2018 Chevrolet Colorado — Carivo review carivo.co
Truck

2018 Chevrolet Colorado

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $26,153–$35,225
Fuel Economy 17 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Truck
Est. Annual Fuel $3,088/yr

Key Specifications — 2018 Chevrolet Colorado

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleTruck
Base Price$26,153–$35,225

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado

Our scoring places the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this truck. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.8/10. It's a capable but unexceptional truck — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.2/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.8/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance scores 7.2/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Technology scores 6.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $26,153–$35,225, 17 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Colorado sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The 7.5/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Our take: The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado is a passable truck but not a standout one. Weaknesses in technology hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Trucks

The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ranks #298 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 42% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $26,153 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 26%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →

Which Colorado Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.3 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.6/10$32,851 Read review →
2025 7.6/10$32,851 Read review →
2024 7.5/10$31,895 Read review →
2023 7.6/10$30,938 Read review →
2022 7.4/10$29,981 Read review →
2021 7.4/10$29,024 Read review →
2020 7.4/10$28,067 Read review →
2019 7.2/10$27,110 Read review →
2018 (this review) 7.3/10$26,153
2017 7.2/10$25,197 Read review →
2016 7.1/10$24,240 Read review →
2015 7.2/10$23,283 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2018 Chevrolet Colorado

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 17 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2018 Chevrolet Colorado (1 on record)

The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Fuel pump
31/05/2018 · 18V358000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

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