“I would tell them the Colorado ZR2 is a high quality mid-size pickup truck. The off road package allows the truck to handle any driving condition. The interior features and Bose sound system are excellent.”
2021 Chevrolet Colorado: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is a light styling refresh, led by a more distinct front end and an embossed CHEVROLET tailgate. It remains part of the same generation, with no major mechanical or safety overhaul.
About the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado
2nd generation (2015-2022), late-cycle styling refresh year
Chevrolet positions the Colorado as a midsize pickup that is easier to live with than a full-size truck but still offers real truck capability. Reviews consistently point to its manageable size, straightforward controls, strong towing options, and broad trim spread from basic work use to serious off-road use. For most buyers, the Colorado’s appeal is getting a genuine pickup with usable tech and strong capability without moving up to a larger Silverado.
Work Truck is the utility-focused entry model, while LT adds everyday comforts such as cruise control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Z71 mixes heated cabin features with light off-road equipment. ZR2 is the specialized trail version, with locking front and rear differentials, an off-road suspension, and a taller, wider stance.
What changed, by category
Styling
Chevrolet revised the front-end styling across the lineup, giving the trims more distinct looks. The tailgate also gained embossed CHEVROLET lettering in place of the previous bowtie-only design.
Trim lineup
The Base trim was dropped, making Work Truck the entry point for 2021. LT, Z71, and ZR2 continued above it.
2021 Chevrolet Colorado specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.8 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd / Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd / Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD | 2WD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Diesel | Gas / Diesel | Diesel / Gas | Gas / Diesel |
| MPG City | 17–20 mpg | 17–20 mpg | 16–18 mpg | 18–20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24–30 mpg | 24–30 mpg | 18–22 mpg | 25–30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 181–308 hp | 181–308 hp | 181–308 hp | 181–308 hp |
| Torque | 191–369 lb-ft | 275–369 lb-ft | 275–369 lb-ft | 191–369 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500–7600 lb | 5000–7600 lb | 5000 lb | 3500–7000 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 28.6–35.8 in | 28.6–35.8 in | 28.6–35.8 in | 28.6–35.8 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| 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 2021 Chevrolet Colorado a full redesign?
No. The 2021 Colorado is a light, late-cycle styling refresh within the second generation, not a full redesign.
What is the entry trim for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
Work Truck is the entry trim for 2021. The previous Base model was dropped rather than renamed, leaving Work Truck, LT, Z71, and ZR2 as the core lineup.
Did the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado get new engines?
No major powertrain change was introduced for 2021. The broad gas and diesel engine lineup carried over, including V6 configurations on applicable trims.
Did the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado add major safety upgrades?
No. Chevrolet made no major lineup-wide safety change for 2021; the year's updates focused on exterior styling and the trim lineup.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado substantially different from the 2020 model?
No. The main differences are the refreshed, trim-specific front styling, the embossed CHEVROLET tailgate, and the removal of the Base trim. The core truck otherwise remained largely the same.
2021 Chevrolet Colorado Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado.
4.1
2021 Chevrolet Colorado
(250 reviews)
“I enjoy having a truck without it being so big and difficult to manage that it wasn't fun to drive.”
“Everything you want in a mid-size truck. Capacity and good gas mileage. Looks great”