The world needs more small trucks. They're easier to park and maneuver and they cost less to feed than their full-sized siblings. This version of the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon represented the first redesign of the model in 11 years. How to put this nicely? We really want to like this truck. We just can't. If it's any consolation, this Colorado replaces a version that was an also-ran right out of the box.
On the positive side, the pint-sized dimensions make parking a snap. It's clearly the most maneuverable truck in the segment and Colorado's handling is quite responsive as well. Further, fuel economy, at 18 mpg overall, is tops. The cabin is also quiet and offers easy access. As for carrying out normal truck duties, the Colorado boasts a 1,555-pound payload and can tow up to 7,000 pounds.
But this is also where things start to go badly. Despite its 305 hp, the V6 is rather short on low-end torque, which is so important for truck owners who actually haul stuff. Plus, the ride can be brutal at times, with choppiness and jostling. The available turbodiesel four-cylinder has much more torque, and gets impressive fuel economy.
To fulfill its trucklike duties, the Colorado's damped rear tailgate opens smoothly and closes easily. A standard corner step in the rear bumper and the truck's low loading height make getting stuff into the bed easier.
However, interior quality is low. While the plastics are nicely grained and the knobs are rubber-ringed, everything else is hard to the touch.
The real deal-breakers here are the seats and driving position. The standard cloth seats in our tested LT model were universally scorned by our testers for being too stiffly padded and lacking lumbar adjustment. The bottom seat cushion didn't adjust for tilt, so even shorter drivers ran out of headroom. The steering wheel didn't telescope far enough for many.
From a safety standpoint, we're impressed with its forward-collision and lane-departure warnings offerings.
Overall, the Colorado is almost a large-truck alternative. But it's not cheap.