2018 Chevrolet Colorado S — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
Truck

2018 Chevrolet Colorado S

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $30,075–$40,508
Fuel Economy 17 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Truck
Est. Annual Fuel $3,088/yr
The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado S scores 7.3/10 at Carivo, ranking #298 of 515 trucks and an estimated $3,088/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2018 Chevrolet Colorado S

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleTruck
Base Price$30,075–$40,508

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

About the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado S

With an overall Carivo score of 7.3/10, the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado S earns a Good rating among the trucks we've scored. 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. Reliability comes in at 7.2/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.8/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance lands mid-pack at 7.2/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.0/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.

Priced from $30,075–$40,508, 17 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Colorado S sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. Value lands at 7.3/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. 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.

Bottom line: There's a case for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado S, but it needs the right buyer. and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.

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 S 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 $30,075 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 14%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking → · Best Trucks under $35k →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2018 Chevrolet Colorado S

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$15,440 ($3,088/year at $3.50/gal)
InsuranceVaries widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying

We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.

Which Colorado S Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado S scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.3 — and starts roughly $3,500 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)
2025 7.6/10$37,778 Read review →
2024 7.5/10$36,679 Read review →
2023 7.6/10$35,578 Read review →
2022 7.4/10$34,478 Read review →
2021 7.4/10$33,377 Read review →
2020 7.4/10$32,277 Read review →
2019 7.2/10$31,176 Read review →
2018 (this review) 7.3/10$30,075
2017 7.2/10$28,976 Read review →
2016 7.1/10$27,875 Read review →
2015 7.1/10$26,775 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2018 Chevrolet Colorado S

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • 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

Common Questions — 2018 Chevrolet Colorado S

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado S reliable?

We rate the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado S's reliability 7.2/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado S worth buying?

It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #298 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 42% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado S cost?

The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado S starts at $30,075 and ranges up to $40,508 across trims (MSRP when new). At 17 MPG, expect roughly $3,088/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Which Colorado S years should you avoid?

Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Colorado S years we've rated are 2016 (7.1/10), 2015 (7.1/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.6/10). See the full year table above before deciding.

Owner Essentials — Chevrolet Colorado S

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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