“I use the Colorado for escorting oversize loads. I love the way it handles all the way around. It's comfortable…. 9 to 11 hours a day. The only thing I don't like is the adjustment of steering wheel. But Love the truck.”
2018 Chevrolet Colorado: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado is a light technology update, not a redesign. The headline change is standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the lineup.
About the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado
2nd generation (2015-2022), fourth model year, before the later 2021 styling update.
Chevrolet positioned the 2018 Colorado as a midsize pickup that can handle real truck duty without the bulk of a full-size model. Its core appeal is choice: multiple cab and bed layouts, gas or diesel power, real towing ability, and trim levels that range from basic work use to serious off-road driving. Against rivals, the Colorado’s big differentiators were its broad powertrain lineup, available diesel torque, and the factory-built ZR2 off-road model.
The 2018 Colorado ranges from the basic four-cylinder, manual-transmission base truck to the more polished LT with an 8-inch touchscreen. Z71 adds useful trail hardware, while ZR2 is the serious off-road model with a lifted suspension, protective underbody hardware, and locking front and rear differentials.
What changed, by category
Tech
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard across the lineup. The base and Work Truck models moved to 7-inch touchscreens, while the Work Truck also gained standard Bluetooth. Navigation changed from standard to optional on LT, Z71, and ZR2.
2018 Chevrolet Colorado specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel 2.8L | 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 | 16–19 mpg | 20 mpg | 18–22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24–30 mpg | 24–30 mpg | 18–22 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 | 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 | |||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||
| 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 | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| 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 | |||||
| Power Steering | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||||
| Tilt Wheel | |||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado?
The biggest change is standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across every 2018 Colorado trim. Lower trims also received a 7-inch touchscreen in place of the older, smaller display.
Was the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado redesigned?
No, the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado was not redesigned. It remained part of the second generation introduced for 2015, with the same basic body styles, engines, and trim structure as the prior year.
Did the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado get a new engine?
No, the 2018 Colorado had no major engine changes. The gas four-cylinder, V6, and diesel engine offerings carried over.
What changed on the lower 2018 Colorado trims?
The lower 2018 Colorado trims received a 7-inch touchscreen and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Work Truck also gained standard Bluetooth and a standard touchscreen.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado a major upgrade over the 2017 model?
No, the 2018 Colorado is not a major upgrade over the 2017 model. Its main advantages are improved phone integration and updated screens on lower trims; the engines, body styles, and overall lineup are largely unchanged.
2018 Chevrolet Colorado Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado.
4.1
2018 Chevrolet Colorado
(434 reviews)
“The truck was everything I expected it to be. It meets my simple needs exceptionally well, and has become our "go-to" vehicle for hauling building materials, trash, and general "knock-around" transportation.”
“I bought a used Chevy Colorado and love how it drives and how comfortable it is.”