Does the Chevy Colorado come in manual?
The latest Chevy Colorado does not offer a manual transmission in the United States. Historically, manual options existed on earlier generations, but in recent years the lineup has been automatic-only.
What you’re asking about is whether Chevrolet’s midsize pickup can be ordered with a manual gearbox. This article breaks down transmission options by generation, explains the current status, and shows how to verify what a specific vehicle has.
Current status of the Colorado’s transmissions
In the United States, the current Colorado lineup relies on automatic transmissions across all trims. Depending on the model year and engine, buyers have commonly found 6- or 8-speed automatic gearboxes rather than a manual. There is no manual option in the present U.S. lineup.
These details matter for buyers weighing a new or nearly-new purchase. The absence of a manual affects enthusiasts who prefer a traditional shifting experience or who seek lower-end gear ratios for specific truck duties. The automatic transmissions, however, are designed to provide modern efficiency and towing capability with the Colorado’s available engines.
Below is a concise breakdown of transmission availability by generation to provide historical context and help buyers compare past and present options.
- First generation (2004–2012): Manual transmissions were offered in some configurations. Availability varied by trim and engine, and not every Colorado from this generation had a manual gearbox.
- Second generation (2015–present): In the U.S., manual transmissions were not offered in the Colorado lineup; all models have automatic gearboxes, with transmission choices tied to engine and trim levels.
In short, if you want a manual Colorado today in the U.S., you won’t find one as a new model; you would be looking at older stock or a first-generation example, and you should verify with the seller or dealer before purchasing.
Historical context by generation
First generation (2004–2012)
During the first generation, Chevrolet did offer manual transmissions on at least some configurations. This meant that select trims and engine combinations could be paired with a manual gearbox, appealing to buyers seeking more direct control or lower purchase costs. However, manual availability was not universal across all models in this generation, and many Colorado buyers ended up with automatic transmissions.
Second generation (2015–present)
For the second generation launched in 2015, Chevrolet moved toward automatic-only configurations in the U.S. market. This shift reflected broader industry trends toward automatic transmissions in midsize trucks, with automatics paired to the available engines (including 2.5L I4, 3.6L V6, and the 2.8L Duramax diesel) to deliver the expected towing, payload, and performance characteristics. A manual option has not been part of the U.S. Colorado lineup in this generation.
How to check if your Colorado has a manual transmission
Use these steps to confirm the transmission type on a specific Colorado you’re evaluating or own:
- Look for a clutch pedal on the far left of the pedal cluster. If a clutch pedal is present, the truck has a manual transmission; if not, it’s automatic.
- Inspect the gear selector. An H-pattern shift knob (with positions such as R, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) typically indicates a manual, while a framework showing P-R-N-D-L/Lo or similar indicates an automatic.
- Check the window sticker or owner’s manual. The original equipment transmission specification should indicate “Manual” or “Automatic.”
- Decode the VIN or consult the dealer. A dealer can confirm the factory transmission using the vehicle’s VIN and build sheet (RPO codes).
Understanding these indicators will help you determine whether a specific Colorado has a manual transmission, whether you’re shopping for one or restoring a collector’s example.
Summary
Bottom line: The Chevy Colorado is not offered with a manual transmission in the current U.S. lineup. Manual options existed in the model’s first generation, but today’s Colorado relies on automatic transmissions across all trims. Prospective buyers should verify the transmission via documentation or a VIN check, especially when considering older or out-of-market examples.
