Most drivers don’t leave home without their smartphones. With increased consumer focus on technology, vehicle manufacturers are also focused on packing technology into their new models. This focus on infotainment and safety technology help increase safety on the roads and reduce the need for distracted driving. Read on to learn what technology capabilities the Chevrolet Colorado is bringing to the table – including whether or not it comes with Apple CarPlay.

Chevrolet Colorado’s standard technology features

As reported by U.S. News, there are a lot of reasons to like the Colorado. One of those reasons is that all trim options come standard with the Infotainment 3 interface. This infotainment system offers a 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto, and two USB ports. iPhone lovers can rejoice because the Infotainment 3 also includes Apple CarPlay.

Even if you choose not to take advantage of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the Infotainment 3 is easy to control and offers intuitive menu options. The added features of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto only increase the ease of functionality. There are also a handful of available apps that can be installed directly on the Infotainment system, including Spotify, Pandora, The Weather Channel, Fox Sports, and USA Today.

The Colorado also comes with some standard safety technology, including a rear vision camera that allows the driver to view the scene behind them on the Infotainment screen. Teen Driver technology also comes standard. This built-in system coaches new drivers and allows the parent to set speed alerts and volume limits. It also provides an in-vehicle report card, helping parents keep track of their new driver’s progress. All other safety technology is an optional upgrade.

The benefits of Apple CarPlay

If you have never driven a car with Apple CarPlay, you might not understand why it is such a desirable feature. CarPlay allows you to plug in your iPhone and access familiar apps. This lets drivers bring the familiarity of their mobile device to the screen of their car. While familiar, the display uses large icons and streamlined functionality to avoid distractions while on the road.

CarPlay provides a smarter and safer way to use your iPhone while behind the wheel of the car, allowing you to make calls and listen to voicemail. You can also use Siri to read, reply to, and send text messages. The CarPlay dashboard gives you better control over your music and can serve up directions from Apple Maps. A newly designed Calendar app allows you to get an easy look at your day. You can also use your car’s audio function to call into meetings straight from CarPlay.  Each part of Apple CarPlay is designed for ease of interaction while driving.

Optional technology features

If you are looking for in-car technology options beyond the standard Infotainment 3 system, the Colorado has a decent list of upgrades. Options include:

• Automatic climate control;
• Wireless device charging;
• 8-inch touch screen;
• Seven-speaker Bose audio system;
• Satellite radio;
• Wi-Fi hot spot;
• Additional USB ports; and
• Navigation

In addition to the above, forward collision alert and lane departure warning technology are optional features. The forward collision alert technology will warn the driver if a front-end collision is imminent. The lane departure warning feature provides an alert if the truck appears to be unintentionally drifting out of the lane. One technology that is not yet available in the Colorado is blind spot monitoring.

While the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado isn’t packed with bells and whistles, it does offer a relatively robust technology package that includes Apple CarPlay. If you opt for some of the technology and safety upgrades, the Colorado is a serviceable, reliable compact truck.