The 2024 Chevy Colorado Z71: A Midsize Truck with Major Appeal

Redesigned just last year, the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado 4WD Z71 Crew Cab brings the latest technology, style, and trends to the midsize truck segment. Chevrolet has streamlined the configuration options, offering the Colorado exclusively with a four-door cab and a 5-foot bed. This decision simplifies the buying process while still providing ample versatility. The 2024 model comes in five distinct trim levels, available in both two- and four-wheel drive. A single engine option, the turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder, is offered in two different outputs, ensuring a balance between power and efficiency. New this year is the Bison Edition, an off-road and overlanding-focused trim, adding another layer of capability to the lineup. The Z71 trim, which we are focusing on, strikes a balance between rugged off-road ability and on-road comfort, making it a standout choice in this competitive segment.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado comes in multiple trims, each tailored to different preferences and needs. The available trims include:

– WT (Work Truck)
– LT
– Z71 (our focus for this review)
– Trail Boss
– ZR2
– Bison Edition (new for this year, focused on off-road and overlanding)

Each trim offers unique features and capabilities, ensuring there’s a Colorado for every type of driver, from those needing a practical workhorse to those seeking off-road dominance.

The 2024 Colorado stands out with its stellar exterior design. Our review model, finished in Sand Dune Metallic, offers a striking and adventurous appearance, perfectly blending into both urban and wilderness settings. The 18-inch Android Dark Full Gloss Aluminum wheels not only enhance the truck’s rugged look but also provide excellent durability and performance. Designed to handle a variety of terrains, the all-terrain tires ensure that the Colorado can tackle both smooth highways and rough off-road paths with ease.

The bed of the 2024 Colorado is designed for practicality and durability, featuring a versatile and spacious cargo area with integrated tie-downs and storage compartments. An optional bedliner provides added protection, while an innovative tailgate with an integrated storage compartment for small items makes it ideal for both work and recreational use. The bed’s shallow bin in the tailgate adds a convenient storage option for smaller items and can be particularly useful during tailgate parties or for storing items you want easy access to without them rolling around the bed.

The heart of the Colorado is its robust 2.7-liter TurboMax engine, offering impressive power and efficiency. The standard output is 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the high-output version, standard on the Z71, produces 310 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Paired with the engine is an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive shifting for an enhanced driving experience.

Inside, the Colorado features perforated leather-appointed seats, offering both comfort and style. The cabin is spacious, particularly in the front row, which provides ample legroom and a commanding view of the road. The rear seat offers 34.7 inches of legroom, making it comfortable for average adults and accommodating for child seats. While the lower trims may feel a bit cheap with hard plastic surfaces, the upper trims, including the Z71, offer a more refined interior with padded surfaces and red stitching accents.

Technology is a strong suit for the 2024 Colorado. Every version of the truck gets an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. The same 11-inch digital instrument panel is also standard across all trims. These screens feature easy-to-use controls, quick responses to inputs, and run Google Built-in software, providing access to Google Maps as the native navigation system and the ability to download additional apps from the Google Play Store. Additionally, the cabin includes hard buttons and knobs for vital items like climate controls, drive modes, and volume control, ensuring ease of use.

Traditional body-on-frame trucks like the Colorado have come a long way in terms of driving and handling. The 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is responsive when you press on the gas and makes plenty of low-end torque, which is helpful for city driving and towing alike. The transmission shifts smoothly and quickly, and the brakes provide sufficient stopping power for emergency braking and are easy to modulate for smooth stops.

Our test truck was a mild-mannered Z71 trim. Even so, it was sure-footed and fun to drive in the dirt. Buyers willing to give up a bit of on-road comfort for a lot more capability off the beaten path will definitely enjoy the Trail Boss and ZR2 versions.

Driving the 2024 Colorado Z71 is an exhilarating experience. The TurboMax engine delivers ample power for both city driving and highway cruising, while the all-terrain tires and 4WD system ensure confident handling in off-road conditions. The suspension is well-tuned to provide a balance of comfort and control, making it suitable for a variety of driving scenarios. The high-output engine variant provides a notable boost in power, enhancing acceleration and towing capacity.

The starting price for the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Crew Cab is competitive within its segment. Prices for the Colorado range from $32,145 for the base WT trim to $60,540 for the top-tier ZR2 Bison. The Z71 trim, being a more luxurious and capable option, is positioned mid-range, offering a compelling mix of features and performance.

The redesigned Colorado has raised the bar for midsize trucks. However, it faces stiff competition. The new Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma are also worth considering, both offering similarly capable off-road versions, updated powertrains, and breakthrough features. Additionally, for those seeking a truck that prioritizes practicality, efficiency, and comfort over off-road capability, the Honda Ridgeline remains a smart pick. Each of these competitors provides unique strengths that could appeal to different types of buyers, making the midsize truck segment more exciting and competitive than ever.