2027 Chevrolet ColoradoMotorTrend - MotorTrendStrong turbocharged engineExcellent off-road capabilityModern, upscale cabinTight rear seatFuel economy trails rivalsHigher trims get priceyThe Colorado is Chevrolet's midsize pickup, slotting below the full-size Silverado 1500. Now in its third generation, the Colorado has evolved from a basic small truck into a more refined, tech-forward pickup with strong everyday capability and increasingly serious off-road chops.The Colorado competes with trucks such as the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Honda Ridgeline.What's NewBasicsRevised TurboMax engineAvailable 5G Wi-Fi hotspotConvenience Package III is now optional with Z71 and available on ZR2ExteriorThree new paint colors: Storm Gray Metallic, Serpent Metallic, and Nitron BlueSnowdrift Metallic, Reef Blue Metallic, and Sunrise Orange are discontinuedAvailable 18-inch gloss black machine-faced wheelsLT models receive new 17-inch wheelsPrevious 17-inch Argent Metallic aluminum wheels are discontinuedInteriorJet Black/Artemis Cloth/Evotex interior combinationAvailable universal home remoteWhat We ThinkThe Colorado remains one of the most well-rounded midsize pickups, pairing a muscular turbocharged engine with composed road manners and serious off-road ability. We've been especially impressed by how little everyday usability it sacrifices in its more capable trims, although the increasingly competitive midsize truck segment has narrowed the Colorado's advantage.The turbo-four is a highlight. Its abundant low-end torque gives the Colorado strong everyday punch, and we've found the truck comfortable and composed on pavement. The cabin also represents a major improvement over the previous generation, with attractive design and useful technology, though hard plastics, limited storage, and a cramped rear seat diminish the experience.Off-road, the Colorado can be exceptional. The Trail Boss delivers substantial capability without requiring buyers to step all the way up to the ZR2, while the ZR2's Multimatic DSSV dampers, locking differentials, and other hardware make it one of the most capable factory midsize trucks available. After more than 50,000 miles with a long-term ZR2, we came away convinced it ranks among the very best all-around off-road pickups.There are compromises. Fuel economy can disappoint, the eight-speed automatic occasionally feels sluggish, and some configurations have become expensive enough that newer Ranger and Tacoma variants offer compelling alternatives for less money.Even so, the Colorado's power, refinement, and breadth of capability keep it near the front of the midsize truck pack.Top-Ranked Competitors:Toyota TacomaFord RangerGMC CanyonHonda RidgelineMotorTrend TestedFor 2027, the Colorado's TurboMax 2.7-liter turbo-four could see an increase over last year's 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, though Chevrolet hasn't yet detailed any output changes. Most trims offer standard rear-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive is available.In MotorTrend testing of the previous setup, 0–60-mph times ranged from 6.0 to 7.5 seconds depending on trim, with the LT 4WD proving quickest.By comparison, the most powerful version of the current Toyota Tacoma uses a hybrid powertrain that pairs a smaller 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four with an electric motor. It makes up to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, but in our testing, it was slower, reaching 60 mph in 7.1 seconds.MPGs and RangeFuel economy could change for 2027 with the Colorado's revised TurboMax engine. Previously, rear-drive models were rated at 19/24 mpg city/highway with an estimated 449 miles of range, while four-wheel-drive versions returned 17/22 mpg and about 407 miles of range.The four-wheel-drive Toyota Tacoma hybrid is more efficient at 22/24 mpg, yet its smaller 18.2-gallon fuel tank limits estimated range to 419 miles, compared with the Colorado's 21.4-gallon tank.Safety Ratings and FeaturesNHTSA awarded the 2026 Colorado four out of five stars overall, including four stars for frontal crashes, five stars for side impacts, and three stars for rollover resistance. IIHS results were more mixed.Last year's truck earned Good ratings in the small-overlap front and updated side crash tests but a Marginal score in the updated moderate-overlap test. Its standard front crash prevention system received a Poor vehicle-to-vehicle rating and an Acceptable pedestrian rating.Standard Chevy Safety Assist equipment includes:Automatic emergency brakingBlind-spot monitoringLane keepingAutomatic high-beamsA 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, and rear pedestrian alert can be added through the available Technology package.Legroom and Bed LengthThe Colorado comes exclusively as a crew cab with a 5-foot, 2-inch bed. That bed is slightly longer than the Toyota Tacoma Double Cab's standard 5-foot box, though certain Tacoma Double Cab models can be ordered with a 6-foot bed. The Chevy has the advantage in passenger legroom, especially up front.TechnologyInfotainmentEvery 2027 Colorado features an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11.0-inch driver display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the base model includes two USB ports.Sound SystemEvery Colorado comes standard with a six-speaker audio system, while the top two trims offer an available seven-speaker Bose premium setup.Available UpgradesFor 2027, Chevrolet expands availability of Convenience Package III to the off-road-focused Z71 and ZR2 trims. The package adds a six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with power lumbar support, driver-seat memory, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a rear center armrest, a driver-seatback pocket, and wireless phone charging. It also brings perforated leather-appointed front seats on applicable configurations.ValueStandard FeaturesEvery Chevrolet Colorado combines a punchy turbocharged engine with a relatively upscale cabin, modern tech, and bold styling, while the off-road trims add genuine trail capability. Recent Colorados already delivered strong performance across the lineup, and the revised TurboMax engine expected for 2027 could bring further improvements in output or refinement.Recommended TrimFor our money, the Colorado Trail Boss is still the sweet spot in the lineup. It builds on the more affordable trims with four-wheel drive, a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and additional off-road hardware without reaching the higher prices of the Z71 or ZR2.