DecodedCars2021 Chevrolet Colorado
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- Crew Cab L/Box 2WD, Crew Cab L/Box 4X4, Crew Cab S/Box 2WD, Crew Cab S/Box 4X4
- Engines
- 2.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 212.6–224.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,949–4,480 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 22% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
- Emergency braking not standardAutomatic emergency braking is optional or limited to some trims.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is a small pickup truck offered with 3 engines (2.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 225 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 141-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,259 lb (Crew Cab L/Box 2WD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 30 highway), 6% better than the 2021 small pickup truck average of 21.8 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Colorado — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Colorado →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Wentzville, Missouri
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Colorado configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew Cab L/Box 2WD | 224.8 in | 74.4 in | 70.5 in | 140.6 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 4,259 lb | 57/43 |
| Crew Cab L/Box 4X4 | 224.8 in | 74.4 in | 70.5 in | 140.6 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 4,480 lb | 57/43 |
| Crew Cab S/Box 2WD | 212.6 in | 74.4 in | 70.5 in | 128.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 4,041 lb | 57/43 |
| Crew Cab S/Box 4X4 | 212.6 in | 74.4 in | 70.5 in | 128.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 4,411 lb | 57/43 |
| Extended Cab L/Box 2WD | 212.6 in | 74.4 in | 70.5 in | 128.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,949 lb | 57/43 |
| Extended Cab L/Box 4X4 | 212.6 in | 74.4 in | 70.5 in | 128.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 4,169 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 Diesel | 2.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 23 | +6% | $4,150 | 435 |
| Colorado 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 22 | +1% | $3,050 | 413 |
| Colorado 4WD Diesel | 2.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | +12% | $4,350 | 455 |
| Colorado 2WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -4% | $3,200 | 424 |
| Colorado 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +7% | $3,200 | 431 |
| Colorado 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | -3% | $3,550 | 465 |
| Colorado ZR2 4WD Diesel | 2.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 19 | -3% | $5,050 | 525 |
| Colorado ZR2 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 18 / 17 | -13% | $3,950 | 510 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Chevrolet Colorado PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 21.9% |
| 2021 Chevrolet Colorado PU/EC 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 22% |
| 2021 Chevrolet Colorado PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 21.2% |
| 2021 Chevrolet Colorado PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 21.4% |
Similar 2021 small pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Chevrolet Colorado (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota Tundra | 15 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 GMC Canyon | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Nissan Titan | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2021 Jeep Gladiator | 24 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2021 Ram 1500 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 15 |
Recalls (1)
Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners · Dec 23, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V811000 · 470 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
- Risk
- If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Not every 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Chevrolet Colorado buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 19 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 18 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Power Train — 13 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 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 2021 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 |
| 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 |
| 2012 Colorado | 21 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 28 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →