2021 Chevy Colorado

Base 2.5L I-4

The base engine is just that – a capable starting point. The 2.5L 4-cylinder engine makes 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 3,500 lbs. Crossovers can rival that kind of towing, but for folks without serious towing needs who want the rugged nature and voluminous cargo bed of a truck, it'll do the trick.

Upgraded 3.6L V6

But if you aren't so worried about costs, then the upgraded 3.6L V6 engine is the best all-around option. 308 hp is about as much power as you can get in this segment, and 275 lb-ft is a solid torque rating. Add in that the engine is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission that can find more optimal gearing, and the towing capacity of the Colorado is doubled to 7,000 lbs.

2.8L Duramax Turbodiesel

This is a one of a kind engine in the midsize pickup truck segment. GM's 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine delivers a best-in-class 369 lb-ft of torque at low rpm, resulting in a segment-leading 7,700 lb towing capacity. You literally can't out-tow this thing in any other midsize pickup that is currently available, so if your needs are greater, you should start looking at a full-size truck.

The highlight of the 2021 Chevy Colorado lineup is the top-trim ZR2 with the Bison package. Unlike most vehicles, the top trim on the Colorado is an off-roading performance machine rather than a luxury model. The 2020 model was Popular Mechanics Editors' Choice for Best Off-Roader and was named Truck of the Year by Overland Journal. Born from a partnership between Chevy and American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), the Bison stands alone in the segment as a rugged, aggressive, purpose-oriented adventurer.

There's a lot going on to make the ZR2 stand above the off-road-oriented Z71 trim. And we mean this literally – the ZR2 comes with a 2" factory lift that makes it tower above the other Colorado trims. IT also looks like it eats the competition for breakfast, with an updated-for-2021 wider and taller grille that features flow-through CHEVROLET markings. Strategically adjusted fenders and front air dams also serve the practical purpose of improving approach angles on top of enhancing the aggressive look of the truck.

The highlight of the 2021 Chevy Colorado's interior is the infotainment system. Chevy Infotainment 3 comes standard on all Colorados, and the upgraded Plus version is available on all but the base trim. One of the most intuitive, user-friendly infotainment systems on the market, it also offers more standard features than the competition.

Among these features is universal Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. No Infotainment 3 system has these smartphone integration apps locked behind a trim or package paywall, so every Colorado owner can seamlessly connect their phone to their truck. This brings all of your contacts, music, and select apps onto the 7-inch touchscreen in the center dash.