It is a big year for the Chevrolet Colorado with a whole collection of improvements that keep it fresh, current, and competitive in the mid-size pickup market. These are largely in response to the criticisms levelled at the Colorado over the last few years that while looking good, the power under the hood and overall performance has left a lot to be desired.
2009 Chevrolet Colorado Performance
The most exciting development in answer to the critics is the first V8 ever in the Colorado lineup with its 300hp Vortec 5.3-liter engine. Making 15 mpg in city driving and 21 mpg on the highway, the new V8 is just what the performance connoisseurs ordered, even if a little late given the current market trend back to smaller vehicles. The ZQ8 sport suspension system that was once part of the old Xtreme model has been brought back due to popular demand, and this gives the Colorado much more aggressive and responsive handling. Combined with the 18-inch performance tires, new brake system and steering and 320 pounds-feet of torque, the V8 is a great improvement on the previous Colorados.
There are two more engine types available for the Chevrolet Colorado, the 185hp Vortec 2.9-liter four-cylinder with 190 pounds-feet of torque and five-speed manual transmission, and the 242hp Vortec 3.7-liter five cylinder with 242 pounds-feet of torque and available in manual or automatic. Chevrolet has devised a new fuel control model for the four and five-cylinder models and claim to have gained 14% better fuel economy. The EPA has rated the four-cylinder rear-wheel-drive at 18/24mpg, which is certainly an improvement on last year and will make the Colorado a cheaper alternative for the Chevy die-hards with the larger Silverado and Sierras who are looking for a more fuel-efficient option.
The three engine options can come in either rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive with a low gear for off-road driving, and there are three body styles as well: Regular, Extended and Crew Cab. Towing capacity maximum is 6,000 pounds.
2009 Chevrolet Colorado Interior and Exterior
On the outside, Chevrolet and its twin the GMC Canyon have sported up their look with body-colored moldings and new wheel designs (now 16-inch standard) plus some flashy wheel flares on the V8. On the inside, the cabin is still very utility-oriented with lots of plastic and not a lot of class, however Chevrolet are trying hard with the new chrome accents, optional leather seats and optional moonroof on the extended cab and crew cab models. There is plenty of storage space, reasonably comfortable seats and even an optional sliding rear window. The road noise and bumpy ride let the Colorado down somewhat, but its main redeeming feature is the price, which still makes it competitive with the likes of the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma in the mid-sized pickup class.
2009 Chevrolet Colorado Safety
Four-wheel anti-lock braking is now standard alongside the StabiliTrak system and traction assist to ensure handling remains under control even in the worst of conditions. XM Satellite Radio and the OnStar emergency communication system are now standard in all models. Add to that the dual-stage front airbags and the safety level is great as long as you are sitting in the front because in the rear seat, the lack of side-curtain airbags makes side impact a problem.
Safety features:
- Three-point safety belts at all seating positions
- Enhanced passenger seat belt reminder system
- Head curtain side air bags
- Energy-absorbing steel structure
- Standard four-wheel ABS brakes
- Rack-and-pinion steering
- LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
Overall, the Chevrolet Colorado has made a big effort to answer criticisms of its performance in its 2009 models, and the new V8 certainly delivers on some of those. However overall the Colorado continues to have difficulty in the mid-sized pickup class due to its very basic interior and continued power issues in its lower-end models, helped only by its more reasonable price tag.