REVIEW 2015 Chevrolet Colorado LT 4×4
2015 Chevrolet Colorado LT 4×4 (Photo: TXGarage)
One of the most talked-about trim levels of the new Chevrolet Colorado is the off-road Z71 version. Derek just reviewed it. But the other high-trim level available is the LT. Available as either an extended cab or a crew cab, with either a short or long box, the LT offers styling that isn’t available on the Z71. But how much different is the truck?
The $38,870 as-tested 2015 Colorado is a very handsome truck. While I know it’s a very capable truck, I am not fond of the front end of the Silverado. The Colorado has a more sleek design, with rounded edges at the front. This truck looks like it’s familiar with the inside of the wind tunnel.
2015 Chevrolet Colorado LT 4×4 (Photo: TXGarage)
Unlike the Z71, which has a bit of chrome, the LT with the $1,080 Luxury Package adds even more of it. In addition to the surrounds of the lights, the front and rear bumper have it. The mirrors are chrome and heated.
The door handles even have chrome accents. If you like the polished look, you’ll like the looks of this truck.
2015 Chevrolet Colorado LT 4×4 (Photo: TXGarage)
Inside, it’s standard Colorado fare. The materials and fit and finish are way better than General Motors of old. All of the materials the driver touches feels nice and well put together.
Surprisingly, push button start isn’t an option at any trim level. Neither are high-intensity discharge or LED headlights. But, Chevrolet does give you some nice interior options.
Chevy MyLink is maturing quite well. The 4G LTE built-in is fast and reliable, and is great for the mobile professional or someone who travels with children frequently. Tablet games often require an active Internet connection.
2015 Chevrolet Colorado LT 4×4 (Photo: TXGarage)
MyLink also has the easiest implementation of Pandora yet. You simply plug your phone into the USB port, and launch Pandora on MyLink. It’s just that simple. Other systems require multiple pairings, cryptic voice commands, or use of other apps and services to make the initial connection.
MyLink’s traffic implementation is great. It will tell you about approaching toll booths and traffic issues even if you don’t have an active destination set in the navigation. It’s nice.
I should mention that I didn’t find it the easiest truck to get in and out of. I’m only 5’10” and it felt a bit awkward for me. It’s hard to describe, but it almost felt like if it was taller or shorter it’d be easier for me, but right at that height it was a little weird.
Once I was in, finding a comfortable driving position is great, and the driver’s seat has lots of options. The seat has a significant amount of height adjustment, which should make a comfortable driving position easy to find for people of any height.
Driving the Colorado is very easy, and I found navigating traffic and parking simple. It rides fine for a truck, but it did seem a bit bouncier than I’d like, especially on the uneven roads we get in winter around here. It’s not riding a bull uncomfortable, but on some roads I’ve been in smoother trucks.
2015 Chevrolet Colorado LT 4×4 (Photo: TXGarage)
We received somewhat of a blizzard when I was in possession of the truck, and it performed surprisingly well. With all-season Goodyear Wrangler tires, I excepted it to be okay. I was really surprised with how much control I actually had, especially with strong winds, white out conditions, and snow drifts blocking the roads. It was so freakishly good, I thought it might’ve been on snow tires.
My fuel economy mimicked Derek’s, with 19.2 mpg over roughly 900 miles of driving. A majority of that was highway, but it was also extremely cold.
I had driven the truck before, and I liked it. But over the course of the week I really warmed up to it. Being a midsize truck, that does mean you expect compromise. But the Colorado’s compromises are not shortcomings, and is more than the sum of its parts. That makes it a desirable purchase I’d happily make.