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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Truck |
| Base Price | $29,024–$34,762 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado at 7.4/10 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 7.4/10 — 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 7.3/10 — 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 $29,024–$34,762, 20 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 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 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 →
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ranks #251 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 51% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $29,024 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 17%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.4 — 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.
| Year | Score | Starting 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 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $29,024 | |
| 2020 | 7.4/10 | $28,067 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.2/10 | $27,110 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $26,153 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.2/10 | $25,197 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $24,240 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $23,283 | Read review → |
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.
| Seat belts 23/12/2020 · 20V811000 | General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500,… |
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Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Chevrolet models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.