600 lb | 7000–7600 lb | 5000 lb | 3500 lb | 7000–7700 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 28.6–35.8 in | 28.6–35.8 in | 28.6–35.8 in | 28.6 in | 28.6–35.8 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4 | 4–5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2 | 2–4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Cruise Control | |||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| Power Mirrors | |||||
| Side Steps | |||||
| Tow Hooks | |||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||||
| Tilt Wheel | |||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the ZR2 new for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado?
Yes. The ZR2 joins the Colorado lineup for 2017 as a specialized off-road trim with locking front and rear differentials, Multimatic dampers, a raised suspension, a wider track and added underbody protection.
What changed in the 2017 Colorado’s V6 powertrain?
The 2017 Colorado gets a new 308-hp 3.6-liter V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic. This combination replaces the previous V6 and six-speed automatic in V6-equipped Work Truck, LT and Z71 models, and it also powers gasoline ZR2 trucks.
Did every 2017 Chevrolet Colorado get Teen Driver?
Yes. Teen Driver became standard across the full 2017 Colorado lineup, including the base model, Work Truck, LT, Z71 and ZR2.
Which 2017 Colorado models gained an automatic four-wheel-drive setting?
Gasoline-powered 4WD versions above the Work Truck trim gained an automatic four-wheel-drive setting for 2017. That includes applicable LT, Z71 and ZR2 trucks.
Is the 2017 Colorado a major redesign compared with the 2016 model?
No. The 2017 Colorado is not a full redesign. Its main updates are the new ZR2 trim, a revised V6 powertrain, standard Teen Driver and an automatic four-wheel-drive setting on certain models.
2017 Chevrolet Colorado Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado.
4.2
2017 Chevrolet Colorado
(409 reviews)
“It is the perfect mix of ruggedness and style on the exterior, and interior luxury.”
“Easy to maneuver, quick, comfortable, good styling. At higher speeds hood has some movement, apparently this is a know issue, which it shouldn't be...since it should be rectified. Still not a bad vehicle.”