Let’s be real. For years, the midsize truck segment was the automotive equivalent of beige wallpaper. Reliable? Sure. Exciting? Hardly. Then the new generation 2025 Chevrolet Colorado rolled in, dropped the mic with a turbocharged engine, and completely reset the game.
This isn’t just a refresh; it’s a full-blown declaration of war on the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and anyone else who thought they could phone it in. We’ve spent time with it, talked to the engineers, and read every long-term test to see if the hype is real or if the Colorado is just another pretty face. Here’s the unvarnished truth.
Under The Hood: Turbo Power And No More V6
Gone is the wheezy, optional V6. In its place is a lineup of force-fed four-cylinders that prove displacement is no substitute for boost.
The Engine Lineup: One Size (Almost) Fits All
The Standard 2.7L Turbo I-4 (LT & Z71): This is the workhorse, and it’s a damn strong one. Making 237 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, it already outperforms the old base V6. But the story is torque—it’s available everywhere, making towing and hauling feel effortless.
The High-Output 2.7L Turbo I-4 (Trail Boss & ZR2): This is where the magic happens. This same block gets a tune and different hardware to crank out a class-leading 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Let that number sink in. 430 lb-ft. That’s more than the last-gen truck’s V6 and most V8s from a decade ago. It’s an absolute monster off the line and for passing.
The beauty of this engine isn’t just the peak numbers; it’s the fat, flat torque curve that delivers grunt from down low all the way to the redline. It’s a perfect truck engine.
Trim Levels: From Work Site to Baja
Chevy nailed the trim strategy, offering a distinct personality for every type of buyer.
WT & LT: For the fleet managers and value shoppers. It’s a capable, comfortable, and modern work truck.
Z71: The sweet spot for the adventurous daily driver. Adds off-road goodies like a locking rear differential, skid plates, and off-road tires without going full send.
Trail Boss: The factory lift and aggressive tires. It’s for the person who wants the look and capability without the price tag of the…
ZR2: The king. The halo. This is the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado at its most brutal and capable. With Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear lockers, 33-inch tires, and a wider track, it’s a bona fide dune-jumping, rock-crawling beast straight from the factory. It’s not just a trim; it’s a statement.
The Competition: A Suddenly Very Tough Crowd
The midsize truck segment is no longer a snoozefest. The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado has to fight off a brilliant new Toyota Tacoma and a very capable Ford Ranger.
| Competitor | The Threat They Pose |
|---|---|
| 2024 Toyota Tacoma | The heritage pick. It has a legendary reputation, a available hybrid i-Force Max powertrain (with more combined horsepower), and a massive fanbase. Its interior is also a huge leap forward. |
| 2024 Ford Ranger | The global player. The Raptor variant is the only thing that can challenge the ZR2 in desert-running speed. Its 2.3L EcoBoost is proven, but it lacks the low-end torque of Chevy’s 2.7L. |
| Nissan Frontier | The value underdog. It’s a few years older in design but offers a stout V6 and a proven platform for thousands less. It’s the “if it ain’t broke” choice. |
| Jeep Gladiator | The open-air specialist. It’s unbeatable with the roof and doors off and has legendary Jeep off-road cred. But on-road, it’s a compromise in every way. |
The Colorado’s advantage is its blend of segment-leading torque, a sharp and modern interior, and the ZR2’s unmatched off-road prowess right out of the box.
The Colorado’s advantage is its blend of segment-leading torque, a sharp and modern interior, and the ZR2’s unmatched off-road prowess right out of the box.
The People’s Verdict
The consensus from those who’ve pushed these trucks to the limit is overwhelmingly positive, with a few caveats.
The Fast Lane Truck: “The 2.7L turbo engine is a revelation. The torque is intoxicating and makes this truck feel more powerful than the numbers suggest. It’s the new benchmark for powertrains in the segment.”
TFLnow (Off-Road Focus): “The ZR2 is an absolute weapon. The DSSV dampers eat up whoops at speed that would have other trucks falling apart. It’s the most capable factory midsize truck you can buy, full stop.”
Throttle House: “The interior is a massive upgrade. It finally feels like a modern vehicle. The powertrain is fantastic, though the transmission tuning can be a bit hesitant at times in city driving.”
WhistlinDiesel (on the ZR2 Bison): “For the first time ever, I’m impressed by a stock truck. This thing can actually take a beating.” (This is high praise from him).
The most common criticism isn’t about the engine or capability—it’s about the 11-inch infotainment screen, which some find a bit laggy and overly reliant on touch controls for basic functions like climate.
Should You Buy One?
Here’s the bottom line, no BS.
Buy the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado if:
You want the most powerful and torque-rich engine in the class today.
You need a truck that works hard but doesn’t feel like a penalty box on the inside.
Your ambitions point toward serious off-roading, and you want the turn-key capability of the ZR2 without the aftermarket hassle.
Think twice and look at a competitor if:
You are a die-hard Toyota loyalist who values resale value and reputation above all else. The new Tacoma is fantastic.
You want a hybrid powertrain for better fuel economy. The Toyota Tacoma i-Force Max has that box checked.
You prefer the smaller, more manageable size of the previous generation. This new one is bigger and wider.
The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado isn’t just a good truck; it’s the truck that forced everyone else to up their game. It’s proof that GM is finally firing on all cylinders (even if there are only four of them). It’s the confident, capable, and seriously cool choice in a segment that’s finally gotten interesting.