What are the cons of the Chevy Colorado?

The Chevy Colorado has its strengths, but buyers should be aware of several drawbacks that commonly come up in reviews and ownership reports. In short, it can be pricier than some competitors for similar gear, offers a relatively limited engine lineup, and trails rivals in interior quality and everyday comfort. Below is a detailed look at the main drawbacks to consider before buying.

To understand the Colorado’s trade-offs, it helps to separate criticisms into how it performs, what the cabin is like, how practical it is in daily use, and how ownership costs stack up over time. Each section below outlines the key downsides and how they compare with competing midsize pickups.

Performance and powertrain drawbacks

Engine options and drive experience

Before listing the specific concerns, it’s important to frame how the Colorado’s powertrain choices affect everyday use and capability.

• Limited engine options compared with some rivals, which can constrain customization and resale appeal over time.


• Turbocharged powertrains can feel stressed when towing or carrying heavy loads, leading to more throttle effort than some peers require.


• Fuel economy is not class-leading, particularly with four-wheel drive or when payload demands push the engine harder.

Overall, the Colorado’s drivetrain can be competent for daily driving, but it lacks the breadth and refinement that some competitors offer at similar price points.

Interior, comfort, and technology drawbacks

Cabin quality and tech usability

This section highlights where the interior and technology fall short relative to segment leaders.

• Interior materials and fit-and-finish don’t always feel premium, with harder plastics common in lower trims.


• Rear-seat space is workable but not expansive in crew-cab configurations, and cabin noise can rise at highway speeds.


• Infotainment and driver-assistance features on base trims can feel dated or less intuitive, with higher trims improving, but not always matching the best-in-class systems.

In short, the Colorado’s cabin is functional and rugged, but it isn’t a standout for comfort or high-end tech compared with some rivals.

Practicality and capability drawbacks

Towing, payload, and real-world use

Before listing the shortcomings, consider how the Colorado stacks up in everyday practicality and load handling.

• Towing and payload ratings are competitive but not universally class-leading; buyers seeking the maximums may find better numbers elsewhere.


• Ride quality can be firm, especially on off-road-focused setups or with larger tires, which can translate to a harsher daily drive.


• Bed and cab configurations can require compromises, limiting some combinations of space, access, or practicality for certain workloads.

The Colorado delivers solid everyday usefulness, but it may not satisfy buyers who prioritize the sharpest mix of ride comfort and maximum payload or towing.

Value, reliability, and ownership considerations

Cost of ownership and long-term durability

Considering ownership adds another layer to the decision, including how price, reliability, and maintenance factor in over time.

• Pricing can be higher than some rivals when comparing similarly equipped models, which affects overall value proposition.


• Reliability reports are mixed, with some model years performing well and others showing more frequent issues reported by owners or third-party surveys.


• Resale value and depreciation varies by market segment and configuration; maintenance costs (especially for turbo engines or diesel options, where available) can be higher than average.

These ownership considerations mean that the Colorado may be a strong buy for some buyers, but not the best long-term value for others depending on configuration and usage.

Summary

The Chevrolet Colorado stands out for its rugged persona, reasonable capability, and straightforward mid-size truck utility. Yet its cons—higher relative pricing in some trims, a limited engine lineup, interior materials that aren’t class-leading, and ride/comfort trade-offs—mean it isn’t the top pick for every buyer. When evaluating against rivals like the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, or Nissan Frontier, prospective owners should weigh what matters most: price, variety of engines, interior comfort, and daily usability. A careful comparison on your preferred configuration will reveal whether the Colorado’s strengths outweigh its drawbacks in your specific use case.

Is a Chevy Colorado a good truck to buy?

Yes, the Chevy Colorado is considered a good truck, especially for those who prioritize capability and value in a mid-size package. It is praised for its strong performance, off-road prowess (especially in higher trims like the ZR2), and more premium interior compared to some rivals. However, some potential drawbacks include software glitches reported by some owners and a lack of some desirable features in the base models.
 
You can watch this video to see a review of the 2025 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss, including its driving impressions and features: 59sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Mar 23, 2025
What makes the Chevy Colorado a good truck

• Performance: It offers strong performance, particularly the turbocharged engine. 
• Off-road capability: The Colorado is an excellent off-roader, especially with trims like the Trail Boss and ZR2 that come with specialized equipment. 
• Interior: The interior is well-regarded, with some models featuring premium materials and a modern infotainment system. 
• Towing and payload: It offers impressive towing and payload capacities, often exceeding what many drivers will need. 
• Reliability: Recent models generally score well in reliability ratings, and with proper maintenance, can last for many years and miles. 

Potential drawbacks to consider

• Software issues: Some owners have reported issues with the truck's software. 
• Fit and finish: Some reviews mention that the body panel fit and finish can be inconsistent. 
• Technology: Some find the reliance on the touchscreen for controls like the headlamps to be cumbersome. 
• Trim-specific features: Some less expensive trims lack the off-road features found on higher trims, and some features like a low-range transfer case are not available on all models. 

This video demonstrates the features and capabilities of the 2025 Chevy Colorado Z71 model: 59sRaiti's RidesYouTube · Jul 10, 2025
Bottom line
The Chevy Colorado is a very capable mid-size truck, but the "best" version depends on your needs and budget. 

• For off-roading, higher trims like the ZR2 or Trail Boss are the best choices. 
• For a more budget-friendly option, consider the base or LT trims, but be aware of the potential lack of some desirable features. 
• Ultimately, the Colorado is a strong contender in the mid-size truck market and a good option if you're looking for a truck that can handle a variety of tasks, from daily driving to off-road adventures. 

What year in Colorado to stay away from?

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 Chevy Colorado to stay away from?

The Chevrolet Colorado's most problematic year models are the 2004, 2005, 2015, and 2016 models. Engine misfires, transmission failures, and other issues are commonly found in these year models. The 2004 and 2005 year models are both riddled with AC/heater problems and engine failures.

Do Chevy Colorados have issues?

The Colorado has seen a fair share of issues of the years, and these issues are with the Power Steering, Transmission, Engine, Drivetrain, and AC problems. While these problems are known, drivers still consider the Colorado a reliable vehicle, giving it a 4.0 out of 5 in terms of reliability.