2021 Chevrolet Colorado Base
Independent review & score by Carivo
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.
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Base is a truck that earns a Carivo score of 7.4/10 — rated Good. 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. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.4/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.8/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.3/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. 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 Base sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. At 7.5/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. 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.
Verdict: The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Base sits in the middle of the field. Until its technology scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
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 Base 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 Base 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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 → |
Explore the full lineup of Chevrolet models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.