Big on Base Models? The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Is Not the Truck for You

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon gain visual refreshes for 2021, but the updates foisted upon General Motors’ midsize twins won’t win over those who enjoy keeping their pickup expenditures to a bare minimum.

For the vast majority of the buying public, however, the revamped trucks might be viewed as an improvement over what came before.

Appearing for the 2015 model year, the current-gen Colorado and Canyon have grown long in the tooth. They also gained a new challenger in the form of the Ford Ranger. For 2021, the GM twins gain brawnier-looking front fascias and grilles, with the Colorado mimicking an honest-to-God bumper (a feature Ford made a big deal about during the Ranger’s debut).

The entry-level Base model disappears, though, meaning the Colorado range starts at a higher price point than before. $4,000 higher, as the cheapest WT configuration stickers for $26,395 after destination.

As Christopher Bonelli, GM’s head of design, product, and brand communications, told TTAC, “The penetration of the 2WD Extended Bed Base model was quite low.”

While the entry-level Colorado does jump four grand, Bonelli said “the additional standard and available features offered on the Work Truck make for a compelling package.”

That trim retails for $500 more than the 2020 model. Of course, now you don’t have the option of picking up a bare-bones Nissan Frontier, so that works somewhat in GM’s favor. Slightly more attractive silver-painted 17-inch steelies adorn each wheel well in WT guise, and the previous model’s intrusive front air dam swaps for a less ungainly unit that can be unbolted and removed with ease — something GM Authority found particularly appealing. The dam finds its way to loftier trims, too. Elsewhere, tow hook appear up front.

For all 2021 Colorados, the brand name comes stamped into the tailgate.

Moving up the ladder, the LT trim (seen in header image) starts $100 higher than 2020’s $28,895 entry price. Like the WT, it carries a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic. The Z71, with its standard 3.6-liter V6 and eight-speed auto, holds the line on entry pricing.

The top-flight ZR2, with its cutaway fenders, off-road legs, and a face only a mother could love, has already seen the internet limelight. That brush buster adds $200 to its window sticker, now starting at $42,995.

Production of the 2021 models begins late this month.

[Image: General Motors]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Jeff S Jeff S on Jun 25, 2020

    Might be better to wait especially since the COVID-19 is making a resurgence and the economy will weaken. I would keep researching what you want especially look at Craig's list which is where I found my 2008 Ford Ranger. In the past I would just buy a new vehicle but with the problems with many of the new vehicles and with the manufacturers going to more complicated engines and transmissions that are causing many additional problems I am buying used. To me its not just the price which is outrageous it is the potential for expensive out of warranty repairs.

  • Goatshadow Goatshadow on Jun 26, 2020

    43 grand for that thing? The front fell off. I'd rather have one of the ones that the front doesn't fall off.

  • Wolfwagen I have worked as a manager in both union and non-union locations. The best union employees were the ones who were indifferent to the union or told them to get bent. The worst ones were the ones who would run to the union for every little thing, even when it was their own actions that caused the problem or because they could not understand their own contract
  • Harry HOW i RECOVER MY LOST OR STOLEN FUNDS:You should gather and document all relevant details about the theft, such as transaction IDs, wallet addresses, and any communication with the scammer if any, and then proceed to message SYLVESTER. G. BRYANT to get back your lost/ stolen funds by sharing the evidence you've compiled. he was the only one who was able to recover my funds I was so surprised he got back my money worth $52k but glory be to God and all thanks to him.. here is his contact below: Instagram: Yt7crackerszEmail: Yt7crackersz@ gmail,com
  • Daniel J I had read an article several years ago that one of the issues that workers were complaining about with this plant is that 1/3 of the workforce were temporary workers. They didn't have the same benefits as the other 2/3 of the employees. Will this improve this situation or make it worse? Do temporary workers get a vote?I honestly don't care as long as it is not a requirement to work at the plant.
  • Kosmo Tragic. Where in the name of all that is holy did anybody get the idea that self-driving cars were a good idea? I get the desire for lane-keeping, and use it myself, occasionally, but I don't even like to look across the car at my passenger while driving, let along relinquish complete control.
  • Bof65705611 There’s one of these around the corner from me. It still runs…driven daily, in fact. That fact always surprises me.
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