2024 Chevrolet Colorado: Midsize Truck Overview
Shortly after naming the newest Chevrolet Colorado as MotorTrend’s 2024 Truck of the Year, the pickup transitioned from the new-generation’s first model year (2023) to the 2024 model year. While this model-year changeover does not bring significant alterations, there are a few notable updates regarding the midsize pickup’s pricing and equipment. One surprise? The MSRPs of the five trim levels—WT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2—barely budge, even though the lower trim levels gain more standard equipment. Furthermore, last year’s mid-level engine is now gone, meaning every 2024 Colorado is available with the highest-output engine as standard.
About the Engine
In the outgoing Colorado’s inaugural year, Chevrolet offered three versions of the same turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder gas engine. The entry-level Work Truck (WT) and LT models came standard with 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Buyers could upgrade to a 310-hp version, although with “only” 391 lb-ft on both trucks. The 310-hp, 391-lb-ft engine tune was standard on the off-road-focused Colorado Trail Boss and Z71 models. Finally, the range-topping Colorado ZR2 off-roader enjoyed the same 310 hp as the lesser versions but with an uprated 430-lb-ft torque peak. Chevrolet also provided a cheap, warrantied engine computer reflash through dealers that boosted any 310-hp Colorado to the 430-lb-ft torque level.
For 2024, Chevrolet simplifies this setup. The Colorado WT and LT continue to include the 237-hp 2.7-liter I-4 as standard, while the 310-hp, 430-lb-ft TurboMax engine is available as an option. An exciting development is that this more powerful engine option now costs only $1,050—less than previous standards. Moreover, the TurboMax engine comes as a standard option on the Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2. As before, every Colorado is available as a four-door crew cab with a short box.
Overall Prices Stay About the Same
In addition to the engine adjustments, Chevrolet has updated the Colorado’s technology. Previously, the Colorado WT, LT, and Trail Boss featured 8.0-inch digital gauge clusters, while the Z71 and ZR2 featured larger 11-inch units. Now, every 2024 Colorado receives the 11-inch screen as standard along with an 11.3-inch central touchscreen with Google Built-In. Despite this enhancement, the pricing increases are minimal. The Colorado WT starts at $31,095 with the base engine and two-wheel drive, reflecting a mere $400 increase compared to the 2023 model. This price change applies similarly to the four-wheel-drive WT and both two- and four-wheel-drive LTs, which have kept their cost increase to just $30 more than their 2023 equivalents.
The Colorado Trail Boss and Z71 both see the same $400 bump, which is justifiable, especially on the Trail Boss due to the larger standard gauge cluster display and enhanced engine torque. Notably, the mighty Colorado ZR2 sees minimal change to its MSRP, costing $48,395, which is only $100 more than last year, attributable to a destination charge increase from $1,495 to $1,595.
Bison Roams Again
Another notable change for 2024 is the return of the Colorado ZR2’s Bison package, replacing last year’s Desert Boss off-road kit. The Bison package upgrades the already formidable ZR2’s suspension and off-road features with AEV boron steel skid plates, AEV bumpers, an in-bed spare tire carrier, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and 35-inch mud-terrain tires. With this, the ZR2 maintains its combination of locking differentials, a 3.0-inch lift, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and elevated bodywork. However, this robust package comes with a hefty price tag of $11,700, which requires the Safety package, pushing the total cost to $12,145, elevating the overall ZR2’s MSRP to $60,540.
