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Is a Chevy Colorado the same as a Holden Colorado?


The Chevy Colorado and the Holden Colorado are two midsize pickup trucks that share many similarities but also have distinct differences. While they are closely related, their branding, market availability, and certain design elements set them apart. This article will explore the relationship between these two vehicles and clarify whether they are the same.


The Shared DNA: General Motors Connection


Both the Chevy Colorado and the Holden Colorado are products of General Motors (GM). GM designed these trucks to cater to different markets around the world. The Chevy Colorado is primarily sold in North America, while the Holden Colorado was marketed in Australia and New Zealand under the Holden brand, which was GM's Australian subsidiary.


Because they share the same platform and engineering, the two vehicles are mechanically very similar. They often feature the same engines, transmissions, and chassis components, making them nearly identical in terms of performance and capability.


Key Differences Between the Chevy Colorado and Holden Colorado


Despite their shared foundation, there are notable differences between the two models:



  • Branding and Market: The Chevy Colorado is sold under the Chevrolet brand in North America, while the Holden Colorado was sold under the Holden brand in Australia and New Zealand. After Holden ceased operations in 2020, the Holden Colorado was discontinued.

  • Design Variations: The exterior styling of the Holden Colorado often featured tweaks to suit the preferences of the Australian market. This included different grille designs, badges, and sometimes unique trim levels.

  • Market-Specific Features: The Holden Colorado was tailored to meet the needs of Australian drivers, including features like suspension tuning for off-road conditions common in the region.


What Happened to the Holden Colorado?


In 2020, General Motors decided to retire the Holden brand entirely, which led to the discontinuation of the Holden Colorado. Since then, GM has focused on its Chevrolet and GMC brands for global markets. As a result, the Chevy Colorado remains in production and continues to be a popular choice in North America.


Conclusion


In summary, the Chevy Colorado and the Holden Colorado are not exactly the same, but they are closely related. They share the same platform and many mechanical components, but their branding, design, and market-specific features differentiate them. With the discontinuation of the Holden brand, the Chevy Colorado now stands as the primary midsize truck offering from GM in most markets.


Frequently Asked Questions

What replaced the Holden Colorado?


The Thai-built Holden Colorado (aka Chevrolet Colorado) may be dead, but its Brazilian cousin lives on – and has received a substantial update. The 2025 Chevrolet S10 packs a more powerful Duramax turbo-diesel engine and a fresh look inside and out.



Is the Holden Colorado an Isuzu?


Short history of Holden Colorado
The Rodeo replacement was called 'Colorado' – a name borrowed from Chevrolet's range of light-duty pick-ups – but the vehicles were built in Thailand, in the same factory and pretty much to the same design as the Isuzu D-MAX.



What is the most common problem with the Holden Colorado?


The biggest issue owners have experienced with this car is a tendency for the engine to consume oil and require a top-up between oil changes.



Are Chevy and Holden the same?


On 17 February 2020, General Motors announced that the Holden marque would be retired by 2021. On 30 October 2020, the GM Australia Design Studio at Fishermans Bend was shut down. Holden has been replaced by GM Specialty Vehicles (GMSV), which imports the Chevrolet Silverado and the Chevrolet Corvette.



What is the Australian version of the Chevy Colorado?


Holden Colorado. The Holden Colorado is a range of 2- and 4-door, compact and mid-size pickup trucks that were produced for Australian manufacturer Holden, a subsidiary of General Motors from 2008 to 2021. Since its launch in 2008, it has been produced at the General Motors Thailand factory in Rayong, Thailand.



What is the GMC version of the Chevy Colorado?


2021 GMC Canyon
The 2021 GMC Canyon and the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado offer the same powertrain options. An efficient four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower comes standard. A more powerful V6 engine is optional, which produces a muscular 308 horsepower.



Is Holden just Chevy?


On 17 February 2020, General Motors announced that the Holden marque would be retired by 2021. On 30 October 2020, the GM Australia Design Studio at Fishermans Bend was shut down. Holden has been replaced by GM Specialty Vehicles (GMSV), which imports the Chevrolet Silverado and the Chevrolet Corvette.



Why did Holden stop making Colorado?


The Colorado and Colorado 7, the latter rebadged as Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV in 2017, were made at the GM Thailand plant for both the Asian and Australasian markets Both were discontinued in 2020 due to the demise of Holden brand and the closure of GM Thailand plant.



What is a Holden Colorado called in America?


GMC Canyon Holden Colorado



What are the cons of the Chevy Colorado?


Let's take a look at some of the most common Chevy Colorado issues found across different model years:

  • Transmission and Drivetrain Problems.
  • Engine Misfire.
  • Loss of Power Steering.
  • Key Stuck in Ignition.
  • Soft Brake Pedal.
  • Fuel Level Sensor Failure.
  • Malfunctioning A/C Blower.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.