People buy new trucks for two reasons: everyday use and weekend use. When you can find a truck that fits your needs in both cases, you can’t help but want to snatch it right up. For many people, midsize trucks are perfect. They’ll work well as both an everyday vehicle that doesn’t break the bank to fill up the gas tank, they’ll provide enough storage for weekend adventures, and they have enough towing power to be useful work trucks. One of the most dependable midsize trucks on the market today is the Chevrolet Colorado. And you’re in luck because we’ve done the research for you.

Let’s talk power

Most versions of the Colorado are equipped with a 308-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine. That’s a powerful engine for an everyday vehicle, but don’t let it fool you; this truck will get you about 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The engine can tow up to 7,000 lbs when appropriately equipped. That should be enough for your occasional work haul. And, if you use it as an everyday vehicle, as stated in a review by J.D. Power, keeping little to no load in the truck will improve the fuel economy even more.

What is it like to drive?

Perhaps the most important part of testing out a new vehicle is how you feel driving it. According to a review by Autotrader, the way the Colorado rides is a “major step up” from its competitors. It’s smoother, quieter, yet still has a ton of power. The interior is nice, with comfortable seating and plenty of gadgets to make you feel like you’re in a modern truck. Base models come equipped with a back-up camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, USB ports, and Bluetooth. 

In the base model Colorado, you’ll have a five-foot truck bed to work with, but there is more storage tucked into just about every usable inch of the truck’s interior. Under the back seat, you’ll find storage bins if you fold the seat up. There are numerous cubbies, bins, and trays for you to utilize so it won’t feel like you’re lacking on storage even though it’s not a full-size truck.

The Colorado performs all of its tasks well

In considering a midsize truck for your next purchase, it’s important to think about how you’ll be using it. If you plan to do some off-roading, then you’ll be pleased to know that the versatile Colorado performs impressively on rough terrain. Pair it with some great off-roading tires and you’ll be set. Motor Trend rated the Colorado its Truck of the Year three times and it’s no wonder why.

Chevrolet offers five trim levels for the Colorado: a base model, a WT (work truck) model, a midlevel LT, the Z71, and the ZR2. The base-level includes all of the standard features we’ve discussed so far and only comes equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the WT model adds rear seating and an automatic transmission. The LT edition features a General Motors 4G Wi-Fi hot spot, remote keyless entry, cruise control, and satellite radio. The Z71, the first off-road-oriented model offers hill-descent control, a remote starter, and front tow hooks. Topping the list is the ZR2, which features improved off-road suspension and an additional two-inch front and rear lift.

If you’re looking for a midsize truck that doesn’t sacrifice power for a more convenient size, get out there and find a Chevrolet Colorado to test drive. You won’t be disappointed by its performance and versatility, and the functionality in different conditions will keep you hoping it lasts forever.