Texas is oftentimes considered the pickup truck capital of the nation. The state is so popular for pickups that some brands even have trims designed specifically to celebrate the Texan tradition of choosing pickups above all else. One of the most popular brands in Texas is Chevrolet, and more specifically, the Chevy pickup trucks. So when you visit a Texas Chevy dealer like Parkway Chevrolet, you’re probably thinking about buying a Chevy pickup. If you are looking for a Chevy truck that will give you great performance, capabilities, and style without the size of a large truck, then the 2021 Chevy Colorado may be the truck for you.
Remarkable Performance
Some people might be under the impression that just because a pickup is labeled as “mid-size,” that it means the vehicle is short on performance. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The lighter gross vehicle weight for mid-sized pickups also means that it doesn’t require as much horsepower to achieve off-the-line acceleration or top-end power as its larger half-ton and ¾ ton relatives. In the case of the 2021 Chevy Colorado, the mid-size pickup can be equipped with three different powertrain configurations that deliver remarkable performance within its class. Out of the four available trims, the WT, LT, Z71, and the ZR2, you’ll find that there are different powertrain setups for the trims, along with the availability of going full-on diesel for additional torque and towing capabilities.
The base engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. It generates 191 pound-feet of torque and generates an output of up to 200 horsepower. The dual overhead camshaft design and variable valve timing with direct fuel injection help optimize the power that the engine produces. So you not only get instant feedback when you press the pedal, but you also save fuel in the process, making the Colorado performance-ready and fuel-efficient in the process.
The more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine comes standard on the off-road-ready Z71 and ZR2 trims and is also available for the LT trim. The V6 produces up to 275 pound-feet of torque and 308 horsepower. If you wanted improved acceleration, better overall top-speed, and the instant gratification of getting off the line fast, the 3.6-liter V6 in the 2021 Chevy Colorado is capable of hitting 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 6.1-seconds.
For the four-wheel drive configuration, you can opt for the long-lasting 2.8-liter turbocharged Duramax. This diesel-powered option produces up to 369 pound-feet of torque and 181 horsepower. If you wanted the instant access to more torque at lower revolutions for crawling, off-road racing, hill climbs, or other traveling adventures, then the 2.8-liter Duramax is the answer. That’s not to mention that it makes for a great way to trailer extra equipment with you when you do travel off the beaten path. This includes hauling items such as bikes, dune buggies, or another vehicle, thanks to the 2021 Colorado’s ability to trailer up to 7,700 pounds worth of cargo.
Off-Road Capabilities
Performance is definitely a key factor in making a vehicle like the Colorado fun to drive, but pushing the performance on crowded streets or busy highways doesn’t really provide much of a challenge for a vehicle like the 2021 Chevy Colorado. In fact, the powertrain wasn’t just designed to get off the line but also to help push the Colorado to the next level with the Z71 and ZR2 off-road ready trims. For those of you who want to take your adventures into uncharted territory, such as the mountains, rolling hills, dirt paths, forested areas, or sandy dunes, the Z71 and ZR2 are designed to perfectly accommodate such excursions.
The Z71, in particular, comes with upgraded shocks to absorb jumps, bumps, and undulating terrain. This means that you have a smoother ride under you even while you traverse roads and surfaces that are anything but smooth. The locking rear differentials are also designed to help give the Colorado that extra oomph to climb out of tough spots or gain traction in muddy areas, loose gravel, or wet surfaces. An improved air filter, recovery hooks, and underbody protection help round out the Z71’s features.
For even more off-road goodness, the ZR2 takes it all a step further, with Multimatic’s dynamic suspension spool valve damper technology. These are high-performance dampers to absorb shock and keep the vehicle steady on some of the roughest terrain mother nature can throw at you. The ZR2 also features an extra 2-inches of ride height, skid plates, and class-exclusive front and rear locking differentials, so you can have a blast hill climbing and rock crawling all day long without missing a beat. Thanks to the powertrain, suspension enhancements, and all-terrain tires, the ZR2 nets you a 30-inch approach angle and a departure angle of 23.5-inches.
If you wanted to push your mid-size pickup to the limit, the Colorado Z71 and ZR2 trims are the perfect opportunities to do so. They come with a bevy of technology to make your on-road and off-road experiences unforgettably fun. Mid-size trucks are usually the better option for off-roading as their smaller size makes them easy to maneuver, and with its off-road specific options, there is no reason not to buy the 2021 Colorado for your next off-road truck.
Fun With Safety
You probably don’t think much of having a good on the road and safety as being one and the same, but they really are…especially for a vehicle with the kind of performance that the 2021 Colorado boasts. One of the things you probably don’t notice while driving is when the electronic systems do their magic to keep the vehicle on the road, between lanes, and operating smoothly. This is often handled by electronic stability and traction control systems. In the case of the Colorado, it’s the StabiliTrak system that uses sensors to automatically adjust and calibrate the Colorado’s torque and braking so you have complete control over the vehicle even while the driving conditions might make it seem like you shouldn’t. This helps keep the Colorado both fun and safe to drive so that you aren’t spinning out, losing control, or fighting against the vehicle while you drive across slippery, wet, snowy, or uneven surfaces.
What’s more, the 2021 Chevy Colorado is designed to accommodate all levels of drivers. Whether you’re a veteran trucker or just getting your feet wet as a starter driver, there are options and ways to drive the Colorado that benefit you. For instance, for young drivers or teen drivers, all variations and trims of the Colorado come with Teen Driver mode. This system gives you reminders and report cards to ensure that even while your teen enjoys their time out on the road with the mid-size pickup, they still adhere to safety protocols. You can even set it up so they have to do certain tasks in order to make use of infotainment content or access some of the vehicle features.
It may not seem like safety would make a vehicle fun to drive. However, in this case, the electronic traction control, electronic stability control, easy access to emergency services via OnStar, as well as various alerts, means that you get to drive the Colorado with confidence, knowing that it balances its performance with road-ready safety. And it’s great for your new driver too.
Visit Parkway Chevrolet to Test Drive a 2021 Colorado
There are plenty of reasons to want to own a 2021 Chevy Colorado, and this article only barely scratches the surface. If you really want to find out what makes the Colorado such a popular and favored compact truck in the pickup market, then call to set up an appointment or stop by Parkway Chevrolet to test drive a 2021 Colorado today. We have tons of new and used pickup trucks in our inventory, including the Colorado, as well as the ever-popular Chevy Silverado.
Use our reputable service center to keep your truck up and running right with parts, checkups, and inspections, or make use of our service deals and special discounts to lower the price of repairs and maintenance. Find out how you can get a hold of a 2021 Colorado from Parkway Chevrolet, and find out more about the Parkway Advantage by visiting the dealership. You’ll be glad you did once you get behind the wheel of the 2021 Chevy Colorado.
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