Best Chevrolet Colorado Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateBest Chevrolet Colorado Model Years (Ranked)
The Chevrolet Colorado has been Chevy's midsize pickup since 2004, and across three generations it has swung from a modest compact-replacement to one of the most capable trucks in its class. The first generation, sold through 2012, was a basic and somewhat underwhelming entry. The second generation, launched for 2015, transformed the Colorado into a genuinely modern midsize truck with available V6 and diesel power and the off-road ZR2.
The third generation arrived for 2023 with a single turbocharged engine in three power levels and a far more rugged design. Choosing the best Chevrolet Colorado model year means knowing which generation suits you and which specific years had the fewest issues. This ranking sorts the best Colorado model years by reliability, powertrain, towing, safety, and real used-market value.
Every pick uses real engine specs and real used-value ranges from Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and NADA-style guides.
Direct Answer
The Best Overall Chevrolet Colorado model year is the 2021 Colorado (2nd Gen, 3.6L V6), which pairs the smooth 3.6-liter V6 making 308 hp and 275 lb-ft with an eight-speed automatic, a strong 7,000-lb tow rating, available off-road ZR2 hardware, and a fully sorted platform after early bugs were resolved.
Expect to pay roughly $26,000 to $38,000 used. The Best Value pick is the 2017 Colorado, an early-but-refined second-gen year that delivers the same V6 capability and available diesel for a much lower $17,000 to $26,000. Avoid the 2015 launch year and the most basic first-generation trucks if you want the fewest headaches.
This ranking is for buyers weighing capability, efficiency, and long-term cost.
1. 2021 Colorado (2nd Gen, 3.6L V6) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Used value range: $26,000 to $38,000 | Best for: Buyers wanting capability with a mature platform
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is the sweet spot of the well-regarded second generation. Its available 3.6-liter V6 makes 308 hp and 275 lb-ft through an eight-speed automatic, towing up to 7,000 lb while returning about 20 mpg combined. By 2021 Chevy had ironed out the early transmission and electronics complaints, and the lineup spanned the efficient base four, the V6, the 2.8-liter Duramax diesel making 369 lb-ft, and the desert-ready ZR2 with locking differentials and Multimatic DSSV shocks.
The 2021 also carries a freshened front end and current safety features. Strong towing, a proven drivetrain, real off-road options, and a mature platform make it the most rounded Colorado to buy used.
2. 2022 Colorado (2nd Gen, Final)
Used value range: $28,000 to $40,000 | Best for: The newest second-gen Colorado before the redesign
The 2022 Chevrolet Colorado is the final year of the second generation and is mechanically identical to the 2021. It keeps the 3.6-liter V6 making 308 hp and 275 lb-ft, the eight-speed automatic, the optional Duramax diesel, and the 7,000-lb tow rating. As the last of its kind it has the most factory warranty remaining and the lowest-mileage examples available.
The ZR2 remained the off-road standout with its locking differentials and DSSV shocks. The trade-off is the highest price of the second-gen era. Buy a 2022 if you want the proven pre-redesign Colorado with maximum remaining warranty and the freshest condition.
3. 2023 Colorado (3rd Gen)
Used value range: $32,000 to $45,000 | Best for: Buyers wanting the newest, most rugged design
The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado is an all-new third-generation truck with a single 2.7-liter turbo four offered in three outputs up to 310 hp and 430 lb-ft, the highest torque ever in a Colorado. It tows up to 7,700 lb, the most of any year here, and the cabin is a generational leap with a large standard touchscreen.
The new ZR2 and even more extreme ZR2 Bison cement its off-road credibility. As a first-year redesign it carries the usual unknowns and a higher price, and some early trucks needed software updates. Buy a 2023 if you want the newest, torquiest, most capable Colorado and can accept first-year risk.
4. 2017 Colorado (2nd Gen) 💎 BEST VALUE
Used value range: $17,000 to $26,000 | Best for: Capability and a diesel option per dollar
The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado is the value pick of the lineup. It offers the 3.6-liter V6 making 308 hp and 275 lb-ft with the new eight-speed automatic introduced that year, plus the available 2.8-liter Duramax diesel making 369 lb-ft for buyers who want maximum towing efficiency.
Towing reaches up to 7,000 lb on the V6 and 7,700 lb on the diesel. By 2017 the worst of the launch-year bugs were resolved, making this a refined yet affordable used buy. The interior is modern enough and the off-road Z71 was popular.
For a buyer who wants real midsize capability, including diesel torque, at a genuine bargain, the 2017 is the smartest money here.
5. 2020 Colorado (2nd Gen)
Used value range: $23,000 to $34,000 | Best for: A near-peak second-gen truck for less
The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado is one year removed from the best 2021 and shares its hardware: the 3.6-liter V6 making 308 hp and 275 lb-ft, the eight-speed automatic, the optional Duramax diesel, and the 7,000-lb tow rating. The lineup still spanned base work trucks to the rugged ZR2.
By 2020 the platform was fully mature and reliable, and the 2019 refresh styling carried over. It costs a bit less than a 2021 simply for being older. Choose a 2020 to get nearly all of the best year's strengths, including the ZR2 option, while saving some money on a proven truck.
6. 2019 Colorado (2nd Gen)
Used value range: $21,000 to $31,000 | Best for: A balanced mid-life used buy
The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado sits in the heart of the second generation with the 3.6-liter V6 making 308 hp and 275 lb-ft, the eight-speed automatic, the available Duramax diesel, and 7,000-lb towing. This year brought minor updates and the continued ZR2 and ZR2 Bison off-road trims.
Reliability at this point was solid, and used prices have settled to fair levels. The infotainment and safety tech are reasonably current. A 2019 is a sensible compromise between the cheaper early-second-gen trucks and the more expensive final years, offering a known-good drivetrain and full off-road options at a moderate price.
7. 2018 Colorado (2nd Gen)
Used value range: $19,000 to $29,000 | Best for: Refined second-gen capability at a lower price
The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado is a refined mid-cycle year that carries the 3.6-liter V6 making 308 hp and 275 lb-ft, the eight-speed automatic, and the optional 2.8-liter Duramax diesel making 369 lb-ft. Towing reaches up to 7,000 lb on the V6 and 7,700 lb on the diesel.
This was the first year the off-road ZR2 was widely available, bringing front and rear locking differentials and Multimatic DSSV dampers. Build quality and reliability are sorted. A 2018 offers most of what the best years deliver, including the ZR2 option and the diesel, for less money than the 2020-and-up trucks.
8. 2016 Colorado (2nd Gen)
Used value range: $15,000 to $23,000 | Best for: Early diesel availability on a budget
The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado is notable as the first year the 2.8-liter Duramax diesel became available, adding 369 lb-ft of torque and up to 7,700 lb of towing along with strong fuel economy. The 3.6-liter V6 making 305 hp and the base four also carried over, paired then with a six-speed automatic.
As an earlier year it still had a few of the platform's growing pains, but most are well understood and fixable. Prices are low. Buy a 2016 if you specifically want the efficient diesel or a capable V6 truck at a budget price and you are comfortable with an earlier-production example.
9. 2012 Colorado (1st Gen, Final)
Used value range: $8,000 to $15,000 | Best for: A cheap, simple older midsize truck
The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is the final year of the simpler first generation. It typically came with a 2.9-liter four making 185 hp or a 3.7-liter inline-five making 242 hp, with towing up to about 6,000 lb on properly equipped trucks. The first-gen Colorado was never as polished as its successor and had some known issues such as cylinder-head and engine quirks on certain trucks, so buy on inspection and records.
Still, a clean final-year example is cheap and serviceable. Choose a 2012 only as an inexpensive older work truck where low purchase price outweighs refinement and features.
10. 2015 Colorado (2nd Gen Launch)
Used value range: $13,000 to $21,000 | Best for: The cheapest way into a modern Colorado
The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado launched the acclaimed second generation and is the cheapest path into a modern midsize Chevy truck. It introduced the 3.6-liter V6 making 305 hp, the base four, and a strong design that won Motor Trend Truck of the Year. Towing reached up to 7,000 lb.
As the launch year it drew the most complaints over transmission shift quality and early electronics, most of which Chevy addressed in later updates. Buy a 2015 only if it has documented updates applied and the price reflects the early-year status; otherwise step up to a 2017 or later for fewer issues and the available eight-speed and diesel.
How to Choose
When choosing a Chevrolet Colorado model year, decide first between the generations. The third-generation 2023 is the newest and most capable with the highest torque and tow rating, but it carries first-year risk. The second-generation V6 trucks from 2020 to 2022 are the most refined and well-rounded, while 2017 and 2018 offer the same capability and the available diesel for less.
The 2016 is the budget path to the efficient Duramax diesel. Avoid the 2015 launch year unless updates are documented, and treat the first-generation trucks as cheap older work vehicles only. Always verify transmission and software updates on early second-gen trucks and inspect for proper service history before buying.
FAQ
What is the most reliable Chevrolet Colorado year? The second-generation V6 trucks from 2017 to 2022 are the most reliable, especially 2020 and 2021, after Chevy resolved the early transmission and electronics complaints from the 2015 launch.
Which Chevrolet Colorado years should I avoid? The 2015 launch year drew the most transmission and electronics complaints, and the most basic first-generation 2004-2012 trucks had engine and head issues on some examples. Buy those only on careful inspection.
How much can a Chevrolet Colorado tow? The second- and third-generation diesel and V6 trucks tow up to 7,700 lb with the Duramax diesel and about 7,000 lb with the gas V6, among the best in the midsize class.
Is the Duramax diesel Colorado worth it? For buyers who tow regularly or want maximum highway economy, the 2.8-liter Duramax diesel making 369 lb-ft is appealing thanks to its torque and efficiency. It costs more upfront, so it pays off mainly with heavy or frequent use.
Bottom Line
The best Chevrolet Colorado model year overall is the 2021, which combines the smooth 3.6-liter V6, strong towing, real off-road options, and a mature platform for roughly $26,000 to $38,000. For value, the 2017 delivers the same V6 capability and an available diesel for as little as $17,000.
Buyers who want the newest and torquiest truck should look at the redesigned 2023, and budget diesel shoppers can target the 2016. Across the lineup, favor the refined second-generation years over the 2015 launch, and buy any first-generation truck strictly on condition and records.
Sources
- Edmunds — Chevrolet Colorado reviews and used pricing
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — Chevrolet Colorado values
- Car and Driver — Chevrolet Colorado specs and history
- MotorTrend — Chevrolet Colorado reviews
- NHTSA — Chevrolet Colorado recalls and safety ratings
- Chevrolet.com — Colorado specifications
- IIHS — Chevrolet Colorado crash-test ratings
*Chevrolet Colorado model years review — Chevrolet Colorado reviews, rating, best Colorado year 2027, and a review of the most reliable Chevrolet Colorado model years for used buyers.*