How many miles will a 2020 Chevy Colorado last?

Typically around 200,000 miles with solid maintenance, and many examples push past 250,000 miles or more, especially with diesel power. With attentive care, a 2020 Colorado can be a long-lasting pickup.

The 2020 Colorado offers multiple powertrains and a traditional midsize truck footprint, so longevity is influenced by engine choice, maintenance discipline, and how the truck is used. Gasoline models generally follow typical truck durability patterns, while the diesel variant is often cited for longevity under heavy use. Real-world results vary based on upkeep and driving conditions.

What drives a Colorado’s longevity

Longevity hinges on a handful of core factors. The following elements commonly determine how many miles a Colorado can reliably accumulate before major components require replacement.

• Maintenance history: Regular oil changes, timely fluid replacements, and component replacements keep engines and drivetrains operating smoothly.


• Driving conditions: High highway miles are generally gentler on a truck than frequent towing, off-roading, or heavy work use.


• Climate and corrosion exposure: Harsh winter climates, road salt, and coastal moisture can accelerate rust and underbody wear if not addressed.


• Quality of parts and repairs: Using genuine or high-quality parts and addressing recalls promptly improves long-term durability.


• Usage patterns: Frequent heavy loads, extreme speeds, or aggressive driving can shorten the time between wear-related repairs.


• Vehicle history: Prior accidents or lingering mechanical issues can impact future reliability if not properly corrected.

In practice, the combination of careful maintenance and moderate use is the most reliable predictor of long-term durability for the Colorado.

Engine options and longevity expectations

Different powertrains have slightly different durability expectations, though all benefit from consistent maintenance and stress-free operation.

• 2.5L inline-4 gasoline: A durable baseline engine. With diligent maintenance, many reach or exceed 200,000 miles, and some approach 250,000 miles or more.


• 3.6L V6 gasoline: A robust setup common in mid-size trucks. Longevity generally mirrors the 2.5L in many cases, with realistic targets around 200,000–250,000 miles under proper care.


• 2.8L Duramax diesel: Traditionally the longest-lasting option when properly maintained. Real-world results frequently exceed 250,000 miles and can approach or surpass 350,000 miles with attentive service and clean fuel practices.

Real-world outcomes vary by maintenance discipline and duty cycle. Diesel variants tend to hold up well under heavy use, but they also require attentive maintenance to realize their potential.

Maintenance practices to maximize lifespan

Adhering to a disciplined maintenance routine is the most effective way to extend a Colorado’s life across any engine choice.

1. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, using quality oils and filters appropriate for the chosen powertrain.


2. Keep up with fluids—engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid—and replace them on schedule.


3. Inspect and maintain cooling components, belts, hoses, brakes, and tires regularly to prevent unexpected failures.


4. Address diagnostic trouble codes promptly and complete any recalls or service bulletins as advised by a dealer.


5. Protect against corrosion and store the vehicle properly to reduce rust-related wear, especially in salty or humid environments.

By staying proactive with maintenance and using the vehicle within its design limits, a 2020 Colorado can remain dependable well into the upper mileage ranges.

Real-world numbers and caveats

Industry data and owner reports across model years indicate that a well-maintained Colorado can comfortably reach the 200,000–250,000 mile range. Diesel models often achieve higher mileages in demanding use cases, while unusually harsh duty cycles or neglected maintenance will shorten would-be lifespans. Always factor in driving habits, regional conditions, and service history when estimating a specific truck’s longevity.

Summary

The 2020 Chevy Colorado is capable of reaching around 200,000 miles with solid maintenance, and many owners report 250,000 miles or more, especially with the Duramax diesel. Critical factors include maintenance discipline, usage patterns, climate-related wear, and prompt attention to issues. For anyone seeking longevity, sticking to the factory maintenance schedule, using quality fluids and parts, and avoiding heavy-duty abuse will maximize the truck’s lifespan.

What is considered high mileage for a Chevy Colorado?

150,000 miles: Suspension components, belts, and hoses typically require attention. 200,000+ miles: Some major components, such as the transmission or engine, might eventually need a rebuild or replacement. With good care, many Colorados avoid these expensive repairs until very high mileage.

Was 2020 a good year for Chevy Colorado?

The 2020 Chevy Colorado is considered a good year, with many positive consumer reviews praising its towing capacity, comfortable ride, and available engines, including a powerful V6 and a fuel-efficient diesel. However, some drawbacks include a less upscale interior compared to competitors and potential issues with reliability and vibrations reported by a portion of owners.
 
Pros

• Powerful engine options: The 3.6L V6 offers strong performance, while the 2.8L Duramax diesel provides excellent fuel economy for trailering. 
• Strong towing and off-road capability: It has a high towing capacity, and the ZR2 trim is a capable off-roader with features like locking differentials and advanced suspension. 
• Comfortable and quiet ride: Many reviewers found the ride to be smooth and stable, similar to a car. 
• User-friendly tech: Modern features like an available 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are available. 
• Good reliability rating: The 2020 model has a high average reliability rating from sources like Cars.com. 

Cons

• Interior materials: Some critics noted that the interior plastics, particularly in lower trims, feel cheaper than those in competing trucks. 
• Potential reliability issues: A small number of owners have reported issues, including transmission problems and a broken cam retainer bolt. 
• Safety features: Advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking are not available, and some crash test results for certain trims were lower than ideal, particularly for headlight performance. 
• Vibration: Some owners have reported excessive vibration at higher speeds. 

Overall
The 2020 Colorado is a strong choice if your priority is towing, off-roading, and available engine choices. However, if a premium interior and standard advanced safety features are more important, you may want to consider other options.

What year to stay away from Chevy Colorado?

The Chevy Colorado years to avoid are primarily the 2004-2006 first-generation models and the 2014-2019 second-generation models due to common issues like transmission problems, engine misfires, and power steering loss. The 2015 model is often cited as the worst year due to widespread transmission and power steering failures. Other years with notable complaints include 2017 for electronics and 2018 for transmission shuddering. 
This video discusses the worst Chevy Colorado years to avoid, focusing on the 2015 model's transmission and steering issues: 1mEveryman DriverYouTube · Dec 23, 2019
Problematic generations and years 

• First Generation (2004-2006):
  • 2004-2006: Early years are prone to engine misfires and worn-out valve seats. 
• Second Generation (2014-2019):
  • 2015: This is frequently called out as the worst year due to numerous complaints about the transmission and a high number of power steering system failures. 
  • 2017: Issues with the display screen freezing and phone pairing problems are frequently reported. 
  • 2018: Transmission shuddering and other transmission-related problems were common. 
  • 2014-2019: This period saw many transmission and engine issues, as well as problems with power steering and the HVAC system. 
• Other years:
  • 2004-2012: These years can have problems with the A/C blower motor and fuel level sensors. 

You can watch this video to learn about potential problems with different generations of the Chevy Colorado: 56sTech TriumphYouTube · Apr 14, 2025
Common issues by category

• Transmission: Shuddering, sluggish shifting, and premature failure were common, particularly in the 2015-2019 models. 
• Engine: Misfires and worn-out valve seats were reported in the 2004-2009 and 2016 models. 
• Steering: A significant number of 2015 models experienced power steering loss, which is a major safety concern. 
• Electronics: The 2017 model is known for issues like freezing display screens and problems with phone pairing. 
• HVAC: Malfunctioning A/C blowers were a complaint in the 2004-2010 and 2012 model years. 

What are the common problems with the 2020 Colorado?

Short answer: Common problems with the 2020 Chevy Colorado include transmission problems, steering problems, and electronic system problems. No recalls have been issued on this vehicle. When buying a new pickup truck, many consumers will focus on reliability and capability.