Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick Paris

Mar 12, 2021

A red 2017 Chevy Colorado is driving on a tree-lined road with bikes in the bed.

If you love to adventure among the mountains of America, you need a vehicle that is going to take you the extra mile. As your used auto dealer near Lexington, KY, we know the value of having a good truck that can take you to the Appalachian Mountains or to your favorite fishing spot. Kentuckians love to head off-road in a vehicle with power and aesthetic appeal. That’s why Chevy trucks are the trucks that Kentucky adventure enthusiasts need. Whether you’re looking for something small to off-road with, or you’re more interested in power and size, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

The Chevy Colorado

The Colorado is Chevy’s smaller truck option. You can get this model in either a two-door or four-door body with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The standard Colorado is a good option if you like the truck life without the fuel economy pain. For example, a two-wheel drive 2017 Colorado can get as much as 22 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

However, if towing capacity is important to you, a 2019 Z71 Colorado can tow as much as 7,600 pounds when fully equipped. They’re available in 4-cylinder, V6, V8, and diesel engine options, leaving room to go in either direction. The diesel variant is a nice happy medium between fuel economy and power, so keep that in mind if you’re open to driving a diesel.

We also expect that you are interested in off-roading, right? If that’s the case, any of these Colorado trims and years will work, but the Colorado ZR2 is designed specifically for the dirt and mud. This trim variant debuted in 2017, and it’s been going strong ever since. It has a standard V6 engine that produces up to 308 horsepower, it tows up to 5,000 pounds, which means it’s your go-to for pulling ATVs out of the mud, and its sprayed bedliner makes it perfect for hauling off-roading equipment and vehicles. Its rear vision camera is also nice for trailer hitching and mudding adventures. You can get this trim in either short or long box options.

If you visit your used auto dealer in Lexington, and you really want to go old school, the Colorado dates all the way back to 2007. These older versions still perform well, getting as much as 19 miles per gallon and towing as much as 4,000 pounds. This is a situation where going older doesn’t mean you’re hardcore downgrading.

Additionally, all Colorados come in a variety of colors, including beautiful forest greens and burnt orange shades. Oh, and if size matters when with smaller trucks, the good news about Chevy trucks is that they come in many different size options. So, if you want a short bed with a regular cab or a long bed with a double cab, you can make that happen. There are multiple configurations available for each model year. We highly recommend the Colorado for casual truck drivers who like to hit the dirt on the weekends.

A silver 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 is shown from the side parked on yellow grass after leaving a used auto dealer in Lexington, KY.

The Chevy Silverado

If you thought there were a lot of options for the Colorado, you’ll be mind-blown about the Silverado. Let’s start by looking at the Silverado 1500. Overall, if you want something average-sized, this is your best bet. The Silverado 1500 can tow up to 13,300 pounds when properly equipped. It comes with many engine options, including a diesel engine, which is best for both towing and gas mileage. The Silverado 1500 has also been around since 2007, so there’s plenty of used Silverado variety out there. It really just depends on what aesthetic you’re looking for and what technology you prefer.

Basically, the newer your used model, the better when it comes to the Silverado’s appearance. For example, a 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 comes in 8 different colors, including White Diamond Tricoat, Deep Ruby Metallic, Victory Red, Rainforest Green Metallic, Brownstone Metallic, Siren Red Tintcoat, Red Hot, and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat. An older model like the 2009 Silverado 1500 comes in Deep Ruby Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Silver Birch, Victory Red, and Graystone Metallic, to name a few.

Newer Silverado models offer many add-on options, and they come with multiple wheel choices. These include black wheels, larger wheels, and chromed-out wheels. Many Silverados also include options for Chevy’s Midnight Edition package and its Sport Edition Package, which includes special aesthetic body additions. You can also find Silverados with the Z71 off-road package to get an off-roading aesthetic mixed with upgraded gear such as skid plates, dual exhaust, and much more.

Now, let’s go big. The Silverado HD is a powerhouse. If you want to show off, if you’re a farmer, or if you just really like jumping up into tall vehicles, this model is for you. The Silverado HD comes in 2500 and 3500 variants. The 2500 HD is the midpoint between the 1500 and the 3500 HD. Essentially, the 2500 HD provides all the strength that most people will need. However, the 3500 HD is the most powerful of all Chevrolet trucks. It’s built to work and work hard. These beasts can tow up to 36,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Like the smaller 1500 Silverado, the diesel engine performs best here, outperforming competitors in relation to fuel economy. These trucks are built solid with the latest tech and safety features. The Silverado HD also comes with trailering equipment options and a tow/haul mode, which protects the Silverado’s transmission, providing a safer towing experience.

If you’re interested in customizing this monster, you’re in luck. There are multiple trim options, and several package additions, along with singular add-ons. You can customize the aesthetic, sure, but you can also add trailering options such as 5th wheel hitches, ball mounts, and receiver hooks. When buying used, you won’t necessarily get to pick these out for yourself, but the good news is that someone else always has before you. If any specific customization options or packages stick out to you, talk to one of our sales reps, and they’re guaranteed to hook you up.

A white 2018 Chevy Silverado 3500HD is towing construction equipment on a dirt road.

Which Truck Is Right for Me?

There are several appealing factors to each Chevy truck model we listed, so how do you pick which one is right for you? Most used auto dealers in Lexington will tell you to go big or go home, but we want you to consider what’s best for you. If the Colorado appeals to you the most, then that’s the truck you need to buy. There are many benefits to buying smaller trucks, like their better fuel economy, they’re easier to maneuver and park, and they provide more safety than a car. They’re still off-road capable, and they’re safe to drive during poor weather conditions, just like the Silverado is. In fact, their lighter weight can actually be better when driving in icy conditions.

However, if smaller trucks just don’t cut it for you, Silverados can do the trick. There’s a lot of variety with the Silverado model, starting with the 1500 and going all the way up to the 2500 and 3500 Silverado HDs. For those who are seeking average power, the 1500 and 2500 are great options, but the 3500 is best for those who plan to really put their truck to work. No matter what type of truck you want or need, we can help you find it. Visit our dealership and browse our amazing used truck inventory today.