Truck customers have become more demanding regarding interior comfort, and the Colorado has kept up with this demand while remaining solid. It comes with heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an 11.3-inch touchscreen equipped with Google for navigation and connectivity. The Z71’s powertrain is the potent 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, which cranks out 310 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive, offering smooth acceleration and a 7,700-lb towing capability.
This group’s Lone Star State test drive yielded perfectly weighted steering. Stability and well-weighted quality are two of the most sought-after qualities when it comes to steering. The new Colorado Z71 fully delivered on this front and is well-prepped for any form of off-road battle. It may not have quite the trail-ready flex of the ZR2, but it still arrives where the pavement ends with 8.9 inches of ground clearance. All-terrain tires and a limited-slip differential also render the Colorado adept at superior off-asphalt performance. Inside, the cabin has plenty of room, with a very sporty red and black trim interior design.
Size matters consistently now when it comes to touchscreen real estate, as drivers thoroughly enjoy their taste of “bigger and better” with each passing year. The Colorado Z71 is equipped with an 11.3-inch touchscreen, which is an immersive addition to the experience. A few of the life-saving standard safety features are standard automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera. The Curated Texan team has no doubt had their hands on many of the nation’s finest trucks, and they praised the Colorado Z71 for its power and off-road prowess.
The Car and Driver crew praised the truck for its “superiority to its predecessor inside and out.” They also claimed that the base engine possesses a pleasantly raw punch, and results in a pickup as “American as apple pie.” The 2024 model made the Car and Driver’s “Editor’s Choice” list, as it displayed the build for driving to work as reliably as through tough mud. They excitedly claimed that its chassis and equipment support can commandeer even the bravest of off-road shenanigans. Weekend warriors will also love the Colorado’s ability to haul boats, campers, and even snow removal machines with ease.
The Motor Trend crew loved the Colorado’s tough exterior styling, upscale interior, and capable off-road variants. This midsize marvel managed to snag the publication’s highest truck honors twice. It successfully rules the segment populated with competition such as the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and GMC Canyon. Comfortable, capable, and properly modern are traits that all tie together this impressive and efficient model. The Z71 also offers 360-degree and underbody cameras. The Edmunds.com auto review crew favored the well-thought-out interior, with efficient and easy-to-find control buttons and knobs.