Jul 7, 2021

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is out, and it is full of incremental improvements and advancements. There are changes to the engine, body, interior and design philosophy. While many aspects of the truck are improved over the previous year, the 2021 model does not constitute a total redesign. Instead, the primary components are the same. Instead, improvements come in the form of upgraded and added individual features.

Many of those features are related to new technology. This review will focus on that component of the design and show the new and enhanced technology design choices in the 2021 Colorado. Those technology improvements can be found in the cockpit of the vehicle, safety design choices, and general performance.

In the Cockpit

You’ll find most of the cutting-edge technology in and around the cockpit for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. As you might imagine, the cockpit focuses on a touchscreen. Depending on the trim, Colorado buyers can get a 7-inch or 8-inch display. Both provide high-definition video, Bluetooth connectivity, access to Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and are powered by Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium. The infotainment center allows for great on-road entertainment as well as navigation, communication and control of the vehicle.

It is backed by a Bose audio system that provides excellent sound quality, and, for the first time, Colorado fans can have Amazon Alexa built right into their systems. This gives you access to all of your Amazon account goodies and enhances voice-controlled features in the vehicle.

The cockpit also utilizes a 3.5-inch instrument cluster display — which is upgraded to 4.2 inches for some trims. Front USB ports, an auxiliary input jack and an SD card reader allow for multimedia integration. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel maximize comfort.

In all, the cockpit of the 2021 Colorado is full of features that make driving more enjoyable and comfortable.

Enhancing Safety

Safety is another area of design that is packed with the latest technology upgrades. For the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado, there are three key safety features available.

The first is forward collision warning. This system warns you when something is close to the front of the vehicle. This has applications on the road and especially when parking. It helps to prevent collisions and makes the whole experience that much safer.

Another competitive feature is lane departure warning. This system notifies drivers when they are leaving a lane without their blinker activated. It is particularly useful on long drives when fatigue can cause issues.

The third new feature is the rear parking sensor. This sensor works much like forward collision warning, except it is located in the back. Parking a Colorado has never been safer or easier.

Several other technology features are still included with or improved for the 2021 Colorado. The HD rear vision camera makes it easy to see when backing up. The electrical theft deterrent system continues to protect against car theft. Onstar services are available with every trim, and they include collision detection and automatic notification of emergency response teams when the airbag is deployed.

The tire pressure monitoring system, rear park assist and remote start round out these features to make the Colorado safer than before.

Boosting Performance

The last round of technology features are all geared towards better overall performance. Some can be seen in many Chevrolet models. Others are designed specifically for the new Colorado.

There is now a driver-selectable full-locking front differential. This is great for increasing torque when the Colorado is towing or carrying a heavy load. The extra power allows the truck to handle more heavy-duty operations than ever before.

The Multimatic DSSV Damping System creates a much smoother ride. Whether offroading or towing, increased damping improves overall control while driving.

Hill descent control and electronic traction control are standard features that give drivers more resources to handle adverse driving conditions.

Hitch guidance, the integrated trailer brake controller and tow/haul mode all make towing and hauling much safer and easier to handle. Overall, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado improves on all aspects of performance, and the truck is better equipped than ever to handle hard work.

With so many technology upgrades, the 2021 Colorado holds clear advantages over previous models. While drivers can expect the overall experience to be similar to the 2020 model, the incremental upgrades do offer additional opportunities for performance, safety and comfort.