Overview

What's New for 2012:
- No significant changes for 2012

Exterior Features
The Chevrolet Colorado is a midsize pickup truck--available in regular, extended cab, and crew cab models--with a 5-foot bed in the crew cab and a 6-foot bed in the other models. Each of the three models is available in the Work Truck (WT) trim, which is basic, or in the more luxurious LT1, LT2 and LT3 trims. All trim levels are available with 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive. The LT2 trim features an off-road suspension and extra chrome trim, and the LT3 has a sport suspension. Wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches. Towing capacity is 6,000 pounds.

Interior Features
The Colorado WT trim features a front split-bench seat, air conditioning, cruise control, OnStar telematics, Bluetooth connectivity, and a basic radio. The LT1 adds deluxe cloth upholstery, privacy glass, more power accessories, and a sound system with satellite radio and a CD/MP3 player. The LT2 comes with front bucket seats and a sliding rear window.

Optional Features
Options on the Chevrolet Colorado include leather-trimmed upholstery for crew cabs, Towing package, assist steps, and chrome accessories. A ZQ8 package, designed for on-road use, includes a lowered suspension, upgraded shocks, and 18-inch wheels. Crew cab models include leather seating as an option.

Under the Hood
The 2012 Colorado's base power plant is a 2.9-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 185 horsepower. The WT features a 3.7-liter 5-cylinder engine rated at 242 horsepower, and the LT3 is fitted with a 5.3-liter V-8 delivering 300 horsepower. The V-8 is optional on the LT2 trim. The standard transmission is a 5-speed manual, with a 4-speed automatic available. The two larger engines come with an automatic transmission.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado are:
- Colorado with 4-cylinder engine: 18/25/21 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- Colorado with 5-cylinder engine: 17/23/19 mpg
- Colorado with V-8 engine: 14/19/16 mpg

Safety
Standard safety features on the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado include anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, side curtain air bags, and emergency telematics.

In government tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Colorado received 3 (out of 5) stars for rollover protection. In safety tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the extended cab model received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--for frontal-offset crash protection, while the crew cab model received an "Acceptable" rating for the same test and a "Poor" rating for side-impact protection.