DecodedCars2012 Chevrolet Colorado
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- Crew Cab S/Box 2WD, Crew Cab S/Box 4X4, Ext Cab S/Box 2WD, Ext Cab S/Box 4X4
- Engines
- 2.9L 4-cyl, 3.7L 5-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 192.1–207.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,459–4,001 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is a small pickup truck offered with 3 engines (2.9L 4-cyl, 3.7L 5-cyl and 5.3L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 207 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 126-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,752 lb (Crew Cab S/Box 2WD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 10% better than the 2012 small pickup truck average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Colorado — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Colorado →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew Cab S/Box 2WD | 207.1 in | 68.5 in | 63.8 in | 126 in | 59.8 / 60.2 in | 3,752 lb | 57/43 |
| Crew Cab S/Box 4X4 | 207.1 in | 68.5 in | 68.1 in | 126 in | 59.8 / 60.2 in | 4,001 lb | 57/43 |
| Ext Cab S/Box 2WD | 207.1 in | 67.7 in | 63.4 in | 126 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 3,607 lb | 57/43 |
| Ext Cab S/Box 4X4 | 207.1 in | 67.7 in | 67.7 in | 126 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 3,803 lb | 57/43 |
| Reg Cab S/Box 2WD | 192.1 in | 67.7 in | 65 in | 111 in | 59.1 / 59.1 in | 3,459 lb | 57/43 |
| Reg Cab S/Box 4X4 | 192.1 in | 67.7 in | 67.7 in | 111 in | 59.1 / 59.1 in | 3,715 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 21 | +10% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Colorado 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | +10% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 21 | +10% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | +10% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Colorado 4WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 20 | +12% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Colorado 4WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +12% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Colorado 2WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -1% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 2WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -1% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Colorado 4WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +6% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 4WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | +1% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Colorado Cab Chassis inc 4WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | +1% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Colorado Cab Chassis inc 2WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -11% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Colorado 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 16 | -16% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 16 | -16% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Colorado 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -11% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -11% | $4,200 | 555 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado.
Similar 2012 small pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Chevrolet Colorado (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Ford F-150 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 GMC Canyon | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Nissan Frontier | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Honda Ridgeline | 17 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2012 Suzuki Equator | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (2)
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Dec 19, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V594000 · 118,800 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured from November 9, 2009, through August 28, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, "Hood Latch System." The hood may be missing the secondary hood latch.
- Risk
- If the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly. During vehicle operation, this could obstruct the view of the driver and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- General Motors will notify owners and instruct them to inspect their vehicle for the presence of a secondary hood latch. Dealers will replace the hood on any affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Seat Belts › Front · Nov 17, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V552000 · 5,593 vehicles
- Problem
- GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 19, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH DRIVER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TERMINALS THAT DO NOT FIT SNUGLY WITH THE CONNECTOR PINS, CAUSING THE CONNECTION TO BE INTERMITTENT.
- Risk
- THE LOOSE CONNECTIONS MAY CAUSE THE DRIVER TO NOT RECEIVE A VISUAL OR AUDIBLE WARNING THAT THE DRIVER SEAT BELT IS NOT FASTENED, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TERMINALS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Not every 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Chevrolet Colorado buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 8 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 6 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 76,126 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Colorado years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Colorado | 21 | 213 in | Not rated | 1 | 18 |
| 2025 Colorado | 20 | 213 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 27 |
| 2024 Colorado | 22 | 213 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 125 |
| 2023 Colorado | 22 | 213 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 137 |
| 2022 Colorado | 23 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 56 |
| 2021 Colorado | 23 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 80 |
| 2020 Colorado | 23 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 87 |
| 2019 Colorado | 23 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 150 |
| 2018 Colorado | 25 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 183 |
| 2017 Colorado | 25 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 216 |
| 2016 Colorado | 25 | 224.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 714 |
| 2015 Colorado | 22 | 224.8 in | Not rated | 7 | 493 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →