Full-size trucks enjoy immense popularity, but their proportions can make them challenging daily drivers. Smaller trucks, such as the Chevrolet Colorado, offer much of the utility, convenience, and safety of their bigger counterparts. However, as new truck prices soar and automakers work through supply chain issues, a reliable used Chevy Colorado under $20,000 could be a solid option. 

2016 Chevy Colorado overview: Price, features, and specs

The 2016 Chevy Colorado shares fourth place with two Toyotas on the lengthy U.S. News list “Best Used Compact Trucks under $20K for 2023.” However, only one cab-on-frame truck outranks the Colorado, moving it to second place if you need to tow anything over 5,000 pounds. In 2016, U.S. News rated four compact/midsize trucks for its “Best of 2016” list and called a tie between the 2016 Colorado and 2016 Toyota Tacoma.

2016 Colorado used price

According to U.S. News, the average price paid for a 2016 Colorado ranges from $15,683 to $25,531. That depends on the truck’s condition, mileage, trim level, added options, and other factors. 

2016 Colorado features

The 2016 Chevy Colorado provides plenty of choices. They include:

• Two cab options
• Extended Cab with a 74-inch truck bed (regular box)
• Crew Cab with a choice of a regular box or 62-inch short box
• Two drivetrain options
• Two-wheel drive (2WD)
• Four-wheel drive (4WD)
• Four trim levels:
  • Base: Available only as a 2WD, extended-cab model. It includes a backup camera, anti-theft system, power windows, auto-off headlights, AM/FM stereo, air conditioning, a power driver’s seat, and an adjustable steering wheel.
  • WT: Available in any cab/bed configuration with 2WD or 4WD. Adds power locks and a rear bench seat in Crew Cab models and opens numerous options.
  • LT: Adds front reading lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated controls, keyless entry, power mirrors, Wi-Fi hotspot, smart device integration, and hands-free communication.
  • Z71: Adds rear window defrost, sliding rear window, fog lamps, remote engine start, heated front seats with lumbar support, power passenger seat, and locking rear differential.

2016 Colorado specs

• Available engines: 
  • 2.5-liter inline-four making 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque
  • 3.6-liter V6 harnessing 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque
  • 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel producing 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque
• Available transmissions:
  • Six-speed manual
  • Six-speed automatic

Is a 2016 Chevy Colorado reliable?

Although other midsize pickup truck brands boast historically better predicted reliability ratings, J.D. Power gave the 2016 Chevy Colorado an above-average, four-out-of-five reliability rating. The average 2016 Colorado incurs about $593 in annual repair costs, with diesel engine–related repairs and maintenance accounting for a significant portion of that figure, according to RepairPal. 

In addition, the 2016 Colorado has three recalls: two for improper airbag inflation and one for an ineffective latch on the center console that may allow its contents to “fly around the cabin” in a crash.

2016 Chevy Colorado alternatives

The top truck of the 54 listed by U.S. News is the 2009 Nissan Frontier due to its “refined ride” and off-road prowess. 

Two unibody Honda Ridgeline models finished second and third, thanks to their “comfortable car-like ride and handling,” 4WD on every model, and a strong 250-hp engine throughout the lineup. 

Finally, the 2016 Colorado tied for fourth place with two Toyota Tacoma years: 2013 and 2015. 

Some used 2016 Chevy Colorado models will break the $20,000 price cap. But with so many choices, finding a used model that checks all the boxes shouldn’t be difficult.