The new third-generation Chevrolet Colorado has evolved significantly, but its price has risen sharply, leading to considerable discussion even before its domestic launch. Considering that the previous second-generation Colorado started at around 40 million KRW (approximately $30,000), the full-option price of 78.14 million KRW (about $58,500) for this fully redesigned model is nearly double.
Before writing this review, I pondered whether the Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck could truly provide satisfaction worthy of its price. To sum it up, it fits some people perfectly, while it might not suit others.
First, we need to examine the design changes and convenience features. The previous second-generation Colorado targeted those who wanted a "pickup truck" for practical use, offering a cost-effective base trim optimized for reasonable consumers. In contrast, this third-generation model has embraced a "premium" approach, transforming it into a vehicle that aligns with the preferences of consumers in the domestic automotive market who favor luxury features.
The exterior design looks much more appealing, but stepping into the driver’s cabin reveals a level of luxury that makes you question if this is indeed the Chevrolet Colorado we remember.
Comparing the two generations, the differences become immediately apparent. The left photo shows the third-generation Colorado, while the right displays the second-generation model. Gone are the analog-style gauges reminiscent of 1980s vans and the aftermarket infotainment monitor, replaced by a stylish 11-inch digital instrument cluster that feels more like something from Cadillac.
The natural leather seats come with ventilation and heating features. While it’s disappointing that only the driver’s seat has eight-way power adjustment and memory functions, the overall quality feels like a major upgrade from the previous model, transforming the pickup truck into something akin to a luxury SUV.
The interior trim, once filled with cheap plastic, has now transformed into a more upscale environment. It seems that with the third-generation full redesign, Chevrolet aimed to appeal not only to the American market, which may overlook such details, but also to Asian and European markets as part of a premium strategy.
The pricing strategy for this third generation raises many concerns. People tend to think... If the Colorado had initially been presented as a premium-value American muscle pickup truck priced around 70 million KRW (approximately $52,500), it would have set a standard.
As a reviewer of new cars, I don’t believe the pricing for this third-generation full redesign is excessively high when considering its features and convenience options. After experiencing it, I realized that the satisfaction it provides justifies the price.
The 2.7-liter gasoline direct-injection turbo engine paired with an 8-speed transmission feels more than adequate compared to the previous 3.6-liter naturally aspirated engine, providing a noticeable boost in initial acceleration.
The trip computer shows a cumulative fuel efficiency of around 9 to 10 km/L (approximately 21 to 23 mpg), indicating a significant improvement in fuel efficiency.
Regarding off-road capabilities, the Colorado is equipped with features like a differential lock, one-pedal driving for rough terrain, hill descent control, and an underbody camera. However, since I only tested it on paved roads, I'll pass on commenting further.
This concludes the review. If the previous Colorado felt like a smaller version of Chevrolet's full-size Silverado, the third-generation full redesign seems to have slightly downsized the Silverado for domestic road conditions while maintaining its commanding presence and offering a wealth of convenient options. However, convincing consumers about the price, which has risen into the upper 70 million KRW (around $58,500) range, will take some time.
