Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado SL
The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado SL is a truck that earns a Carivo score of 7.1/10 — 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. At 6.9/10 for reliability, this truck trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. 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 7.0/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.0/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $32,756–$42,737, 16 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Colorado SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. At 7.0/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado SL sits in the middle of the field. Until its reliability 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 →
How It Ranks Among Trucks
The 2017 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 $32,756 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 7%.
Varies 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 SL Year Should You Buy?
Across the Colorado SL model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
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 16 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Common Questions — 2017 Chevrolet Colorado SL
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado SL reliable?
We rate the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado SL's reliability 6.9/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado SL worth buying?
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.
How much does the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado SL cost?
The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado SL starts at $32,756 and ranges up to $42,737 across trims (MSRP when new). At 16 MPG, expect roughly $3,281/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Colorado SL years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Colorado SL years we've rated are 2017 (7.1/10), 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 SL
Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Once a month: which brands moved up or down our reliability rankings, new recalls worth knowing, and the smartest-money model years. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
You're in — first report lands next month.
More Chevrolet Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Chevrolet models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year