carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Truck |
| Base Price | $31,512–$39,559 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado SL at 7.1/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this truck. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.6/10. 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 is the weak spot: 6.9/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.6/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.0/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.1/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $31,512–$39,559, 15 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Colorado SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The 7.0/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 10 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 2016 Chevrolet Colorado SL is a passable truck but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability 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 2016 Chevrolet Colorado SL ranks #381 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 26% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $31,512 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 10%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking → · Best Trucks under $35k →
Across the Colorado SL model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.6/10 | $42,706 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $41,463 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.5/10 | $40,219 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.4/10 | $38,975 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.4/10 | $37,731 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.4/10 | $36,487 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.2/10 | $35,243 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $33,998 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.1/10 | $32,756 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 7.1/10 | $31,512 | |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $30,267 | Read review → |
We rate the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado SL's reliability 6.9/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.1/10 overall, ranking #381 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 26% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado SL starts at $31,512 and ranges up to $39,559 across trims (MSRP when new). At 15 MPG, expect roughly $3,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Chevrolet models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.