Famed for its trucks, Chevrolet has been building these heavy-duty vehicles for over a century. Just years after the first truck rolled out of its plant in Flint, Michigan, Chevrolet is certainly keeping up this tradition with its 2019 Colorado Z71 Crew Cab 4×4. Although not as tough as the latest ZR2 Colorado launches, Laneway Auto Loans & Sales confirms that this mid-size pickup has some impressive off-road chops, with the Colorado Z 71 package building on the features of the lower-tier LT trim. Offering a four-wheel-drive and locking rear differential with over eight inches of ground clearance, it’s an effective work vehicle. Fitted with knobbly 17-inch all-terrain tires, its rugged off-road suspension sails smoothly over the soft soils and muddy ruts of the Atlantic Seaboard, powered by a robust V6 engine.
Out the Back
Designed for both work and play, the rear end of the truck is planned just as carefully as its front. Standard features include a bedliner, a step bumper, and skid plates for easy access, as well as a trailer hitch receiver and trailer sway control system.
Under the Hood
With 275 ft-lbs of torque, its 3.6-litre engine pumps out 308 horsepower, bringing it from 0 to 60 in just over six seconds, outstripping its competitors. Fast and smooth, its eight-speed automatic gear sends power to the Autotrac four-wheel-drive system, allowing drivers to switch from 4WD Auto, 4-Hi, 4-Lo, or rear drive by twisting a knob. With all this engine power firmly under control, the four-cylinder mode is enabled only at steady speeds with light loads. Despite its relatively small size, this is a highly capable truck that can comfortably haul over 3,000 kgs and tow over 1500 kgs, with an estimated highway fuel consumption of 9.4 L/100 km.
Keeping up with the Competition
Slotting into a segment – mid-size pick-ups – that shrank to only a few models, the 2019 Colorado kept up with the competition through incremental improvements. In 2019, these included an upgraded high-resolution rear-view camera system, unique 17” painted wheels, a better infotainment system, and more USB ports. Nevertheless, this segment soon returned to growth, with mid-size truck fans now able to choose from the Ford Ranger, Honda Ridgeline, Toyota Tacoma, and Nissan Frontier.
Comfort in the Cab
Easy to manoeuvre and with a smooth ride, the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 offers less interior storage space than expected. In compensation, small bins under the rear seat cushions are perfect for keeping little-used items out of the way but still conveniently to hand. The dashboard controls are well designed and conveniently positioned, perfect for intuitive use. Its single-zone automatic climate system is similarly simple to use. New and user-friendly menus on its updated infotainment system feature revamped icons for primary home screen control, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
All-Round Safety
With a high-strength steel frame forming a reinforced safety cage, the 2019 Chevy Colorado Z71 Crew Cab 4×4 keeps drivers and passengers safe, regardless of whether they’re on- or off-road. In addition to multiple airbags (front, side, and overhead), other advanced safety features include:
- ABS brakes;
- Four-wheel disc brakes;
- Electronic stability;
- Heated and powered door mirrors
- Hill descent control;
- Ignition disable;
- Panic alarm;
- Perimeter/approach lights; and
- Stabilitrak system with traction control.
- Standard rear vision camera
Interesting Sidelight
The Laneway Auto Loans & Sales sales staff have noted its strong appeal for women, confirmed by surveys showing that Colorado owners are more often female (13% x 11% of mid-size truck buyers). There’s a fair chance that this is because of luxurious touches offered by the Z71 trim, like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated front seats with special upholstery.
