Why are Chevy Colorados so hard to find?
Colorados are in short supply because tight inventories, high demand, and ongoing production and logistics constraints are limiting the availability of this midsize pickup.
Across the market, the Colorado has faced a combination of manufacturing bottlenecks, shifting consumer preferences toward midsize trucks, and the cadence of model-year transitions that temporarily reduce dealer stock. Availability varies by region, trim, and color, but the trend has been national in scope as supply chains adapt to a changing automotive landscape.
What is behind the shortage
A look at the main forces currently limiting Colorado availability.
- Global semiconductor shortages and component bottlenecks that slow assembly lines for many vehicles, including midsize pickups.
- Production constraints at GM's midsize truck facilities and related supplier networks, which reduce factory uptime and total output.
- Surging demand for midsize pickups from households and commercial buyers, outpacing available inventory.
- Recent model-year transitions and shifts to newer generations or refreshed designs that can temporarily slow production as tooling and parts catch up.
- Logistics challenges, including port congestion and transport delays that hinder replenishment of dealer lots.
- Dealer allocations and supply chain planning that prioritize certain trims, colors, or regions, leaving other configurations scarce.
Conclusion: In short, the Colorado shortage reflects a mix of supply constraints and high demand that together keep dealer lots lean on this model.
Model-year transitions and production ramp-ups
The Colorado, like many GM trucks, has experienced periods tied to new-generation introductions and ramp-ups in production. These phases can tighten dealer allocations and extend wait times for popular configurations, especially when orders span multiple engines, trims, and body styles. As production stabilizes and inventories rebuild, availability can improve, but the timing is often uncertain and varies by region.
What buyers can do to improve their chances
Strategies for shoppers trying to locate a Colorado more quickly.
- Be flexible on color and trim. Non-popular colors or base trims can have higher current availability than the most popular configurations.
- Consider factory-ordering rather than waiting for a dealer to locate a specific build, which can reduce backorder times if you can wait for a custom build to arrive.
- Shop multiple dealers and regional markets. Some areas may have larger allocations or faster turnarounds than others.
- Ask dealers for the latest status on incoming shipments and expected arrival times, and request to be placed on an allocation list for upcoming builds.
- Explore certified pre-owned or lightly used Colorados as a quicker alternative if new inventory is not readily available within your timeframe.
Practical takeaway: patience and flexibility, along with proactive shopping across dealers and regions, can improve the odds of securing a Colorado in a reasonable window.
Summary
The Chevy Colorado shortage stems from a blend of robust demand, ongoing supply-chain disruptions, and production constraints affecting GM’s midsize truck line. While inventories are improving gradually, prospective buyers should be prepared for longer wait times, consider flexible configurations, and explore dealer networks and alternative options to find a Colorado that meets their needs.
