The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado enters its fourth model year of the third generation with a few updates, including thoughtful tweaks to colors, wheels, and accessories, that help it stay relevant for those who want truck capabilities but not a full-size pickup. Our team at Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville looks at the changes in the 2026 Colorado.
What's New for the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado
The 2026 Colorado boasts updates that keep this midsize truck competitive with the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Tacoma. Chevy refreshed wheel options and colors while keeping the proven powertrain intact. White Sands joins the lineup as a fresh color choice for Texas roads, while Harvest Bronze Metallic has been discontinued. Two new 20-inch wheel designs offer enhanced appearance and improved durability. Production started in early July 2025, and new Colorados are now available at North Texas dealerships.
Chevy dropped the engine appearance cover that was standard on the LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 trims last year, simplifying the design while keeping costs reasonable.
Engine Performance and Specifications
The Chevrolet Colorado's engine is a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, known as the TurboMax, that produces 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup outperforms its rivals, including the Jeep Gladiator, Honda Ridgeline, and non-hybrid Toyota Tacoma models. It provides plenty of power for hauling gear to Lake Lewisville or merging onto I-35.
The Colorado ZR2 variant rockets from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds and clears the quarter-mile in 15.5 seconds at 88 mph. Its turbocharged engine delivers instant response for city driving and passing on Texas highways.
Fuel economy stays reasonable. Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) WT and LT models achieve 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined, while four-wheel-drive (4WD) versions of the WT, LT, Trail Boss, and Z71 trims get 17 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined.
Towing and Payload Capacity
Properly equipped, the Colorado can tow up to 7,700 pounds and carry a payload of up to 1,710 pounds in the bed. That 7,700-pound maximum towing capacity ties it with the Jeep Gladiator for top-of-class honors, beating the Honda Ridgeline (5,000 pounds), narrowly outperforming the Ford Ranger (7,500 pounds), and easily outpulling the newer Toyota Tacoma (6,500 pounds).
Your Colorado can easily haul a good-sized boat to Lake Lewisville, tow a camper for weekend trips, or move work gear between job sites. The turbo's strong torque gives you confidence on hills, and the eight-speed transmission keeps everything smooth.
If you choose the off-road ZR2 model, your towing capacity decreases to 6,000 pounds due to its specialized suspension. Even with the ZR2's reduced capacity, the Colorado gives you almost full-size truck pulling power without the fuel costs and parking challenges.
Technology and Infotainment Features
The Chevrolet Colorado boasts a range of advanced technology, including an 11-inch digital gauge display and an 11.3-inch touchscreen that dominates the dash. The system includes Google built-in and works with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SiriusXM, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and Google integration come standard, making them perfect for when you're stuck in Lewisville traffic or road-tripping across Texas. The Chevrolet Colorado offers up to 10 different camera views for towing trailers or navigating off-road, as well as underbody cameras to help spot obstacles.
Safety doesn't take a back seat, with Chevy Safety Assist on all models. This package includes forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning, following distance indicator, and automatic high beams.
Interior Design, Comfort, and Cargo Space
The cabin feels clean and straightforward, avoiding the busy look of some competitors. The driver's seat is supportive without being hard, with good padding for quick store runs or longer Texas road trips. All Colorados come as crew cabs seating five people, with a generous 45.2 inches of front legroom.
The back seat ranks among the best in midsize trucks, although tall adults may find it a bit tight. Kids and average adults fit fine, and car seats install painlessly. Chevy borrowed a clever idea from Honda by adding a lockable storage box in the tailgate, perfect for securing tools or valuables.
With a five-foot bed offering 41.9 cubic feet of cargo space, you've got room for most DIY projects or weekend gear while keeping the truck easy to park. This balanced approach makes the Chevrolet Colorado a suitable choice for both work and family outings.
Exterior Design and Available Colors
The Chevrolet Colorado maintains its rugged good looks with a single body style — a crew cab with a 5-foot bed, providing ample passenger room and sufficient space for typical loads.
Along with the new White Sands hue, standard paint choices include Black, Sterling Gray Metallic, Summit White, Sunrise Orange, and Reef Blue Metallic. Premium colors are Snowdrift Metallic ($395) and Radiant Red Tintcoat ($495). These updates keep the Colorado looking fresh while maintaining its capable, ready-for-action style that stands out in Texas truck country.
2026 Chevrolet Colorado Pricing
The entry-level Work Truck crew cab starts just under $35,000, including delivery. Here's a complete breakdown:
- WT RWD $34,495
- WT 4WD $37,795
- LT RWD $38,095
- LT 4WD $41,395
- Trail Boss 4WD $42,495
- Z71 4WD $46,495
- ZR2 4WD $52,595
The WT delivers incredible work truck capability at a competitive price. The LT adds daily-driver comfort with better materials. The Trail Boss and Z71 target weekend warriors, while the ZR2 serves serious off-roaders.
Experience the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado at Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville
Visit our showroom to see the complete lineup in person. Our sales team can walk you through trim differences and help you identify the right Colorado for your needs. Please don't hesitate to call us anytime with questions about specs, packages, financing, or trade-ins.
If you're ready to try one for yourself, book a test drive to experience the turbocharged engine and comfortable cabin. Please browse our current Colorado inventory online to see available colors and trims. We're committed to matching you with the perfect midsize truck, with no pressure and honest advice from your local Chevy experts.