2017 Chevy Colorado: Best Compact Truck for the Money

Feb 28, 2017

Recently U.S. News & World Report awarded the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado the honor of being the Best Compact Truck for the Money. In order to come out on top of all the other contenders in its class, the reviewers scoured scores of different criteria including the average price consumers paid and the total ownership cost. Consistency is key with the 2017 Chevy Colorado and it delivers exactly that with high marks for its towing capacity, roomy cabin with upscale materials, fuel efficiency and more.

Key Areas Where the Chevrolet Colorado Shines

There were a number of key criteria that the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado has that lead to it being chosen as the Best Compact Truck for the Money.

Value

When the average price of a 2017 Chevy Colorado ($31,254) was merged with its score for the total cost of ownership, the truck came out ahead by about $5,000.

Quality

Quality is evident in every feature of this truck. Even automotive critics gave the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado high scores in every category tested. With two engines available — a four-cylinder that is standard and a turbodiesel — this truck gets respectable gas mileage. Consumers who choose the base engine can expect to get 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with the turbodiesel delivering 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

In its cabin, this truck has been the focus of a design upgrade, including better-quality materials, that enhances both the comfort of its passengers and its value.

Interior Amenities

Many trucks are loud but Chevrolet has solved this problem by triple sealing the Colorado’s doors to reduce road noise, making it extremely quiet for its class. The roomy seats are designed with high-quality materials and offer ample room for most adults.

The bed of the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado is two inches deeper than others in this class and is available in two lengths.

Power

Consumers who purchase a truck are typically doing so because they want power. The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado doesn’t disappoint either. Its base engine is a 2.5 liter with four cylinders that delivers 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque that is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. On higher trim levels, a six-speed transmission is optional and was given high marks for its smooth and responsive shifting. While this truck comes standard with rear-wheel drive, a four-wheel drive option is also available.

Performance

The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado gets high marks for its handling. Testers noted that the truck easily takes turns without skittering and offers smooth and steady steering. Strong and solid brakes on both the front and rear of this truck add to the driver’s confidence.

Towing

The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado’s available turbodiesel engine boosts the truck’s towing capacity to 7,700 and its payload to 1,590 pounds, ensuring that it can easily handle two-ton trailers. When equipped with the manufacturer’s tow/haul mode, the correct gear is automatically selected to take advantage of the engine’s torque curve.