The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado comes with several powertrain options. The first is a 2.9 liter inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque.
The second option is the 3.7 liter inline 5-cylinder engine which makes 242 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque. The final option is a V8 engine capable of producing 300 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of Torque.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Truck | Base Price: $17,475.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gallons (71l) | MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy |
| Length: 192.4 in. (488.6 cm) | Wheel Base: 111.3 in. (282.7 cm) |
| Height: 64.9 in. (164.8 cm) | Width: 67.6 in. (171.7 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3366 lbs (1526 kg) | Ground Clearance: 7.7 in. (19.5 cm) |
| Cargo Volume: 44 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 3 people |
| Engine: Inline 4 DOHC | Displacement: 2.9 Liter |
| Horsepower: 185 HP | Max RPM: 5600 RPM |
| Torque: 190 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Manual |
| Max Towing Capacity: 2400 lbs (1088 kgs) | Maximum Speed: NA |
*Regular Cab
| Option:Regular Cab 4WD | MSRP: $20,980; MPG: 18 city / 24 hwy |
| Option:Extended Cab WT 2WD | MSRP: $19,730; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy |
| Option: Extended Cab 1LT 3.7L 5 Cyl. | MSRP: $22,955; MPG: 17 city / 23 hwy |
| Option:Crew Cab 1LT | MSRP: $24,285; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy |
| Option:Crew Cab 2LT | MSRP: $27,490; MPG: 17 city / 23 hwy |
Performance
The 4 cylinder engine comes with a 5 speed manual transmission, while the V8 and 5-cylinder engines come with a 4 speed automatic transmissions. The maximum towing capacity of this truck is 6,000 pounds. The most fuel efficient model is the two wheel drive, 4 cylinder model which gets 25 mpg on highway with either automatic or manual transmission.
Exterior
The Colorado’s body is painted with a Pepperdust Metallic finish, accented with refined aluminum details on the fascia. When the truck is illuminated, the full width LED-lit tail lamp strikes a magnificent look in and around the tail of this pick up.
Additional key features worth noting include: the integrated side steps, gray accents on the front, side mirrors with LED turn-signals indicators, black masked projector style headlamps, and a set of 20 inches aluminum wheels with liquid metal finish.
At the back of the truck, the Colorado comes equipped with a standard drop-in bed liner to shield the truck bed from dents and scratches while carrying cargo.
Interior
The Chevrolet Colorado has a big and comfortable cab, which makes the ride enjoyable. The seats are available in heated leather which compliments other features. Among these features include the adjustable leather wrapped steering wheel, SiriusXM satellite radio (with a 3 month trial), and an FM/AM stereo with CD/MP3 player to keep you entertained throughout your journey.
The inclusion of a dual-cockpit instrument panel gives the entire cabin a spacious feel. This instrument panel comes with three dimensional gauges, which gives a sporty and rugged look. Every Colorado is also fitted with a Driver Information Center to give detailed information on functions like tire pressure and oil life.
Safety & Reliability
The 2012 Colorado has a warranty of 3 year or 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper and another one of 5 year or 100 mile for powertrain. This covers more mileage compared to Ford’s. When it comes to safety, the Colorado comes with 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, daylight running lamps and a StabiliTrak Electronic stability control system with traction control.
All these are aimed at avoiding collisions. The Colorado can be relied upon to protecting the driver and the passengers. This is achieved through the inclusion of driver and the front passenger frontal airbags, head curtain side impact airbags, and passenger sensing system. Other key safety features include: steel safety cage, side impact protection door beams.
Pros
- Capable V8 engine.
- It’s affordable.
- Compact in size.
- Wide variety of configurations.
Cons
- Weak power and towing capacity from base engines.
- Aging design.
- Mediocre interior finish.
- Low grade interior plastics.
The Chevrolet Colorado is suitable for medium sized families, and for business people and contractors who are looking for a customized, small work trucks.
Competition
The Colorado has joined the likes of the Toyota Tacoma (MSRP $27,585; 16 city / 21 hwy) and the Nissan Frontier (MSRP $26,800; 14 city / 19 hwy) in the small sized pick-up truck segment.
Overall Rating
54 out of 100
What others say:
“Now that Chevrolet’s announced a replacement to come in 2013, the Chevy Colorado pickup’s fate is clear. This will be the final model year in its current form, and the compact truck will move from its assembly home in Louisiana to a plant in Missouri.”Car Connection
“All models corner with reasonable poise, though some testers find these trucks slow to react to steering inputs. Good straight-line stability. 4WD models have a noticeably larger turning radius than 2WD versions. The brakes provide quick, even stops with good pedal feel.”Consumer Guide
“The Colorado’s five-cylinder engine is unrefined and has worse fuel-economy than competing V6s. Handling is sound but unexceptional.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“If your pickup’s capabilities are more important to you than its fancy styling or cushy interior, the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is a truck that should be in your driveway.”KBB
“The 2012 Chevy Colorado still looks sharp, but inside and underneath it lags behind the competition in both passenger comfort and overall refinement.”Edmunds
