Chevy Colorado Trim Levels Explained

What Are Trim Levels?

If you’ve strolled through the countless Colorados lining a dealership lot, you’ve likely noticed subtle differences in the exterior styling, aside from the paint finish. Accompanying these subtle visual changes are drastic price differences, but why? What makes one Colorado worth double the price of another? 

The simple answer is trim levels. Trim levels are specific option groups compiled by a manufacturer. These options typically affect factors like comfort, styling, and overall performance. As a rule of thumb, the more options, the higher the price tag!

Chevy Colorado Trim Levels

Manufacturers tend to create trim levels based on a buyer’s needs. Essentially, each trim level suits a particular type of pickup owner and their respective budget. For example, the Colorado comes in five trims directed at distinctly different consumers, including: 

• WT: Work Truck

• LT: Luxury Touring

• Trail Boss: Off-Road

• Z71: Luxury Off-Road

• ZR2: High-Performance Off-Road

In this section, we’re digging deeper into each trim level's features and base price as of the current generation.

WT

Starting at $30,695

The Colorado’s WT trim, which stands for “Work Truck,” features a low price point and minimal convenience features. These pickups are aimed toward trade workers, fleet vehicles, and other applications that require little amenities. 

Standard features of the Colorado WT include: 

• A Standard 237-horsepower 2.7L turbocharged engine

• Optional 310-horsepower 2.7L Turbocharged engine

• 8-speed automatic transmission

• Black bumpers, mirror caps, and grille fascia

• 17-inch silver metallic steel wheels wrapped in 255/65R17 all-season blackwall tires

• Black cloth interior with manual-adjustable front seats

• Power windows with express up/down

• Standard 11.3-inch multimedia display with integrated Google assistant 

• 8-inch digital driver’s information center

• 6-speaker audio system

• Remote entry and push-button ignition

• Standard Chevy Safety Assist

LT

Trail Boss

Starting at $38,495

The Trail Boss package is essentially an off-road-tuned WT featuring similar subdued styling and minimal convenience features paired with off-road suspension and accents. This pickup is ideal for the overlander or weekend warrior, offering superior off-road performance at a cost-effective price. 

The Trail Boss includes all standard features of the WT, as well as: 

• Standard 310-horsepower 2.7L Turbocharged engine

• 18-inch High-Gloss-Black alloy wheels wrapped in 265/65R18 all-terrain blackwall tires

• Black fender flares

• Standard 4WD

• 2-inch factory lift with 3-inch widened track

• Improved approach, break-over, and departure angles

• Driver Mode Selector system

• Hill Descent Control

• Eaton automatic locking rear differential

• Black frame-mounted recovery hooks

Z71

Starting at $41,395

The Z71 package pairs luxury and off-road performance. Like the Trail Boss is essentially an off-road variant of the WT trim, the Z71 is essentially an off-road version of the LT, offering more standard features and an off-road-tuned suspension. 

The Z71 includes all standard features of the LT, as well as: 

• Standard 310-horsepower 2.7L Turbocharged engine

• Standard 18" Android Dark alloy wheels wrapped in 265/65R18 all-terrain blackwall tires

• 1-inch factory lift

• Standard 4WD

• Improved approach, break-over, and departure angles

• Driver Mode Selector system

• Hill Descent Control

• Eaton automatic locking rear differential

• 120-volt bed-mounted outlet

• LED projector headlamps

• Gloss black grille fascia and mirror caps

• Standard Jet Black/Adrenaline Red upholstery

• Red frame-mounted recovery hooks

ZR2

Starting at $48,295

And now, for the top-of-the-line Colorado: the ZR2 trim. This model is loaded with specialty suspension, body armor, and tech to excel off-road, particularly through bumpy, high-speed terrain.  

This model includes such standard features as: 

• Standard 310-horsepower, 430 lb/ft torque 2.7L Turbocharged engine

• 8-speed automatic transmission

• ZR2 Off-Road Package (DSSV Multimatic suspension dampers, 3-inch factory-installed lift with high-performance suspension)

• Off-road front fascia, rear bumper, and fender flares

• 17" Graphite/Oxide Gold alloy wheels wrapped in LT285/70R17 blackwall MT tires

• 8-way power-adjustable heated seats

• 11-inch digital driver information display

• StowFlex tailgate

• Off-road rocker protectors

• Spray-in bed liner

• Front and rear selectable locking differentials

• Standard trailer package and integrated brake controller

• Red frame-mounted recovery hooks

Which Trim Level is Right for You?

So, which trim level best suits you? The short answer is whichever best suits your needs and fits into your budget. However, the long answer is that it all depends! 

If you’re looking for a simple, cost-effective daily driver or work truck, the Colorado WT offers just the right amount of features at a considerable value. However, for a few thousand extra dollars, an LT trim offers more features and a stylish exterior! 

If low-speed off-road performance is a concern, check out the Trail Boss or Z71. With factory lifts, automatic locking rear differentials, and expanded driver controls, both trims are far more capable off-road than WT or LT models. 

Lastly, if you’re looking for a fully-loaded pickup offering similar high-speed, off-road performance to other sport trucks on the market, like the RAM TRX, Ford Raptor, or Silverado ZR2, the Colorado ZR2 is a whole lot of truck for the price! This midsize pickup packs a tremendous punch with its 430-lb/ft torque power plant paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, its dual selectable lockers and Multimatic DSSV dampers make the ZR2 a weapon in the dirt. 

And remember, if you can't find the exact options you’re looking for on dealer lots, you don’t have to settle; you can always Special Order a New Pickup or upgrade your new Colorado with accessories from RealTruck! For inspiration, check out our expert’s guide on the Top Colorado Mods.