2019 Chevrolet Colorado

There are over twenty price points for the Chevrolet Colorado depending on the choice of powertrain, drivetrain, trim level, cab size, and cargo bed size. This might seem intimidating at first, but what it offers is an opportunity for new buyers to configure a tailor-made truck that suits the needs of each individual perfectly. The cheapest Colorado you can buy will be the 2WD Extended Cab 128.3-inch base model, which goes for an MSRP of $21,300. The Work Truck line starts at $24,800 for the extended cab and tops out with the 4WD Crew Cab at $32,00. Moving up to the LT trim, you'll be able to snap up a 2WD Extended Cab for $27,600. The most you'll pay for an LT model is $34,600 for the 4WD Crew Cab. The Z71 starts at $30,700 for a 2WD Extended Cab, with the 4WD Crew Cab coming in at $37,300. The range-topping ZR2 is only available in 4WD, and the least you'll pay is $41,300 for the Extended Cab model. The most expensive Colorado is the 4WD Crew Cab at $42,900

The modern truck-buying public has come to expect a certain level of competency when it comes to ride comfort and road-holding abilities. This has caused some major headaches for automakers that sell sports utility trucks: they have to be able to haul massive loads, crawl over rocky terrain, and escort the mother-in-law to Sunday church sermons in regal fashion. The 2019 Colorado, as so many of its rivals have, has taken on a car-like feel in terms of how it handles. Steering is tight and precise and weighs up nicely according to the situation, but there is little to no feedback from the steering wheel. The stiff suspension keeps things level in the corners but can cause some rear traction issues with an empty bed. Off the beaten path, the Colorado shows promise despite the presence of a locking rear differential. Articulation on the standard suspension setup is good but is taken to the next level in the ZR2. Braking feel is predictable, but constant heavy use will turn the brake pedal to mush.

The mere fact that the Chevrolet Colorado manages to be so many things to so many people at once should put it at the top of your list. If so many people like it, it should be good, right? In base form, the Colorado offers a competent, no-frills package that will stand up to repeated abuse, and yet offer respectable levels of comfort thanks to power seating and a seven-inch, six-speaker infotainment system. The evolution of the base model is the LT, Z71, and ZR2, which turns the Colorado into a family-friendly SUV, or a barely-legal Baja racer. Wireless phone charging, 4G LTE connectivity, and a premium Bose sound-system show off the Colorado's premium aspirations and means you won't be lacking in the tech department. No matter the configuration of the Colorado, it offers class-leading build quality, towing capacity and will keep going for decades if looked after properly. It's multi-talented and rock-solid, which makes it all the more attractive.

If ever there was a loaded question. Which Chevrolet Colorado you should buy is entirely dependant on what you're looking to get out of it. To make things easier, the Colorado range can be split up into three categories, namely work trucks, family trucks, and sport trucks. The best work truck in the range has to be the 2WD crew cab 140.5-inch WT. It offers a lot of space, practicality, and comfort for not a lot of money. In the family department, you can already rule out the extended cab models, as they offer very cramped back seat space, so only the crew cabs should be considered, but then the decision must be made whether or not the truck will be used strictly as a suburban commuter, or will it see any offroad action? If you're looking for a comfortable people carrier, the 2WD Crew Cab 128-inch LT should suffice, and the 4WD Extended Cab 128-inch will provide a good balance of practicality and off-road performance. If all you're looking for is a performance off-road truck, then there are no two ways about it: Get the ZR2.

The Ford Ranger is a newcomer in the compact pickup class, but Ford has done a lot to help kickstart its career in the US. The base engine is the class-leading 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that kicks out a healthy 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is a bit too close for comfort if you're sitting in a V6 Colorado. The Ranger can't carry as much, or tow the same amount as the Colorado, but it sports a better interior, more back seat room and a more impressive standard features list. If you want to work, get the Colorado if not, the Ranger will offer a more relaxed day to day experience.

The Toyota Tacoma might not have the blue-collar roots, but it sure doesn't mind breaking a sweat, whether it's in the construction yard, or out on the dunes. The base model falls short of the Colorado in terms of performance, offering a pitiful 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque from its 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. This means that the Tacoma can't tow or carry as much weight as the Colorado, yet it will use more gas, returning EPA estimates of 20/23/21 mpg city/highway/combined. The interior of the Tacoma offers less space in general. In base trim, the Tacoma falls short of the Colorado in terms of standard features. This gap is closed as you proceed up the trim list. Where the Tacoma shines is off-road, where it outclasses the Chevy. For an all-round package, however, the Colorado remains the best choice.