When did the Colorado body style change?
The major shift in the Colorado’s body styling occurred with the launch of the second generation for the 2015 model year. The first generation, which started in 2004, ran through 2012, after which GM paused production for a few years before bringing back the truck in a redesigned form. So, the big change you’re asking about happened in 2015, when the Colorado returned with a substantially different look and updated configurations.
To understand what this means, it helps to place the Colorado in the context of GM’s midsize pickup lineup. The original, boxier design lived on for nearly a decade, but the 2015 redesign introduced a more modern silhouette, revised cab options, and updated technology. The transition marks the clearest point at which “Colorado body style” effectively changed in the public eye: from first-generation practicality to second-generation modernity.
Two Generations, Two Design Eras
The Colorado’s history is defined by two generations. The first-generation model, launched in 2004, carried a traditional, boxy pickup look that GM used across its early midsize trucks. In 2012, GM ended production of the first generation, laying the groundwork for a clean slate in the market. The second generation, introduced for the 2015 model year, brought a markedly more contemporary exterior, a refreshed interior, and new cab configurations designed to appeal to modern pickup buyers. Since then, the Colorado has continued in production with incremental updates rather than another full redesign.
Key milestones in the evolution of the Colorado’s body styles are summarized below.
- 2004: Chevrolet launches the Colorado as GM’s midsize pickup, establishing the first-generation body style lineup with multiple cab configurations to suit different needs.
- 2012: General Motors ends production of the first-generation Colorado, concluding that generation’s design and engineering cycle.
- 2015: The Colorado returns for the model year with a second generation, featuring a new, more modern body style, revised aerodynamics, and updated interiors and features.
- Present (as of the mid-2020s): The second generation remains in production with ongoing updates to technology, efficiency, and options, without a full redesign to a new generation.
In short, the most visible and impactful body-style change for the Colorado occurred with the 2015 model year, as GM shifted from the original, boxier design to a sleeker, more contemporary second generation. The truck’s lineup has since evolved through updates rather than another generation overhaul.
Summary
The Chevrolet Colorado’s defining body-style change happened in 2015 with the introduction of the second generation. The first generation (2004–2012) featured a boxier, utilitarian look, while the 2015 redesign brought a more modern, aerodynamic shape and updated interior and cab configurations. Since then, the second generation has continued with incremental updates rather than a full-blown new generation.
What year did Chevy Colorado change body style?
2015
2015 - 2022 Chevrolet Colorado (2nd Generation) After a brief hiatus, the Chevy Colorado made a comeback in 2015 with a sleeker, redesigned body and three trim levels from which to choose. The exterior styling is more modern and looks less utilitarian compared to its predecessor.
What is the difference between the 2025 and 2026 Chevy Colorado?
The difference between the 2026 and 2025 Colorado comes down to subtle style refinements—two new wheels and a refreshed color palate—but under the skin, it's the same dependable midsize truck. If you're seeking a Colorado that blends capability with a fresh look, either model year delivers strong value.
What is the best year of Chevy Colorado?
The 2007 to 2012 models are generally robust workhorses and the best of the first-gen years. The 2017 to 2022 second-generation models are much more reliable and affordable than the earlier ones.
When did Chevy remodel Colorado?
Both the Canyon and Colorado received a facelift for the 2021 model year, prior to the debut of a third generation in the 2023 model year.
